What’s Happening?
Redland City Council will submit feedback on Queensland’s proposed planning reforms, focusing on the future growth, character and liveability of Redlands Coast.
At its October General Meeting, Council resolved to lodge a submission on the draft State Planning Policy 2026, which is open for public consultation until Monday, 26 October 2026.
The policy guides how Queensland councils plan for growth and assess development. The existing framework has operated since 2017 without major structural revisions.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said Council wanted to contribute to the review.
“Council is keen to have an input on the draft policy as it directly affects our city’s lifestyle,” Cr Talty said.
Why It Matters
Council supports reforms designed to improve housing delivery, economic growth and infrastructure coordination. However, it wants the final policy to maintain a balance between development and community needs.
“Council supports efforts to modernise the planning framework to better support housing delivery, facilitate economic growth and improve infrastructure coordination across Queensland.
“It is important that this balance continues to be reflected in the final SPP.”
Council also identified several areas requiring further consideration, including implementation arrangements and natural hazard planning.
Local Impact
For Redlands Coast, a major consideration is whether transport infrastructure can support future development.
Council wants growth directed towards areas with existing, planned and funded public transport, walking and cycling networks.
“Growth should be directed to locations that can be efficiently serviced by existing, planned and, most importantly, funded public transport, walking and cycling networks,” Cr Talty said.
“The SPP should also clearly protect existing and future transport corridors from development that could restrict or compromise their long-term function.”
Key Points
- Employment land planning: Council wants clearer guidance on forecasting industrial land demand and identifying suitable locations for future employment areas.
- Natural hazard framework: Parts of the proposed approach to managing natural hazards and resilience remain under development.
- Implementation arrangements: Council has raised questions about transitional arrangements and the support available to implement the updated policy.
Zoom In
Council also wants stronger direction on protecting land needed for future jobs and investment.
Although the draft policy recognises the importance of industrial land, Council believes more guidance is needed to plan for long-term demand.
“Industrial land is critical to future jobs and investment, and councils need clearer guidance on planning for future demand,” Cr Talty said.
Meanwhile, Planning and Regulation Portfolio Representative Councillor Rowanne McKenzie raised concerns about the proposed natural hazard planning framework.
The Queensland Government has released a separate discussion paper seeking feedback on a more consistent approach to natural hazard management and resilience planning.
“A key concern is that this state interest and its corresponding assessment benchmarks are still being developed,” Cr McKenzie said.
“The framework must provide clear direction outlining the appropriate balance between avoiding exposure and mitigating or managing risk and how to support a consistent approach across Queensland.”
Zoom Out
The State Planning Policy guides planning decisions across Queensland and influences how local governments manage development.
The existing framework has operated since 2017 without major structural revisions. The draft 2026 policy is now undergoing public consultation.
What To Look For Next?
Council will lodge its submission as part of the Queensland Government’s consultation process.
Residents and other interested parties can also review the proposal and provide feedback before Monday, 26 October 2026.
The draft policy and consultation information are available through the Queensland Government’s State Planning Policy webpage.
