📘 Planning Reform Bill: Community and Local Government Response
On 1 May 2025, the Hon Jarrod Bleijie MP, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, introduced the Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 into the Queensland Parliament.
The Bill was referred to the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee for detailed examination, including public consultation and regional engagement.
🔍 About the Bill
The legislation proposes amendments aimed at:
- Strengthening how social impacts are assessed in planning decisions
- Embedding clearer expectations around community benefit
- Improving transparency and public engagement in development applications
These reforms are particularly relevant in areas experiencing rapid infrastructure rollout and emerging technologies, such as large-scale renewable energy and battery storage developments.
🏛 Engagement from Community and Federal Members
Public sessions were held across regional Queensland, providing an opportunity for residents, organisations, and elected officials to share their views.
Federal representatives were present at several sessions, including Colin Boyce MP, Federal Member for Flynn, who attended the Biloela session, demonstrating active federal interest in how these planning reforms may affect regional communities.
🔗You can access the full transcript here: Biloela Public Hearing Transcript – 2 June 2025.
In his remarks, Mr. Boyce emphasised the importance of genuine community consultation and the need for planning processes that reflect the concerns of regional communities, particularly in relation to large-scale renewable energy projects.
🔗You can view his full written submission to the committee here: Colin Boyce MP – Submission No. 269
🗂 Local Government Submissions: A Mixed Picture
A number of local governments across Queensland made formal submissions to the inquiry, many of which:
- Highlighted the need to broaden the definition of renewable energy to include stand-alone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Called for stronger and earlier community engagement from project proponents
- Expressed concerns about the adequacy of current planning mechanisms in responding to emerging technologies and large-scale infrastructure
The following councils made submissions:
- Central Highlands Regional Council
- Gladstone Regional Council
- Townsville City Council
- Somerset Regional Council
- Bundaberg Regional Council
- Western Downs Regional Council
- Isaac Regional Council
- North Burnett Regional Council
These councils provided detailed and considered feedback reflecting the concerns and aspirations of their local communities.
🚫 A Missed Opportunity from Rockhampton Regional Council?
While it’s encouraging to see strong representation from various local governments, it is disappointing that Rockhampton Regional Council did not lodge a public submission to the inquiry, or at least one that has been made available at the time of writing.
Rockhampton Regional Council has stated its intends to make a submission, though whether this occurred before the deadline — or whether it will be made public — remains unclear.
🔗 More Information
For updates on the Bill, published submissions, or the Committee’s final report, visit: