PLANNING APPROVAL SUCCESS ACROSS QUEENSLAND

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Expert Planning Approval Services from City to Country Queensland


Welcome to Planning Approval Group, your trusted partner in navigating Queensland's complex planning approval landscape. With over two decades of town planning experience across Queensland, we're committed to delivering honest, expert, and timely planning approval services that turn your vision into reality. Our team specialises in securing planning approvals for projects throughout Queensland, from Brisbane and the Gold Coast to regional areas. We've made a commitment to always operate with integrity and in the best interests of our clients. Whether you need help planning your next development or assistance with Material Change of Use applications, our highly qualified and experienced Queensland planning approval team can help get your next project approved on time and within budget.

Why Choose Planning Approval Group for Your Queensland Planning Approval Needs?


There When

You Need Us


There When You Need Us. Don't spend hours on the phone or days waiting for a callback. At Planning Approval Group, you can speak with a Queensland town planner specialised in planning approvals on the spot. We provide planning approval consultations with a quick turnaround so you can focus on the things that matter.

One-Hour Session

Guaranteed


We're proud to offer our clients one-hour town planning sessions focused on your planning approval requirements. With a heavy focus on realising your vision within Queensland's planning frameworks, we're committed to providing you with written planning approval advice within 48 hours. That's our promise, guaranteed!

Fast Turnaround

Times


We don't like to keep our clients waiting for planning approvals, which is why we deliver on our promise to have preliminary planning approval reports drafted and handed over to you within five business days. That's the Planning Approval Group guarantee for Queensland developments.

Price on

Application


Hefty up-front fees aren't our thing. Our team of Queensland town planning consultants will prepare and submit planning approval applications within one month of your instruction provided all supporting information has been supplied. Alternatively, we can arrange and project manage the preparation of full supporting documentation for your planning approval.

Our Comprehensive Queensland Planning Approval

SERVICES


The Planning Approval Group ADVANTAGE in Queensland


Integrity-Driven Approach:

We operate with unwavering integrity, always prioritising your best interests throughout the Queensland planning approval process.

End-to-End Solutions:

From initial consultation to final planning approval, we're with you every step of the way, navigating Queensland's unique planning landscape.

Clear Communication:

Complex Queensland planning approval processes explained in simple, understandable terms by experts who know the local systems.

Queensland Planning Approval HEALTH CHECK


Unlock your property's true potential with our Queensland Planning Approval Potential Health Check. This comprehensive assessment reveals:

 

  • Development opportunities within Queensland's planning approval framework


  • Potential risks and challenges in the local planning approval process


  • Strategies for successful planning approval outcomes in your specific Queensland location


Don't leave your project's success to chance. Our Queensland planning approval health check provides the insights you need to make informed decisions and optimise your development plans within the local regulatory environment.


Learn more about it

What Our Queensland Clients Say About Our Planning Approval Services


"Planning Approval Group's practical approach and commitment to making our Brisbane project work were invaluable. Their clear communication and professionalism in securing planning approval set them apart from other consultants we've worked with in Queensland."

Sarah T.,
Brisbane Developer

"The team's ability to explain complex Queensland planning approval processes in simple terms made all the difference. They turned our vision into reality by efficiently navigating the Gold Coast planning approval system."

John M.,
Gold Coast Investor

"Renee was brilliant with our planning approval application. Very happy to use PAG again, particularly with the level of service received and how quickly our Queensland planning approval was wrapped up - it made my job much easier so that I could carry on with other aspects of the project."

Shelley O.,
BENTLEIGH SIGN GROUP

Ready to Secure Your Queensland Planning Approval?

Don't let planning hurdles delay your Queensland project.


Contact Planning Approval Group today and experience the difference our expert Queensland planning approval services can make.

Contact Us

The Queensland Planning Approval Process Simplified


At Planning Approval Group, we understand that the Queensland planning approval process can seem daunting. That's why we've developed a streamlined approach to guide you through each stage:

01

Initial Consultation:

We discuss your project goals and assess the specific Queensland planning approval requirements for your location.

02

Site Analysis:

Our experts conduct a thorough evaluation of your property within the context of Queensland planning regulations and local council requirements.

03

Strategy Development:

We create a tailored Queensland planning approval strategy designed to maximise your chances of success with local authorities.

04

Application Preparation:

Our team meticulously prepares all necessary documentation for your Queensland planning approval submission, ensuring compliance with state and local requirements.

05

Lodgement and Tracking:

We lodge your application with the appropriate Queensland authority and actively track its progress through the planning approval system.

06

Negotiation and Advocacy:

If required, we engage with relevant Queensland authorities to address any concerns and advocate for your project's planning approval.

07

Approval and Implementation:

Upon receiving planning approval, we guide you through the next steps to bring your Queensland project to life, including any post-approval requirements.

Industry news

The Latest Insights

By Admin Wallplanning July 31, 2025
Queensland has introduced a Community Benefit system that fundamentally transforms how wind farms and large-scale solar farms are planned and approved. The Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (the PSICBOLA Act) commenced on 18 July 2025, which introduced amendments to the Planning Act 2016. The amendments include a new community benefit system which applies to wind farms and large-scale solar farms. This comprehensive reform represents a significant shift in Queensland's planning framework. The new community benefit system requires proponents to undertake a social impact assessment and enter into a community benefit agreement. What is the Community Benefit System? The community benefit system seeks to ensure that developments contribute positively to the communities they impact and align with local expectations. The Community Benefit System comprises two essential components that work together and seek to create positive outcomes for the host community: 1. Social Impact Assessment (SIA) The SIA requires proponents to comprehensively evaluate how their project will affect local communities, examining both positive and negative impacts across areas such as workforce management, local procurement, housing availability, and community wellbeing. 2. Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) This system requires proponents to conduct a social impact assessment and enter into a community benefit agreement before lodging a development application. Which Projects Are Affected? The Community Benefit system applies specifically to: All wind farms regardless of size Large-scale solar farms defined as facilities that either generate 1MW or more of electricity from solar energy, or where solar panels and mounting structures occupy 2 hectares or more The proposed changes to the Planning Act will apply to development applications and change applications (other than for minor changes) for wind farms and large-scale solar farms. Key Changes to State Codes New State Code 26: Solar Farm Development This new code establishes assessment benchmarks specifically for solar farm developments. The new code seeks to ensure solar farms are subject to a rigorous assessment via the impact assessment process. Updated State Code 23: Wind Farm Development State Code 23: Wind Farm Development has been updated to ensure it alights with the change to State Code 26: Solar Farm development where appropriate. Assessment Process Changes Impact Assessment for All Renewable Projects Applicable legislation has been amended such that renewable energy projects are subject to Impact Assessment, i.e. public notification requirements. Wind farm developments are subject to assessment by the State Assessment Referral Agency (SARA). The responsibility for assessing development applications for large-scale solar farms shifts from local governments to SARA. Mandatory Requirements Before Application The Community Benefit system introduces pre-application requirements that must be completed before lodging a development application: Social Impact Assessment Report Proponents must undertake comprehensive community consultation and prepare a detailed SIA report that: Identifies and analyses social impacts on local communities Assesses cumulative impacts from multiple developments Proposes mitigation strategies through a Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) Complies with new SIA guidelines Executed Community Benefit Agreement The community benefit system requires a social impact assessment report and an executed Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) to be lodged with a development application for it to be properly made. Types of community benefits could include: Providing or contributing towards infrastructure Making a financial contribution A combination of both CBAs are intended to be publicly accessible, and it is proposed that local governments will be required to report on the receipt and expenditure of any funds received as part of annual financial statement reporting. Implications for Existing Applications At commencement of changes on 18 July 2025, pre-existing applications are taken to be not properly made, unless the application is already subject to a call-in or direction notice under the Planning Act 2016. As a result, these development applications are required to be remade to the relevant assessment manager and are subject to the new community benefit system. This means many applications will need to restart the process, incorporating the new SIA and CBA requirements. Looking Ahead Queensland's Community Benefit system sets a new standard for renewable energy planning. For developers, this could mean longer approval timeframes and increased costs, but also the opportunity to engage with and create lasting positive relationships with host communities. For communities, it ensures their voices are heard and that they share in the benefits of renewable energy developments in their areas. As Queensland continues to transition toward renewable energy, the Community Benefit system seeks to ensure this transformation happens in partnership with local communities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ For expert guidance on navigating Queensland's new Community Benefit system, contact wallplanning.com.au. Our experienced consultants can help you understand these complex requirements and develop successful strategies for your renewable energy projects.
By Renee Wall July 15, 2025
One of the most common questions we hear is, “How much will this development application cost?” . We know that budget is an important factor in getting an idea or project off the ground and whilst this question seems straightforward, there are actually a lot of variables involved. So, let us arm you with as much as we can to help you determine the cost of your QLD development application and show you the value of hiring a Town Planner . Cost #1: Council Application Fees Council application fees are one of those variables we just can’t guess at. It depends on the Council, the type of development, the assessment level, and sometimes other smaller factors a particular Council might introduce. This means that Council’s application fee could be $1,000 or it could be over $10,000. Councils are obligated to charge development application fees on a ‘cost-recovery’ basis, which is a common legal requirement for Council’s to set fees that recover the actual cost of processing applications. How do I find the fee? Every Queensland Council will publish a Fee Schedule online. The easiest way to find it is to Google search “[Council Name] fees and charges”, which should bring up a link to their most recent. These fees and charges are usually set at the beginning of each financial year (e.g. 2025-2026). The section you need will usually be labelled Planning or Town Planning or Development. Determining the fee will mean understanding your development with relation to the planning scheme: Is it MCU (changing or increasing the use) or RAL (reconfiguration / subdivision)? Is assessment level Code (suits the zone) or Impact (may impact the zone)? What zone is the development in? Is the development residential, commercial, industrial, rural etc? Plus, other criteria within the breakdown of the Council’s fees. Cost #2: Council Infrastructure Charges Council Infrastructure Charges are, more often than not, payable for new developments, even on properties already developed that will have further development carried out on it. This is because the increase in use of the property can impact the capacity of the Council’s infrastructure (stormwater, water, sewerage, roads, and parks) and so needs to contribute towards upgrades and maintenance. As with Council’s fees and charges, this isn’t something that can be quoted easily because of the variables. It can range from thousands to tens of thousands. How do I find the fee? To find out how much your infrastructure charges will be, Google “[Council Name] infrastructure charges” or “[Council Name] charges resolution” and find the most recent charges resolution. Unlike the Council’s fees & charges, the infrastructure charges may not be updated yearly. A typical Infrastructure Charges Resolution will be named, for example, ‘Charges Resolution (No. 4.1) 2023’ and will be provided in pdf format. Within the document, you are seeking the ‘Adopted Charges’ table, within which you identify MCU/RAL, zone, and development type.
By Renee Wall June 10, 2025
If you’ve begun delving into a planning scheme or information on your Council’s website, you may have already heard the terms Code Assessment and Impact Assessment. Now to figure out which one applies to your development! The heart of the matter is that Queensland’s planning system is designed to balance development needs with community and environmental needs. Let’s break it down so it’s digestible. Code & Impact Assessment Definitions - Planning Act vs Plain Speak The Planning Act 2016 (the Act) works in conjunction with local Council planning schemes to create the framework for development assessments. According to the Act ( Section 45 ), the definitions of Code and Impact Assessment are: A code assessment is an assessment that must be carried out only - Against the assessment benchmarks in a categorising instrument for the development; and Having regard to any matters prescribed by regulation for this paragraph. An impact assessment is an assessment that - Must be carried out - Against the assessment benchmarks in a categorising instrument for the development; and Having regard to any matters prescribed by regulation for this subparagraph; and May be carried out against, or having regard to, any other relevant matter, other than a person's personal circumstances, financial or otherwise. That’s all a rather round-about way of saying that Code Assessments suit the planning scheme ’s regulations. Impact Assessments need a little bit more examining because some aspects of the development may have an adverse impact on surrounding community. It’s important to note that, generally speaking, the majority of impact assessments do get accepted, however there’s extra steps involved in the process and usually extra conditions imposed on the approval of the development to take into consideration.
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Let Planning Approval Group be your guide to planning approval success across Queensland. From Brisbane and the Gold Coast to regional towns and rural areas, we're here to turn your planning challenges into opportunities. Trust in our Queensland planning expertise to navigate the complexities of the local planning approval process and bring your development vision to fruition.