May 11, 2017
Local councils will be able to take a stronger role in protecting heritage buildings under new laws passed by State Parliament this week.
And community members who want to challenge developments will no longer need to fear the Planning and Environment Court will award costs against them.
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the new laws make it clear local government planning approval is required before building approvals can be issued, including when character houses are to be demolished.
“This legislation will better protect our heritage places for future generations and ensure we do not lose historic homes at the stroke of a pen,” Ms Trad said.
“We have seen several incidents of private certifiers signing off on inappropriate demolitions.”
Ms Trad said tougher penalties would assist in stamping out the practice.
“They allow for a Temporary Local Planning Instrument made by a council to have immediate effect, such as when it is being used to protect heritage buildings from inappropriate demolition.
“The tougher legislation also sees the maximum penalty for development offences more than double from $202,963 to $548,550.”
Ms Trad said the higher penalties were designed to act as a deterrent to ensure unlawful approvals are not issued before local government planning approvals are obtained.
“These penalties were slated to be come into effect in July this year, but have now been brought forward to ensure the immediate protection of the character of our local communities.
“The other big change will prevent the Planning and Environment Court from awarding costs against community members who are challenging developments, giving a voice back to the little guy.
“Queenslanders can once again appeal planning decisions without the fear of having hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs awarded against them.”
The changes came with the passage of the Local Government Electoral (Transparency and Accountability in Local Government) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016.
