THE Palaszczuk government is making changes to housing approvals to get vulnerable Queenslanders into housing faster.
The government will fast-track approvals for emergency housing needed following a natural disaster, as it prepares for more extreme weather events such as the floods that have struck the state’s south east this year.
Now in effect, the amendment to the planning framework means temporary emergency housing will be able to be delivered in response to an event without requiring planning approval.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Steven Miles said the changes would help address urgent housing challenges.
“The devastating flooding in parts of south-eastern Queensland in February and March left thousands of people without a suitable roof over their heads.
“These changes will give faster access to emergency accommodation during a crisis such as that.
“The recent forecast from the weather experts that the coming summer will be much the same as the last – which saw large areas of the state devastated by wild weather – makes this an important, timely change.”
Australia is facing the early stages of a third consecutive La Niña event, which will bring yet more heavy rain to northern and eastern Australia over the spring and summer and has already caused flooding in Victoria.
The Queensland government’s changes mean state and local governments could plan ahead sites where demountable housing could be put in – like showgrounds – to give people who have lost their homes in a flood an immediate, temporary housing solution, Miles said.
“Importantly the amendments will also encourage councils to proactively identify suitable land within their local government area for emergency housing – so they can support their communities.
“Everyone knows natural disasters will come to Queensland – and more regularly as the climate continues to change – so getting planning in place beforehand is crucial.”
Changes to community housing approvals were also brought into immediate effect the following day, on Saturday 22 October.
Eligible community housing providers are now able to request an Infrastructure Designation, to make development approvals more efficient.
“Community housing providers do a great job supporting many Queenslanders who are doing it rough,” said Miles.
The changes will allow social or affordable housing projects by community housing providers to be eligible for the same process currently afforded to new public housing developments by the state.
“It just makes sense for these providers to use the same approvals process as public housing when building new community housing projects,” added Miles.
“This change will see faster development of social and affordable housing projects right across the state.”
The news was welcomed by community housing provider, Common Ground Queensland, who provide supportive housing property and tenancy management services for people who have experienced houselessness.
“This will mean community housing providers will be able to deliver more affordable housing for those in greatest need in a faster and more cost-effective way,” said Sue Pope, CEO of Common Ground.
Appropriate environmental assessment and consultation will still be required, including broad community consultation and targeted consultation with local government regarding any infrastructure requirements.
