From revolution to evolution: Two decades of planning in Queensland

Abstract

In December 1997, the Queensland government enacted the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (Qld) (IP Act). This comprehensive reform, designed to place Queensland at the "leading edge of planning practice" was replaced, in 2009, by the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (Qld) (SP Act). The 2009 Act claims to be an evolution not a revolution for Queensland planning practice. This article traces, over the past two decades, the journey from revolution to evolution in Queensland planning law. It explores the background, major premises and some of the enduring critiques of the IP Act. It identifies a clear trend towards greater State intervention in recent years and describes how this trend, in conjunction with the original objectives of integration and enhanced efficiency, are reflected in the new Act