May 27, 2015
South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann says he’s frustrated about a decision by the State Government to change current planning laws.
On Monday, Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Jackie Trad announced the State Government is considering introducing a new Planning Act in October this year.
She released a directions paper – ‘Better Planning for Queensland’ – which she said would “support community and industry consultation and guide the development of a new Planning Act.”
Today Mayor Kratzmann said he had no information at present about the Government’s intentions.
But he was concerned any new Act would delay the adoption of a new region-wide Planning Scheme for the South Burnett.
“It is ludicrous that more than seven years after amalgamation we still have four different planning schemes for the old Shires covering our region,” the Mayor said.
“Our Council has worked hard to bring all of these together into a new scheme that complies with all current laws.
“Our new scheme has been in the Minister’s office for months under two different governments waiting for approval so we can release it for public consultation.”
The Mayor said he was concerned this lengthy and costly process might now be derailed because the State Government was considering developing a new Act just six years after the last one was passed.
“I don’t understand why we need this at the present time,” he said.
The new Planning Act directions paper can be obtained on the web.
Maybe Ms Trad knows something yet to be related – maybe employment is at play or the lack of. Visit the smaller towns and see the empty shop fronts and ‘for sale’ signs on homes. Perhaps better and fresher planning is needed to prevent empty shops and houses for a declining ecconomy. Not so long ago population of Kingaroy was 12000 something. Now its only 8000. Better planning is a must.