Under the Code, it says, assessments and approvals will be ‘streamlined’ to boost housing from non-profit and charitable organisations on their ‘under-used’ land.
Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie said the Code gives councils what they need to build more homes in the right locations.
“This planning tool has been designed with, and for, councils,” he says.
“It strikes the right balance between activating under-utilised land and preserving the community services offered on these sites.”
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) chief executive officer Alison Smith says the Code does not represent a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.
LGAQ President, and the Gladstone Regional Council Mayor, Matt Burnett says they are eager to adopt the Code.
“With the Code now finalised, it offers councils another tool to support local housing delivery on underutilised community land.”
The government says the Code was co-drafted by a group of 14 councils.
Moreton Bay City Council Mayor Peter Flannery says their involvement in the group “gave us the opportunity to shape a tool that councils like ours can use to deliver housing solutions on the ground”.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane welcomes the move as well.
Its Director of Government Relations, Cathy Uechritz describes it as a “forward-looking step” towards unlocking the potential of faith-owned land in helping address the state’s housing shortage.
“For many of our parishes, this change opens new pathways to use under-utilised land for affordable and social housing.
“It is good news not just for the church but for those in our community who are searching for a place to call home,” she says.
“The Archdiocese of Brisbane welcomes this announcement and encourages churches and dioceses across Queensland to engage seriously with the opportunity (that) it provides.”
