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.

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.

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.

Buying or modifying a character or heritage home in Brisbane? Here is what you need to know about planning approval! (Can apply to other Councils in Queensland)

There’s no other way to put it – Planning Schemes are huge. They’re filled with jargon and have an immense number of codes to consider. Queensland LGA Planning Scheme codes are the regulations that your development must adhere to, to be approved by your local Council. The codes are a critical part of what ensures the vision for the community’s harmony, aesthetic, and growth is achieved. Addressing the planning scheme with precision is critical. Let’s take a step-by-step approach and dissect a planning scheme. Understanding QLD Planning Schemes If you ever have the opportunity to look at planning schemes from multiple Councils, you’ll see that the design and structure of them are almost identical. This is because it’s a structure set by the State. It’s the content that differs from Council to Council depending on what suits their communities. Here is the breakdown of an average QLD Planning Scheme: 1. Community Statement – this section describes the region and often it will also describe the vision for the region. 2. About the Planning Scheme – this is an important chapter to read if you are unfamiliar with planning schemes because it outlines how to understand it. 3. State Planning Provisions – this section outlines how the Planning Scheme meets State planning policies (because they must be incorporated into the codes etc). 4. Strategic Framework – this section forms the basis for how appropriate development should occur and what the detailed vision and goals for the region are. You will need to address this if your development requires an Impact level assessment. 5. Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) – this section outlines plans for future infrastructure expectation and growth (water, sewerage, parks etc). 6. Tables of Assessment – this section determines whether your development type is an accepted development, code assessable, impact assessable or prohibited. 7. Zone Codes – these are the codes applicable to each zone in the Local Government Area (e.g. low-density residential zone, centre zone, rural zone, high impact industry zone). 8. Overlay Codes – these codes must be addressed if they impact your property and often include bushfire hazard overlay, flood hazard overlay, biodiversity overlay and airport environs overlay. 9. Development Codes – these cover any other aspects of the development such as use, earthworks, landscaping, parking and access, and services. 10. Schedules – these are incredibly useful attachments to the planning scheme that include definitions and mapping 11. Appendices – these are additional attachments that include a jargon glossary and table of amendments Interpreting a QLD Planning Scheme Sometimes processing what you’re looking at can be overwhelming but there are actually really good guides built into the planning scheme to understand what the point of it is, what you need to achieve, and how you do that. 1. Read the Purpose Statements – each code has a section at the beginning that discusses the purpose of the code, which provide valuable context to help interpret the codes and how to mould your code responses 2. How the Codes are Structured – When looking at the codes, you’ll see Performance Outcome (PO) and Acceptable Outcome (AO): Performance Outcome (PO) – the overall expectation of the code Acceptable Outcome (AO) – How this overall expectation MUST be achieved, although alternative solutions can be proposed 3. Apply a Holistic Approach – It’s obviously quite important to meet codes, however looking at the planning scheme as a whole can help when proposing alternate solutions. Does this alternate solution achieve the purposes, needs, and visions of the planning scheme? 4. Be Familiar with Definitions – never assume the meaning of any jargon. It’s important to check the definitions and glossary to ensure your understanding and application are accurate. 5. Identify Your Codes – when pulling together a Development Application Report, start the process by identifying your relevant codes. Check the maps to determine which zone and overlay codes impact your property, then use the Table of Assessment to determine which other codes (development, use etc) are required. Starting with this helps give your application (and development specifics) direction. 6. Pre-lodgement Meetings and Council Advice – this is a useful resource when understanding the codes and how they impact your development. You can also get an idea of the likelihood your development will be approved. Note – there are limitations to the assistance you can receive. Complex applications or developers not understanding the codes may be referred to a private town planner to complete the application.

Writing and piecing together a development application in Queensland is a big process and often challenging, even for a seasoned professional. We’d like to make that process easier for you , by outlining what not to do in your Queensland development application. 1. Getting The Assessment Level Wrong There is one part of a Queensland development application guaranteed to create major issues with your assessment – getting your development’s assessment level right. Assessment Levels assess the extent of you development’s impacts – to what degree does it fit the zone? Each assessment level is a step up in effort and information required, which is why getting it wrong can make such a mess. The assessment levels are: Accepted – in general, whilst this doesn’t require an application at all, you will still need to check the zone code to ensure you move forward with your development to meet the legislation. Code – this will require an application to council with responses to each applicable code in relation to the development. Whilst your type of development suits the zone, when you break it down into tiny pieces, does it comply? Impact – Your development might fit the zone but needs some convincing. Your development is on a precipice. The Council can be convinced that you can fit in the zone, but making a poor case can result in denial. This requires an application and public notification. Prohibited – your development type is identified as not fitting the zone and Council will not give it consideration. Your best bet is to have a pre-lodgement meeting with Council to strategise ways to move it from prohibited to impact. Want to avoid incorrect assessment levels and starting over with your application? Hire a Queensland town planner to get it right the first time. 2. Not Truly Understanding Your Site How well do you understand your site and its constraints? Your development site can be impacted by zone codes, overlay code, neighbourhood codes, development codes, and use codes. Here is what to check for BEFORE investing in the site or getting too deep into planning: Zone Codes – these codes ultimately deem whether your development is suitable or likely to be acceptable within its zone (e.g. medium residential zone, industry zone, centre zone, rural zone). Overlay Codes – these codes (and their mapping) identify areas of your lot impacted by natural hazards, biodiversity regulations, and infrastructure and transport requirements. Sometimes you can plan your development to meet these codes, but sometimes you simply can’t develop in that impacted space at all. Neighbourhood Codes – these function similarly to zone codes (and must be addressed as well as the zone code), but they break up large areas so that legislation addresses the uniqueness of each area. Development Codes – these determine whether development meets specific legislation regarding aspects like building specifications, landscaping, and site layout. The good news is – at least you know how to adjust your plans to improve approval chances! Use Codes – these codes set out legislation regarding specific uses such as childcare, short-term accommodation, retail, and food & drink outlets. They are similar in usefulness as development codes – their specifics can strengthen rather than hinder your development project. A few common, specific site issues to look out for are: Whether legislated minimum lot sizes will suit your planned subdivision Whether you’re allowed to clear vegetation Whether bushfire or flood hazard levels allow for development Whether your council supports specific unique or contentious development types (some don’t favour air bnb or mass food-chains, for instance) 

Are you considering developing your property in Brisbane? Whether you're planning a minor renovation, subdividing your land, or embarking on a major development project, navigating the planning approval process can be complex. Here are ten crucial factors to consider before starting your development journey. 1. Brisbane City Plan 2014 Understanding how your property is zoned under the Brisbane City Plan 2014 is essential. This planning scheme is the legislation that determines what types of developments are permitted, the building height limits, setbacks, and other requirements. The various Zones , such as Medium Density Residential, Business Centre, and Industry Zones, have different requirements and limitations, so checking your property's zoning should be your first step. Brisbane's planning scheme includes numerous overlays that might affect your property. These could include heritage protections, flood hazard areas, biodiversity areas, or bushfire risk zones. Local plans are a common feature and may also apply additional requirements specific to your neighbourhood. Check all relevant overlays and local plans as they can significantly impact what you can build. 2. Development Categories Your project will fall into one of several development categories: Accepted development Accepted development subject to requirements Code assessable development Impact assessable development Understanding which category applies to your project is crucial as it determines the approval process and level of assessment required. Accepted Development means that the development is immediately accepted and does not require a formal application, however, if it is subject to requirements then you do need to check your development against the prescribed codes to ensure there are no legal issues down the track. Code Assessable indicates that the development is must be assessed by the Council against all relevant codes. This will require a formal application addressing all codes. Impact Assessable indicates the development may have negative impacts on the zone or surrounding sensitive uses and so requires a formal application addressing all codes as well as public notification of intent to develop.

With workers having made the gradual switch back to working in the office, the population experiencing a post-covid spike, and many parents opting to return to work, childcare centres are filled to the brim. The result is an urgent demand for more childcare centres within most Queensland communities. ABS data shows a spike in population growth across Australia during late 2021 and early 2022. Whilst the growth rate is gradually settling back to pre-covid levels, childcare centres and communities are still dealing with the boom . Planning Approval Group have been assisting childcare centres to obtain planning approvals over the past few years, providing an insightful and experienced service to all childcare providers. Defining Childcare Centre The majority of Planning Schemes (for instance, Brisbane City Council and Southern Downs Regional Council ), if not all, define a Childcare Centre (or Child Care Centre) as: “Childcare centre means the use of premises for the care, education and minding, but not residence, of children.” Childcare Centres can include: Before or After School Care Crèche Early Childhood Centre Kindergarten Vacation Care Childcare Centres do not include: Educational Establishment Home-Based Child Care Family Day Care A home-based childcare or family day care arrangement will likely be considered a home-based business, however check with your local council’s planning scheme. Note: Be sure to check the definitions of your local Council planning scheme, in case there are any differences. Need help? We can carry out a Development Potential Health Check to give you the essential information and point you in the right direction.

Subdivision, or Reconfiguring a Lot, can be a daunting task for any developer. Whether it be splitting a rural property between siblings or developing a whole new pocket of suburbia, there are vital things that you need to know to make this development journey smoother. Let’s break down subdivision development. Defining Subdivision When people think of subdivision, they tend to immediately think of new suburban developments and mass land releases. This is true, with subdivision not only being the creation of residential developments, but also commercial precincts and industrial parks. However, subdivision isn’t limited to such large-scale development. Another common application is the division of one lot into two or three – for instance a rural lot being formally split between owners. In fact, in many planning schemes you may find it hard to research subdivision, with very little reference to it. This is because the common planning term for this activity is Reconfiguring a Lot. Why not just call it subdivision? Well, the activity isn’t limited to dividing up larger lots of land into smaller ones. It can also include rearranging or merging of existing lot boundaries.