Regional and Resource Towns Action Plans€¦ · Action Plan (RRTAP) regions including Western Downs, Maranoa, Central Highlands and Isaac. The Regional and Resource Towns Action

Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan

March 2013

Contents Part 1—Background ..................................................................................................1 Part 2—General outcomes and actions .....................................................................3 Part 3—Regional and resource towns’ actions ..........................................................5

3.1 Surat Basin.......................................................................................................5 Toowoomba Regional Council 6 Western Downs Regional Council 7

Maranoa Regional Council 9 3.2 Bowen Basin ..................................................................................................11

Central Highlands Regional Council 12 Isaac Regional Council 13

3.3 Mount Isa City Council ...................................................................................14 3.4 Cairns Regional Council.................................................................................15 3.5 Mackay Regional Council...............................................................................16 3.6 Rockhampton Regional Council .....................................................................17 3.7 Gladstone Regional Council ...........................................................................18 3.8 Bundaberg Regional Council..........................................................................20

Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan 1

Part 1—Background The government is committed to developing Queensland’s strengths in tourism, agriculture, resources and construction. This includes cutting red tape and regulation, and speeding up project approvals for business to help get Queensland’s economy growing and creating jobs.

A significant part of cutting red tape and regulation is included in the raft of planning reforms currently underway to simplify and clarify the planning framework to make planning and development more effective and responsive across the state. These reforms include:

changing the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 to make it the most cost-efficient, time-effective planning framework in Australia

developing a single State Planning Policy to establish a new approach to state planning policies that simplifies and clarifies the state’s interest in Queensland’s planning and development framework and frontloading state considerations to ensure reduced state agency issues and checks

establishing a single State Assessment and Referral Agency to streamline the development assessment process

reviewing the infrastructure charges framework to introduce a well-balanced framework that is equitable, transparent and provides certainty.

However some communities are dealing with localised issues, particularly in relation to the mining boom, which require specific short-term actions.

This includes the current lack of housing affordable to purchase and/or rent; pressure on local government to assess an increased number of development applications in a timely manner; infrastructure costs and delays; and the availability of land for development.

In addition, the Queensland Government’s Royalties for the Regions program will invest $495 million from royalties over four years in new and improved community infrastructure, roads and floodplain security projects. In future years there will be an ongoing commitment of $200 million each year. Royalties for the Regions will ensure that long-term royalty benefits flow back to Queensland’s resource regions, improving regional infrastructure, and with it, regional prosperity and quality of life. A number of projects shortlisted for further consideration through the pilot funding round are located in Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan (RRTAP) regions including Western Downs, Maranoa, Central Highlands and Isaac.

The Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan has been prepared by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP) to identify short-term initiatives and ‘on the ground’ projects which can be underway in the next 12 to 24 months and respond to these local issues while at the same time complementing the planning reforms underway.

The action plan targets specific regional cities and towns across Queensland and focuses on the issues and concerns raised through consultation with stakeholders and the local


councils, as well as feedback received during a series of 11 facilitated workshops held in August and September 2012.

Workshops were held in Dalby, Roma, Mt Isa, Emerald, Toowoomba, Cairns, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Moranbah and Mackay.

The focus of discussions and the workshops was predominantly in relation to the availability of land for housing in these communities although the availability of land for commercial and industrial purposes was also discussed.

The workshops targeted a range of stakeholders with essential roles in the development industry including local and state government representatives and staff, town planners, builders and developers.

To provide a consistent approach in each of the workshops, discussions were based on the following four themes:

the current state of housing availability, affordability and diversity in each town requirements and availability of residential, industrial and commercial land over the next

12 to 24 months issues which are blocking the availability and release of land supply opportunities to address land supply issues.

The information and ideas gathered at these workshops have been used to inform the action plan while subsequent discussions have been held with local governments and other workshop participants to clarify the issues and concerns raised and the potential opportunities identified.

In the following action plan the outcomes are divided into two sections: issues and responses which were common across a number of communities, and issues and responses which are specific to a particular community.

In some instances issues raised are already being addressed through the government’s broader planning reforms.

The action plan is presented for local governments to consider and it provides a basis for agreeing on a list of key actions to be implemented over the coming 12 to 24 months.


Part 2—General outcomes and actions The issues raised in the workshops fell into four main themes:

Planning system

Existing planning schemes are too restrictive.

New planning schemes/regional plans have not yet been finalised and implemented and there is uncertainty around density, lot sizes, zoning, flood affected areas, strategic cropping land etc.

Councils are having trouble attracting and retaining staff in the areas of planning and engineering which is affecting development assessment resourcing and capacity delaying development and increasing holding costs.

Planning process including timeframes and state agency referrals are onerous.

Requirements from state planning policies and building regulations are onerous and adding to development and construction costs.

Infrastructure

Lack of coordination between timing of infrastructure provision and location of developable land.

Councils do not have sufficient funding to deliver infrastructure.

Developers often cannot afford to fund trunk infrastructure ahead of development and would prefer to see emphasis shift to other mechanisms such as payment on settlement.

Availability of land and housing

Limited land available for development due to issues such as:

land banking state-owned (native title sometimes an issue) mining leases infrastructure delays/lack of provision

Construction costs are higher in regional areas which are impacting affordability.

Redevelopment of older housing stock is expensive and generally unviable.

Other

Electrical infrastructure delivery and planning needs addressing. The timing of Ergon’s assessments and connections is onerous and delaying development delivery.

Need for additional water allocations from the state. For example this is an issue in Wandoan where council has requested an additional 400 ML water allocation per annum to enable projected development to occur.

Lack of confidence in the ongoing viability of the resource industry has impacted and limited property investment.


In response to both the overarching concerns and the more localised issues, the following four key divisions within DSDIP will be tasked with implementing most of the actions in this plan in conjunction with the relevant local councils:

Regional Services (RS)—Leading the implementation of the action plan and providing ‘on the ground’ local knowledge and expertise in each of these communities, working closely with the relevant local governments, and coordinating the department’s broader economic development offering to support growth in the regions.

Planning Practice and Projects team (PPP)—Providing advice and research, and

developing policy solutions and projects to implement best practice planning outcomes across the state.

Economic Development Queensland (EDQ)—A new entity with a commercial focus

which incorporates much of the residential, urban and industrial development work previously undertaken by the Urban Land Development Authority and the Property Services Group and operates under the new Economic Development Act 2012 (ED Act).

Regional Planning (RP)—Preparation of statutory regional plans including the Central

Queensland and Darling Downs Regional Plans which affect some towns considered in the Regional Towns Action Plan.


Part 3—Regional and resource towns’ actions

3.1 Surat Basin

General issues Current and planned major resource projects impacting on capacity of urban areas to

cater for growth Planning system operational issues with out of date and multiple planning instruments

and staff resourcing issues for some councils Housing affordability issues particularly for key workers in western part of the region

while maintaining a relatively affordable housing market in the eastern parts of the region

Managing the cyclical nature of the mining sector in a way that complements other industry sectors

Encouraging economic diversity to maintain balanced growth, especially in agriculture Meeting growing energy and water demands Managing potential long-term population needs Developing strategic guidance for infrastructure provision Housing market highly reactive to changes in resource sector economic cycle


Toowoomba Regional Council

Specific issues Land banking inhibits orderly residential growth in Toowoomba Infrastructure charging regime is not optimal for development industry (e.g. charges too

high and timing not conducive to development) Supply of affordable housing ($250 000 or less) is very low—the development industry is

reluctant to provide this due to a reluctance from consumers to invest in such housing, reasons behind this situation are complex but may be to do with the type of affordable housing being offered

Residential valuations from banks are less than construction costs which inhibits financing

Self-certification of operational works is not offered by council.

Actions Issue Action Who Planning system

work with Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) to implement self-certification of operational works and the pre-qualification of engineers to assess these applications

DSDIP and TRC to work with region’s developers to identify

solutions to regional issues with planning and assessment, including residential diversity

DSDIP and TRC to jointly develop options to address issues of land banking, cost of infrastructure, and incentives to facilitate delivery of smaller lots.

Planning Practice and Projects (PPP) team in conjunction with TRC Regional Services (RS), TRC, developers

Infrastructure The Darling Downs Regional Plan (and Infrastructure Framework) will identify infrastructure linkages needed to support economic growth.

Regional Planning (RP) and TRC

Land supply assist identifying and implementing demonstration housing diversity projects including adaptive re-use of inner city buildings and mixed use development.

RS in partnership with TRC

Other DSDIP, Ergon and TRC will resolve regionally specific issues associated with Ergon infrastructure.

RS, Ergon, TRC


Western Downs Regional Council

Specific issues Lack of housing supply, including affordable housing High rental prices Water allocation to Wandoan inadequate to support growth Water infrastructure at Miles at capacity Planning schemes not capable of dealing well with development pressures


assist Western Downs Regional Council (WDRC) to finalise the new planning scheme for approval by December 2013 and ensure there is sufficient land allocated to meet projected need

ensure new planning scheme increases the reliance on code assessable and self assessable development for complementary land uses, consistent with new planning scheme in conjunction with State Interest Review

assist WDRC with the implementation of:

o self-certification of operational works and the pre-qualification of engineers to assess these applications

o outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals through programs, such as RiskSmart

DSDIP and WDRC to work with region’s developers to

identify solutions to regional issues with planning and assessment, including residential diversity.

Regional Services (RS) in partnership with WDRC Planning Practice and Projects (PPP) team in partnership with WDRC RS and WDRC


Infrastructure resolve water allocation request for Wandoan by early 2013 commence assessment and business case for additional

water allocation for Miles seek mitigation and management strategies through the

social impact assessment required by resource project proponents for resources projects as part of the EIS process

consider Royalties for the Regions business cases for:

o Miles water, sewerage and recycled water scheme stage 1 project

o construction of the Chinchilla Washdown Bay o upgrading roads which have been impacted by the growth

of the resource sector o Winfields Road Landfill upgrade

the Darling Downs Regional Plan (and Infrastructure Framework) will identify infrastructure linkages needed to support economic growth.

RS in partnership with WDRC WDRC State agencies in partnership with WDRC and proponents DSDIP Regional Planning and WDRC

Land supply prepare concept plans and assess feasibility of development on land identified by WDRC as potential future growth areas

Chinchilla

o identify and develop vacant state land for an affordable housing project

Wandoan o progress the resolution of native title issues on

developable land within township o investigate future long term development options for

underutilised state land and potential joint venture development projects with EDQ.

RS in partnership with WDRC EDQ in partnership with WDRC WDRC in partnership with EDQ

Other DSDIP, Ergon and WDRC will resolve regionally specific issues associated with Ergon infrastructure.

RS, Ergon, WDRC


Maranoa Regional Council

Specific issues Lack of housing supply, including affordable housing Lack of housing diversity High rental prices Native title at Injune


assist council to finalise the new planning scheme for approval by December 2013


assist MRC with the implementation of: o self-certification of operational works and the pre-

qualification of engineers to assess these applications o outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals through

programs, such as RiskSmart

DSDIP and MRC to work with region’s developers to identify solutions to regional issues with planning and assessment, including residential diversity.

Regional Services (RS) in partnership with Maranoa Regional Council (MRC) Planning Practice and Projects (PPP) Team in partnership with MRC. RS in partnership with MRC.

Infrastructure upgrade of trunk sewer serving the Clearview Rise development which may also assist capacity issues for other users in the catchment

fund stormwater capacity model to assist development of the Clearview Rise development and other benefiting land

partial upgrade of trunk sewer servicing future growth in the north-west catchment of Roma as part of the Clearview Rise development sewer augmentation works

funding assistance for Roma stormwater drainage model to determine the most cost effective flood mitigation strategies

funding assistance for surveying requirements to support sewer and stormwater augmentation works

the Darling Downs Regional Plan (and Infrastructure

Framework) will identify infrastructure linkages needed to support economic growth

consider Royalties for the Regions business cases for:

o Roma Sewerage Augmentation Project o Maranoa Water Supply Project (Injune) o Roma Flood Mitigation Project—Levee Construction o Wullumbilla North Bitumen Seal.

EDQ in partnership with MRC Regional Planning and MRC

DSDIP


Land supply Roma o accelerate Clearview Rise in the Roma PDA o investigate future long term development options for

underutilised state land Injune

o progress the resolution of native title issues on developable land within township

o investigate future long term development options for underutilised state land

EDQ in partnership with MRC MRC in partnership with EDQ

Other DSDIP, Ergon and MRC will resolve regionally specific issues associated with Ergon infrastructure.

RS, Ergon and MRC


3.2 Bowen Basin

Issues Significant investment committed and planned by resource companies Planning system operational issues with out of date and multiple planning instruments

and staff resourcing issues for councils Housing rental price pressure volatile but remains high Current sewerage and water network capacity issues and projected capacity issues

likely to emerge Land supply impacted by mining leases, strategic cropping land, flooding , soil types and

native title


Central Highlands Regional Council

Actions Issue Action Who Planning System



assist CHRC with the implementation of:


o and outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals through programs, such as RiskSmart

Establish development industry forum to advise council on

development issues and comment on draft codes.

Regional Services (RS) in partnership with Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC) Planning Practice and Projects (PPP) team in partnership with CHRC CHRC

Infrastructure assess capacity of critical sewerage and water networks and prepare strategic plans to fund and upgrade in key growth areas

provide funding to the CHRC for the Emerald Flood Mitigation Project (Nogoa River Rail Bridge)

the Central Queensland Regional Plan (and Infrastructure Framework) will identify infrastructure linkages needed to support economic growth.

CHRC DSDIP Regional Planning and CHRC

Land supply commence process to identify land for development beyond 2020 including land for residential and heavy industry

Emerald: o prepare concept plans and assess feasibility of

development on priority sites identified for development as investigation areas in the Central Highlands Strategic Framework

o resolve strategic cropping land conflicts in vicinity of new

shopping centre east of Emerald

Blackwater:

o investigate the declaration of a Priority Development Area (PDA) to facilitate urban development on state land to the east of Blackwater

o prepare concept plans and assess feasibility of Town Centre Rejuvenation projects

o resolve native title issues on developable land within township

CHRC with assistance from RS RS in partnership with CHRC DSDIP as part of the approval of the new planning scheme and the regional planning process EDQ in partnership with CHRC CHRC in partnership with EDQ

Other DSDIP, Ergon and CHRC will resolve regionally specific issues associated with Ergon infrastructure.

RS, Ergon and CHRC


Isaac Regional Council


assist council to commence drafting of strategic framework and prepare draft planning scheme for public notification in 2013


assist IRC with the implementation of:


o and outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals through programs, such as RiskSmart.

Regional Services (RS) in partnership with Isaac Regional Council (IRC) Planning Practice and Projects (PPP) team in partnership with Isaac Regional Council (IRC)

Infrastructure consider Royalties for the Regions business cases for: o Dysart Medical Centre o Belyando Estate, Moranbah—Flood Free Access—

Belyando Estate Q10 Bridge

DSDIP

Land supply Moranbah: o facilitate development of the Belyando Estate o investigate the preparation of a development plan for the

unused portion of the Moranbah golf course for residential development

o prepare concept plans and assess feasibility of Town Centre Rejuvenation projects

Clermont, Dysart and Middlemount:

o continue to address disposal issues on state land in Clermont, Dysart and Middlemount and instigate disposal for development, subject to market testing and feasibility

EDQ in partnership with IRC Department of Natural Resources and Mines and RS

Other DSDIP, Ergon and IRC will resolve regionally specific issues associated with Ergon infrastructure and consider Total Energy Planning approach in Belyando Estate.

RS, Ergon and IRC


3.3 Mount Isa City Council

Issues Current sewerage and water network capacity issues Land supply impacted by mining leases and native title, with availability sufficient in the

short to medium term Maintaining and improving housing options for lower income households Managing the cyclical nature of the mining sector in a way that complements other

industry Encouraging economic diversity to maintain balanced growth Managing potential long-term population needs Developing strategic guidance for infrastructure provision.


assist council to finalise the new planning scheme for approval by mid 2014


assist MICC with the implementation of:


o and outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals through programs, such as RiskSmart.

Regional Services (RS) in partnership with Mount Isa City Council (MICC) Planning Practice and Projects (PPP) in partnership with MICC

Infrastructure progress the planning and delivery of trunk upgrades for water and sewerage to support delivery of Glider Port

assist council in gaining additional water allocation.

MICC RS in partnership with MICC

Land supply investigate opportunities to develop state land and mining tenements for housing

investigate opportunities to redevelop older housing stock, as well as redevelop commercial spaces in the CBD to provide for mixed use outcomes

investigate opportunities for development in nearby towns such as Cloncurry

RS in partnership with MICC

Other DSDIP, Ergon and MICC will resolve regionally specific issues associated with Ergon infrastructure

investigate improvements to construction supply chains

including investigate gaps in local supply of construction materials as well as labour force and skill base gaps

RS, Ergon and MICC RS in partnership with MICC


3.4 Cairns Regional Council

Issues Cairns city projected to accommodate approximately two thirds of the region’s projected

population growth Growth pressures will be mainly within the Southern Growth Corridor (now known as

Mount Peter) between Edmonton and Gordonvale, and on the northern beaches around Smithfield

Economic diversity is essential to maintain balanced growth and change the reliance on tourism

Strategic planning is required for infrastructure provision, particularly energy and water Housing choice and diversity is critical


assist Cairns Regional Council (CRC) to finalise the new planning scheme for approval by mid 2014


assist CRC with a review of development assessment practises and implement improvements such as the implementation of self-certification of operational works and the pre-qualification of engineers to assess these applications.

Regional Services (RS) in partnership with Cairns Regional Council (CRC) RS in partnership with CRC

Infrastructure assist CRC to prepare priority infrastructure plans assist in facilitating Bruce Highway upgrade to deliver

development in Mount Peter investigate effectiveness of infrastructure charges incentive

program and whether there are opportunities to extend this program into the future

RS in partnership with CRC

Land supply facilitate urban development at Mount Peter RS in partnership with CRC

Other DSDIP, Ergon and CRC will resolve regionally specific issues associated with Ergon infrastructure.

RS, Ergon and CRC


3.5 Mackay Regional Council

Issues Building upon and value adding to the existing economic diversity to maintain balanced

and sustainable growth Meeting growing energy and water demands Managing potential long-term population needs Developing strategic guidance for infrastructure provision Supporting greater housing choices and diversity


assist council to finalise the new planning scheme to publically notify early 2013, and adopt mid–late 2013


assist MRC with a review of development assessment practises and implement improvements such as the implementation of self-certification of operational works and the pre-qualification of engineers to assess these applications

Regional Services (RS) in partnership with Mackay Regional Council (MRC) RS in partnership with MRC

Infrastructure investigate opportunities to facilitate innovative funding models for catalyst trunk infrastructure items (water, sewer, roads). Projects currently requiring funding include:

o drainage at Ooralea o water and sewer upgrades over the next 10 years o western rising sewerage main and pump stations to

service the Richmond growth areas o Wallmans Road upgrade and realignment o Rosella future industrial area trunk infrastructure

RS in partnership with MRC

Land supply investigate feasibility of Joint Venture with MRC to deliver Bucasia demonstration project.

EDQ in partnership with MRC

Other DSDIP, Ergon and MRC will resolve regionally specific issues associated with Ergon infrastructure.

RS, Ergon and MRC


3.6 Rockhampton Regional Council

Issues Housing demand is variable with the greatest pressure being on Gracemere Industrial land is needed to service resource sector particularly west of Gracemere Market reluctant to construct higher density residential development Major infrastructure issues need to be resolved including the proposed Bruce Highway

bypass of Rockhampton




assist RRC with the implementation of: o self-certification of operational works and the pre-

qualification of engineers to assess these applications o and outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals

through programs, such as RiskSmart.

Regional Services (RS) in partnership with Rockhampton Regional Council (RRC) Planning Practice and Projects (PPP) in partnership with RRC

Infrastructure investigate opportunities to facilitate innovative funding models for catalyst trunk infrastructure items (water, sewer, roads) to facilitate the Gracemere Industrial Estate

the Central Queensland Regional Plan (and Infrastructure

Framework) will identify infrastructure linkages needed to support economic growth.

RS in conjunction with RRC Regional Planning and RRC

Land supply finalise CQU Rockhampton Development Scheme to enable development feasibility to progress for mixed use area and first stage residential development

facilitate industrial development at Gracemere

assess disposal of residual state land holdings in Parkhurst

Industrial Area to make more industrial land available

EDQ RS in partnership with RRC RS in partnership with RRC

Other DSDIP, Ergon and RRC will resolve regionally specific issues associated with Ergon infrastructure and consider Total Energy Planning approach in CQU Rockhampton Urban Development Area

RS, Ergon and RRC


3.7 Gladstone Regional Council

Issues Current and planned major resource projects impacting on growth capacity of urban

areas Planning system operational issues with out of date and multiple planning instruments Housing affordability issues particularly for key workers Demand for industrial land is high Managing the cyclical nature of the mining sector in a way that complements other

industry Managing potential long-term population needs including infrastructure provision,

acknowledging a potential oversupply of approved lots in the short term Supporting greater housing choices and diversity


assist council to finalise the new planning scheme for approval by late 2013

instigate pilot project for inclusion of housing diversity in planning scheme


assist GRC with the implementation of:


o single engineering standard o and outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals

through programs, such as RiskSmart

Regional Services (RS) in partnership with Gladstone Regional Council (GRC) Planning Practice and Projects (PPP) team in partnership with GRC

Infrastructure investigate opportunities to facilitate innovative funding models for catalyst trunk infrastructure items (water, sewer, roads). Projects currently requiring funding include sewerage at Calliope

the Central Queensland Regional Plan (and Infrastructure

Framework) will identify infrastructure linkages needed to support economic growth

RS in partnership with GRC Regional Planning and GRC

Land supply finalise Toolooa PDA Development Scheme to enable development feasibility of first stage residential development (Dalrymple Drive site)

investigate opportunities for new development by Gladstone

Affordable Housing Company facilitate resolution of native title at Toolooa assess opportunities for development of industrial land at the

airport

EDQ in partnership with GRC RS in partnership with GRC


investigate opportunities to make Gladstone State Development Area land available for development.

Other DSDIP, Ergon and GRC will resolve regionally specific issues associated with Ergon infrastructure.

RS, Ergon and GRC


3.8 Bundaberg Regional Council

Issues Decisions on major development proposals are taking a long time Planning system operational issues with out of date and multiple planning instruments Housing affordable although lower average incomes for some parts of the population

means affordability is an issue for some people Housing stock is older and lacks diversity Need for improved industrial land development opportunities including land in the vicinity

of the Port of Bundaberg Lack of demonstration projects that support diversity in housing supply and need for

some best practice awareness raising across development community




assist BRC with the implementation of:


o and outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals through programs, such as RiskSmart

DSDIP and BRC to work with region’s developers to identify

solutions to regional issues with planning and assessment, including residential diversity.

Regional Services (RS) in partnership with Bundaberg Regional Council (BRC) Planning Practice and Projects (PPP) team in partnership with BRC RS in partnership with BRC

Infrastructure prepare a Wide Bay Burnett Infrastructure framework including identifying existing infrastructure, demand and priority projects to support economic development in the region

RS and relevant councils

Land supply assist council in ensuring sufficient residential and industrial land is identified in the planning scheme to support anticipated growth in the areas of Bundaberg, Gin Gin and Childers

investigate the potential to develop the north side of the Port

of Bundaberg for industrial activities to support economic development including the North Burnett minerals province

RS in partnership with BRC and with advice from development industry Port of Bundaberg in partnership with BRC, RS and landholders


Other conduct local government and industry information and skills development sessions demonstrating affordable and diverse housing techniques and the implementation of best practice guidelines.

RS in partnership with BRC

Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning PO Box 15009, City East, Queensland 4002 tel 13 QGOV (13 74 68) [email protected] www.dsdip.qld.gov.au

Documents

Regional and Resource Towns Action Plans€¦ · Action Plan (RRTAP) regions including Western Downs, Maranoa, Central Highlands and Isaac. The Regional and Resource Towns Action