Interest in planning schemes

The Planning Act 2016 requires local governments to prepare a planning scheme that will establish an efficient, effective, transparent, integrated, coordinated, and accountable system of land use planning, development assessment and related matters that facilitates the achievement of ecological sustainability.

Local government planning schemes set out integrated State, regional and local planning and development assessment policies for all of a local government area. The State Planning Policy (SPP) provides a single consolidated policy document that articulates all state interests in local government planning and development matters across Queensland. The SPP includes interests in relation to state transport infrastructure and networks, strategic airports and aviation facilities and strategic ports.

Review of planning schemes

The department is involved at a number of stages in the development and review of local government planning schemes as shown below:

1. preparation of the planning scheme*
2. state interest review*
3. public consultation on the planning scheme
4. adoption of the planning scheme.

* The department is primarily involved in these steps.

Preparation of planning schemes

Transport and Main Roads is keen to work with local governments in the preparation of their planning schemes. This collaborative approach helps local governments and the department achieve a shared vision for the community and provide infrastructure and services in a coordinated, efficient and timely manner.
 
Early consultation complements the formal whole-of-state government state interest review process governed by the Minister's Guidelines and Rules. 

State interest review

As part of the formal state interest review process, local governments submit their draft planning schemes to the Minister for Planning. As a state agency, Transport and Main Roads reviews the planning scheme to ensure the planning scheme protects the department’s state interests and then provides technical advice to the Minister for Planning.

Further information

For further information please contact:

Manager (Statutory Planning)
Development Facilitation Unit
Transport Strategy and Planning Branch
Department of Transport and Main Roads

Phone: (07) 3066 1738

Email: planningschemes@tmr.qld.gov.au