Queenslanders will develop new Community Plans for cities and towns

Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
The Honourable Desley Boyle
26/11/2009
Queenslanders will develop new Community Plans for cities and towns
 
Local Government Minister Desley Boyle has today announced a July 1 start date for the much-anticipated new Local Government Act 2009.

Cities and towns across Queensland will also be developing their first ever Community Plans, setting down Queenslanders' vision for the future of their communities.

"The July start date was suggested by councils, the Local Government Association of Queensland and unions," Ms Boyle said.

"This way it ensures councils have the time to prepare for the changes and the time for training of both elected members council staff," she said.

"Councils need to spend the first half of 2010 wisely, adjusting their systems and processes, improving them and planning for a smooth transition.

While the bulk if the Act comes in from July 1 next year, Ms Boyle pointed out that new provisions on lobbyists - including post-employment restrictions on Mayors, Councillors and senior staff - would apply from January 1, 2010.

Ms Boyle has also today approved the release of the second of three new draft regulations which support the new Local Government Act 2009. A key plank of this regulation is for councils to develop a Community Plan.

"One of the most interesting parts of the new Act is the requirement for councils to develop a Community Plan," Ms Boyle said.

"In preparing Community Plans, cities and towns right across Queensland, led by their councils, will develop a vision for their community and a plan for a strong and sustainable future. This is critical in the face of population growth and with so much opportunity on the horizon for so many cities and towns around Queensland.

"The Community Plan will be the community's and the council's key planning document. The Community Plan sits above all other planning processes of council, including strategic land use planning and corporate planning.

"The Community Plan informs priority infrastructure plans and pla nning scheme development. The Community Plan will assist in better managing competing pressures of, for example, economic development and environmental protection.

"It will also make sure the lifestyle needs and aspirations of the community are met.

"A few years from now, every city and town in Queensland will have its own Community Plan and the Bligh Government looks forward to working with all our communities on this important local project."