Economic Development Tract Is Committed to Excellence and Innovation in the Creation of Sustainable Australian Communities

Queensland planner Journal of the Queensland planning profession Autumn 2013 Vol 53 No 1

Economic development Tract is committed to excellence and innovation in the creation of sustainable Australian communities.

We believe the integration of planning and design is critical to the success of communities, large or small.

We collaboratively plan, design and create places that are memorable, innovative, sustainable and enduring.

Stewart McRae, Principal Town Planner

Tract is proud to be associated with the ‘Breezes’ Muirhead in Darwin. Congratulations to Defence Housing Australia and their partner Investa Property Group for winning a Planning Institute of Australia Best Planning Ideas Award for Planning Excellence.

“Breezes Muirhead sets a new benchmark for residential development in Darwin. The project demonstrates an innovative approach to urban design and sustainability.” Award Citation

Tract is proud to be working with the Rock Development Group on their ‘loop’ project at Belconnen in Canberra.

Rock DG is the exclusive principal sponsor of the Green Building Council of Australia's Green Star - Communities project. Rock DG’s ‘loop’ project is the first registered Green Star-Communities PILOT project in Australia.

From the editor 2 From ecological sustainability to economic sustainability - What is the role From the president 3 Queensland of planning? 17 planner News Green Tape, Red Tape – and Journal of the Queensland planning profession Autumn 2013 Vol 53 No 1 Building Your Career 5 Amber Lights 19 Central Queensland style 6 Th e Brisbane Economic Development Plan 23 Th e value of Airports and Ports to Cities and managing their needs and impacts 7 Brisbane City Council: New City Plan and integrating economic development 25 Planners Recent Economic Development Strategies in Q&A: Dan Molloy 8 Queensland 26 Q&A: Greg Chemello 9 Th e economic development agenda – some opinions 28 Letters Planning Letters to the editor 10 Road planning needs a new systems Economic development Focus approach 30 Economic development in the planning From our sponsors 32 Cover design by Tract context 12 Postcard 33 New regional plans with an economic People’s Planner 36 development focus 14

Kate Burke Statutory Planning

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Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 1 From the editor

Here are two reasons why economic before our planning framework was adjusted tape’ is picked up by Geoff Edwards on development is topical in Queensland to support this agenda. page 19. Both Edwards defence of (well planning. designed) regulation and Ian Wright’s Many planners will welcome a renewed arguments are welcomed in this debate. First is the hangover from the ‘GFC’. economic focus for planning, while for Queensland Planner sought other responses Five years of global economic gloom. others it is set to be contested space. A to the economic development agenda from Queensland may have missed the worst, but concern expressed in a letter published in our prominent planners. Some are printed in the slowing mining sector is again stoking last issue by Brian Feeney; QP Vol 52, No. 4 Geoff Mullins article on page 28, but others downturn fears. In fact most of us know that - is that planning policy changes designed to approached were reluctant to comment Queensland’s economic performance has been bolster prosperity appear ‘to be undermining in print. patchy for some time. Resources have kept a long-standing national commitment to the state afl oat while industries like tourism ecologically sustainable development’. PIA Queensland’s input to the economic and construction stutter along. Th ere is development discussion is set to increase a geographical division too. Some areas - In this issue of Queensland Planner we afterthe relaunch of an Economic Central Queensland and Brisbane come to explore this question further. Former Development Chapter at a 12th March mind - have been sustained by the resources Assistant Minister for Planning Reform, seminar in Brisbane. Good timing then that boom (as have many planners), while Ian Walker MP, is the fi rst to resist the we bring these stories to member’s attention. cities oriented to tourism and leisure have notion in letter on page 10, arguing that An increased attention on economic related suff ered. When times are good and planning the government’s commitment to ecological policy, plans and people will be of interest is concerned with managing rampant urban sustainability has not been lowered. Deputy to those of us who have not been focussing or industrial growth, it’s easy to forget about Premier, Minister for State Development, on this area, as well as the economic long term economic planning. To state the Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney planning experts. obvious; that’s not the situation now. MP, in an article on page 12, reiterates the view that the promotion of economic Finally, it is rare that a departing government Th e election last year of the Newman state development means that all aspects of minister is spoken of highly. But that is the case with Ian Walker MP, recently promoted government provides the remaining context sustainability are now being addressed. to economic development’s prominence in to the state cabinet. Many PIA members planning debates. Economic development Others contend that a shift has occurred. will be aware that Mr Walker has put a lot of was front and centre of the LNP’s election Planning lawyer Ian Wright on page 17 time and eff ort into his planning reform role, agenda, and not just because of the state’s goes as far as to say that ecological including many interactions with PIA and economic outlook. It is no surprise that sustainability is ‘now under direct challenge even this magazine. We wish him – and his the ‘business-friendly’ side of politics with increasing calls for “sustainable successor in the planning role, Rob Molhoek have an economic development focus, on economic development” or “economic MP – well. sustainability” to be adopted as the object this occasion with a declared emphasis Mike McKeown MPIA on mining, agriculture, tourism and of urban and regional planning’. A construction. It was only a matter of time parallel debate over ‘red tape’ and ‘green Editor

2 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1

1262 PQ PIP Advert (Jan 2011)_PRINT_OL.indd 1 31/01/11 3:14 PM From the president

the impact of natural hazards. Whether Importantly the Economic Development you believe in climate change or not good Strategy covers the same duration as the planning needs to learn from the past and City’s strategic planning document Vision plan for the future. We have seen areas 2029. that have experienced fl ooding like never before, bushfi res, tornados storm surge, Here in Queensland we have seen the and impacts from localised fl ooding have recent establishment of Economic increased resulting in some properties being Development Queensland (EDQ). What is aff ected three times in the past year. Good hoped is that like the City of Perth’s strategy planning needs to be considered as part of a vision is set for how and what Economic the response and reconstruction eff orts. Development Queensland stands for. At present the Act states that the function Th is edition of Queensland Planner is all of EDQ is to identify and drive economic about economic development. To me, development and development for community good planning underpins the economy. purposes in consultation and partnership Good planning can stimulate economic with local government. Hopefully over the growth and also in the case of hazard coming months we will see a vision set for management reduce the recovery and EDQ. Kate Isles MPIA reconstruction costs. We cannot continue President PIA Queensland Division to expend the millions and billions to Th e launch of our Economic Development simply rebuild the same again and again. Chapter provides an opportunity for PIA Welcome to the fi rst edition of Queensland Betterment and adaptation does need to be to better serve our members and deliver Planner for 2013! Th is year will be a big considered and yes it will cost more now a series of activities that help planners year for all things planning. PIA is again but can result in mass savings in the long understand why economics in planning is ready to respond and position ourselves term. Good planning is however beyond so important but also to ensure that we are to take the lead in the debate. In doing managing risks. advocating for good planning as part of any so we will also ensure that we support economic strategy. the profession and our membership by Good planning results in vibrant, healthy providing opportunities to become the and active communities that within So as I said at the start, this year will be best planners we can be. We will be doing their own right ensure productivity and a big year for PIA and for the planning things a little diff erently this year and we liveability. Good planning stimulates profession. Th ere is a lot going on and the hope by doing so you will never have to economic development through dedicated planning reform agenda remains central question your membership of PIA. So stay activities such as revitalisation and renewal to our policy and advocacy response. I tuned for new initiatives to support you as strategies. Urban Renewal Brisbane has know for many last year was tough. From a planner and also continue to build the been undertaking these activities for over my observations, 2013 is shaping up to profi le of the profession and to commit 20 years now. Areas such as Emporium be a better year – I hope it is and that we everyone to good planning outcomes. in the Valley, Nundah, Newstead/ as planners will continue to prove our Tennerfi ff e, have and are benefi ting from worth by committing and delivering good We have yet again seen Mother Nature test neighbourhood plans with a specifi c planning outcomes. our state and our communities. Building foundation to stimulate the economic resilience and adaptation into these vibrancy of an area. communities to help mitigate is high on the planning agenda. Soon after the Australia Many cities and states throughout Day fl oods the Premier acknowledged that Australia have for some time focused on land use planning needs to play a stronger economic strategies as being a foundation for planning decisions. City of Perth’s role in protecting our communities. We, Economic Development Strategy sets a as planners, have a responsibility to ensure vision for Perth for 2029. Th e strategy that whatever role we play in the growth of states that by 2029, the city will: our regions and cities is managing the risks exposed to that community. Th is isn’t to say • be even more appealing to existing that development needs to stop - it simply and prospective businesses, investors, means we need to adopt good planning workers, residents, students and visitors policy. In areas that are fl ood prone there • have a stronger sense of place, pride and are land uses that are compatible and should a distinct identity therefore be promoted through the planning scheme. In other areas measures such as • have a diverse and vibrant after-hours building heights and building materials can culture and economy be used to further enhance the resilience of • value and encourage entrepreneurs, new these areas. ideas and innovative businesses Many of our local governments are • have a more resilient and adaptable preparing their new planning schemes. economy Th is is the opportunity for planning to • have an informed, connected and position itself to respond and better manage collaborative business community.

Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 3 Greater involvement. Greater flexibility. Greater opportunities.

Economic Development Queensland

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Great state. Great opportunity.

4 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 News Building Your Career Brisbane, 22 February 2013

On Friday 22 February around 100 young planners gathered on George Street for the annual Building Your Career forum. Th roughout the day YPs heard about the planning reform agenda, the value of planning, resilience and adaptation techniques, how to undertake positive engagement and tips for their career. Th ere was also ‘speed networking’ and trivia and for many the highlight of the day was the Q&A session with Planning Institute Fellows Andrew Curthoys, Leon Flemming, Michael Papageorgiou and Robin King-Cullen, as well as our National President, Dyan Currie.

Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 5 News Central Queensland style Yeppoon 30 November, Mackay 1 December 2012 Brittany Lauga MPIA

Th e PIA Central Queensland Branch celebrated the end of 2012 in style with two Christmas parties – one at Yeppoon on Friday 30 November and another in Mackay on Saturday 1 December 2012. Th e Christmas parties were a great opportunity for branch members to share some food, drinks, network and brainstorm for the big 2013 State Conference in Mackay. Th e Yeppoon Christmas party was held at the Waterline restaurant at the Keppel Bay Marina and well attended, with over 20 Rockhampton members. Many thanks to our sponsors, Craven Ovenden Town Planning, Buckley Vann Town Planning and King & Company solicitors and thanks also to the Craven Ovenden and King & Company contingent who travelled up from Brisbane for the event – it was great to have you. Th e Mackay Christmas party was held at Maria’s Donkey in Mackay. Over 30 members attended the party, with some travelling from as 16181 ad QLD Planner Mag.ai 3 12/11/2012 10:11:36 AM far as Clermont, Rockhampton and Proserpine. Many thanks to the sponsors, Buckley Vann Town Planning and King & Company solicitors. The photograph of the group is at the Waterline restaurant early in the afternoon Grand plans

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6 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 News The value of airports and ports to cities and managing their needs and impacts Brisbane, 27 November 2012 Duncan Whyte MPIA CPP

Lindy and Lewis’ design for Liverpool Station (1945) planning, sponsorships, and grass roots level community engagement to address the need for redevelopment and address the impacts of Port of Brisbane airport activities. Th ree speakers discussed the place of airports across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia in David Hertweck pointed out that seaports and ports in the development of cities. 2012. Some statistics showed the continuing have had an even longer history of Th ey were Professor Doug Baker from the dominance of domestic air traffi c to the infl uencing and promoting the development Queensland University of Technology, functioning of the Gold Coast Airport with of cities than airports. He noted that over Charles Martin, General Manager Aviation only 1 in 7 passengers being international 99% of Australia’s trade (by volume) leaves or at Gold Coast Airport Limited, and David travellers. Th eir research shows that the arrives through ports and they continue to be Hertweck, Manager Planning at Port of Gold Coast Airport contributes $1.45 vital to national, state and regional economic Brisbane Pty Ltd. Stephen Cole, Technical billion to Queensland businesses and $140 development. David Hertweck discussed Director, Environment and Planning of million to businesses in New South Wales. port interface planning, lessons learned from Aurecon chaired the event. Th e customer driven focus of the Gold around the world that are being applied Professor Baker highlighted that Australia Coast Airport and their recognition of the in Brisbane, the local setting in Brisbane is distinctive in world terms as having a importance of the destination (this being and how the port has developed over time, long history of privatisation of airports and beyond the boundaries of the airport) is and planning for future development. Th e that this has meant a separation of airport how they see they can best infl uence growth. presentation included a range of trade facts planning from city planning. Professor Baker We heard how the Gold Coast Airport has and fi gures, and highlighted the importance also gave examples of early thinking that redeveloped its facilities and continues its of the shift of the port to the river mouth airports would develop within the city atop master planning, provides Chinese and where access to deep water and reclamation tall buildings before discussing the current Japanese liaison offi cers, actively promotes activities have provided a large area of vacant thinking of developing the airport city and and sponsors local events, and looks to land that provides future certainty for growth the aerotropolis. Th e role of airports as improve ground transport links. Charles and development. Th e importance of road multi-modal hubs that are dependent on fast Martin stated that Gold Coast Airport and rail transport options to the effi cient and effi cient transport routes to compete in actively work with the community through operation of port facilities was raised and it the speed driven networked global economy the airport development processes, its was noted that projects of at least $1 billion was emphasised. It was noted that in 2009 airport noise consultation forum, master capital value are in planning or development the Brisbane Airport Corporation received to improve access to ships and freight routes. 36% of its revenue from aviation sources, and Th e location of the Port of Brisbane away 74% from non-aviation sources such as retail, from residential areas reduces the impacts on landside transport, property, and security. those parts of the city, but there are issues to Professor Baker said that the challenge that be faced with its proximity to the airport and lies ahead is to increase the infusion of the the Ramsar wetland of Moreton Bay. David currently separate planning cultures that have Hertweck outlined how the land use plan and developed so as to look to shared goals and development processes address these issues at strategies. the Port of Brisbane. Charles Martin provided an insight into For those members who missed out on the extent of changes to the routes and air attending the seminar, watch out for traffi c from 2000 to 2012 at the Gold Coast an online version that PIA Australia is Airport with a shift from two Australian developing to include these speakers routes and a cross-Tasman route with 3 and other speakers from other carriers in 2000 to a hub for 8 carriers Earl Bell’s “The Moon of Doom” (1928) locations in Australia. Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 7 Planners Q&A: Dan Molloy Geoff Mullins

Former Managing Director and CEO of provide a window for the profession Th e introduction of accreditation and the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, to be at the forefront of ensuring the continuing professional development for Dan Molloy took up the position of State development of sustainable and resilient members in 2005 was another signifi cant Manager for PIA in January and has communities. Th e state government’s milestone. already made a smooth transition from real appointment of a minister with specifi c The real estate market is often estate to planning. Queensland Planner responsibilities for recovery and resilience caught up with Dan for a chat. at a time when the state is moving a good barometer of general towards a single planning policy. confidence in the economy. Where Can you give us a brief outline of are we on the confidence meter at how you view your new role at PIA? After graduating with a degree the moment? in economics, what was your first My day to day role as State Manager career choice? While the last few years have been with PIA involves working closely with diffi cult I think it is clear that prices, like the various committees to ensure the While studying part time I worked in interest rates, are at the bottom of the needs of members are being served by the banking. After working in suburban cycle. Th e real estate market nationally is organisation. Th is includes the continued branches, I moved to property lending like the economy generally – somewhat delivery of a strong professional and fi nally as a graduate assistant in patchwork. Aff ordability is better and development programme, timely and the general manager’s division of the there are some opportunities for fi rst relevant news and information and Commonwealth Bank’s head offi ce. Th e home buyers to get into the market. opportunities for recognition through the exposure to property lending further Th ey will need to be cautious though and annual awards programme. fuelled my existing interest in property so not over commit in case interest rates after four years I took the leap into real My role will involve a greater focus trend up suddenly. estate. on policy and advocacy, engagement Population growth in Queensland has with government, corporate and other What were the highlights of your slowed in recent years, but in many areas stakeholders. Th e Queensland division years at the REIQ? there has been little oversupply. has made a signifi cant contribution to PIA’s strength as a truly united national Th e real estate transaction changed Leaving your love of work aside, voice for the profession and I am dramatically in my years at REIQ. We what are your other passions committed to strengthening that further. saw the internet become the preferred outside the office? A credible and vibrant professional medium for the marketing of property and the REIQ embraced those challenges My family of course and travel. Life is association enhances the image of the too short, so since hitting ‘milestone’ profession to all stakeholders. to provide tools to its members to remain relevant to the process. birthdays a few years ago, my wife and I What do you think are the current have committed to an overseas trip each I was particularly pleased that we were challenges for the planning year. Th e thought process for our next able to roll back the onerous technical profession? trip is underway with further exploration requirements that were imposed on the of Europe or driving Route 66 in the I think rather than challenges there are real estate contracting process under the USA favoured options. opportunities. Th e recent natural disasters property agents’ legislation. If you had an open ticket for a week in any city in the world, where would you go? My initial reaction was ‘back to New York!!’ but on refl ection I think I would nominate Chicago. My wife and I spent two days there in 2012 and loved it. Th e mix of architecture, its rich history and natural beauty e.g. Lake Michigan make it special. In terms of somewhere new, then probably Berlin.

8 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1

M Untitled-6 1 11/03/2013 3:28:20 P Planners Q&A: Greg Chemello Geoff Mullins

Greg Chemello took up his new role as the commercial background than many other councils. I’m sure that most - if not all - of Deputy Director General - Planning with current or lapsed planners would have… these changes were well intentioned and the Department of State Development, I have been involved in planning from within aimed to achieve better land use management Infrastructure and Planning on the 4th the state and local governments, working for arrangements by responding to actual or February. He has a number of degrees and property development/investment companies perceived issues, or risks that people genuinely qualifi cations including Bachelor of Regional and managing development industry thought needed to be addressed. Th e problem and Town Planning from the University of consulting businesses. It’s a pretty broad basis is the collective end result; a system that is Queensland and an impressive development for me to work with the DSDIP team and key now bogged down in a myriad of legalistic management and business/operational leadership stakeholders to navigate through the many and process-focused arrangements. It’s time career history in both the private and public issues in front of us. for a fresh look at this. sectors. QP caught up with Greg just before he began his new role. I also bring a very strong desire to ‘do the right Has there been a single career thing by the punters’; to do what is in the best highlight? Your career path hasn’t exactly long-term interest of the overall Queensland Th e creation of the Major Sports Facilities followed a ‘typical’ town planner’s community. It’s a trait that has stayed with me professional progress. Why is that, Authority (now Stadiums Queensland) is a since my formative years in the Coordinator stand out for me. Th e idea of a ‘super trust’ to and do you still identify yourself as a General’s offi ce in the 1980s and will be a key take over ownership and management of the planner? personal benchmark in this role. state’s various major venues had been around Like many school leavers, I studied regional Your expertise covers many areas for years but seemed to have stagnated as just and town planning essentially because I wanted including organisational change, ‘a good idea’. I was fi nishing working on the to design and create things. Sadly in the strategic business management, Gabba redevelopment in time for the 2000 early 1980s there was little prospect to work Olympic football and set a goal of bringing marketing and urban design. What in that creative environment (that we now this concept to fruition. call ‘urban design’); job options were either do you see as the first priority in the I moved to Brisbane City Council’s Major dealing with development applications or new role? Venues and played a key role in negotiating preparing statutory schemes. So I migrated In any change process, the key priority is the trigger for establishment of the MSFA; the into development management - roles where organisational culture. My perception is that transfer/sale of the Council’s ‘big three’ venues I felt I could help create buildings and places. there needs to be a signifi cant cultural shift (Sleeman Centre, the former QE2 and the Th at later transpired into business management in the planning profession – both within Boondall Entertainment Centre) to the state – roles where I have helped (I hope!) craft a and outside the state government - from one government. I then moved to the state to set number of organisations and businesses during that has become overly process-focused to up the initial organisational arrangements to periods of fundamental change. one that is more outcomes-focused. I’m very enable the MSFA to commence operating. One of the beautiful aspects of an initial conscious of the need for sound decision- Th ere were political issues, funding training in planning is an enduring focus on making processes, governance, probity and arrangements, legal contracts, personal agendas long terms goals, strategies and outcomes and accountability/reporting. Th e ‘trick’ will be and staff HR issues to navigate through. It the strategic thinking process (i.e. mission/ to retain the essential elements of these whilst was a complicated and at times stressful period goals, situation/issues, options, strategy/ empowering planners to once again have the but the end result was – from a public and solution, implementation and review…) that fl exibility to plan for economic development users perspective – a completely seamless seem to me to apply to both urban/regional outcomes. Th is is not a return to ‘the old transition to the MSFA in June 2002. planning and business/organisational change. ways’. I think we are looking at establishing I would encourage young planners to apply a new balanced approach to planning within When you get the chance to read for these skills to fi elds beyond land use planning. Queensland that has economic (and hence pleasure, what type of books do you I think many would be surprised how valuable social) development as its clear target, with prefer? an ability this is! tailored checks and balances. I tend to go through phases with books I have often referred to myself as a ‘lapsed What has been the ‘stand out’ change where I read within a specifi c genre. So planner’. I wouldn’t pretend to be an eff ective in planning in Queensland since you I have small collections of books about practising town planner any more but I still first started as a planning officer with archaeology and ancient history, spy novels, identify myself with the profession and want the state government in 1983? business leader biographies, religions of the to contribute to its evolution. Th at’s why I world, future trends, Australian classics. My have taken this role. Th at’s 30 years ago! Planning has markedly current phase is biographies of political changed since then; the key being the (in my leaders. Incidentally, these phases are always What do you feel you can personally view) over-complication of town planning intermingled with various 4WD and camping bring to the current planning agenda? through a series of amendments to legislation, magazines! Hopefully I will bring a fresh perspective and regulations, policies and procedures by energy based on a broader professional and successive state governments and numerous Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 9 Letters

Dear Editor, • releasing a new draft local infrastructure of introducing the temporary State charging and planning framework for Planning Policy 2/12 was to ensure the I refer to the recent letter to the editor by consultation government's 'four pillars' of mining, Mr Brian Feeney concerning the eff ect agriculture, tourism, and construction • introducing the Single State Assessment of Temporary State Planning Policy were established as state interests, and (SPP) 2/12 'Planning for Prosperity' on and Referral Agency system so are required to be considered and commitments to ecologically sustainable • commencing the single state planning appropriately balanced with other development. I welcome the opportunity policy state interests during plan making and to respond and, in so doing, to put the • holding the fi rst state planning forum development assessment. Rather than temporary SPP in the context of the lowering the government's commitment of 2013. government's broader planning and to ecologically sustainable development, development assessment reform agenda. The State Planning Policy the introduction of temporary State Planning Policy 2/12 seeks to ensure all 2013 will see some exciting changes to Th e forthcoming single state planning aspects of sustainability are addressed. the Queensland planning system, as we policy will be a new approach to state continue to realise further major planning planning policies that will replace the I encourage you and your readers to reforms. various current state planning policies provide formal feedback on the single state with a single and comprehensive planning policy when it is released for expression of the state's policies for public consultation. matters of state interest. Th e state I look forward to a continuing planning policy will set out policies about collaboration with the planning profession all matters of state interest in the planning to make positive change to the planning and development assessment system, and and development assessment system in includes policies for making or amending Queensland. planning instruments, development assessment and community infrastructure. For further information on planning reform please visit the Department of Where necessary the policy will be Ian Walker MP State Development, Infrastructure and supported by guidance material to assist in Planning website at: We began the new year with the the implementation of the state interests. http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/about- announcement that the government has As with other state planning policies, planning/planning-reform.html delivered every item on its Six Month it is not the role of the single state Yours sincerely Action Plan (July to December 2012).Th e planning policy to balance competing achievements that focused on planning state interests. Th ere is a misconception Ian Walker MP reform included: that the temporary State Planning Policy Formerly Assistant Minister for Planning • Simplifying planning and development 2/12 ‘Planning for Prosperity', which Reform, Ian Walker was appointed Minister assessment by amending the also contains multiple state interests in for Science, Information Technology, Sustainable Planning Act 2009 - the one instrument, prioritises some state Innovation and the Arts from 20 Sustainable Planning and Other interests over others. However, the aim February 2013. Legislation Amendment Act (No.2) 2012 commenced on 22 November 2012 • Improving Queensland's coastal Queensland Planner Advertising Sizing and Pricing protection and management regime Black and White - the Draft Coastal Protection State Full page 185x275 $450.00 Planning Regulatory Provision Half page 185x130 $275.00 Quarter page 90x130 $195.00 commenced on 8 October 2012 and Business card 90x50 $125.00 the Queensland Coastal Plan is in the Full Colour fi nal stages of review Full page (outside back) 185x275 $775.00 Half page (outside back) 185x130 $475.00 • Creating simplifi ed, single state Full page (inside back) 185x275 $625.00 planning policy arrangements - the Half page (inside back) 185x130 $375.00 Full page 185x275 $550.00 single state planning policy is in Half page 185x130 $325.00 the fi nal stages of development in Inserts (supplied by advertiser) preparation for its anticipated public Max 4 Sheets (A4 size or smaller) $375.00 consultation in early 2013. Additional sheets $25.00 Over 4 sheets Neg Th ese achievements pave the way for (Inserts must be supplied as one document) planning reform under the new Six Month A discount of 10% will apply if booking is for 4 (four) consecutive issues Action Plan (January to June 2013). Th e and payment is made in full. priority actions that will continue to All Artwork supplied in .TIFF or PDF form with 3mm bleed For more information or should you wish to advertise please contact: restore certainty and effi ciency to planning Queensland planner (07) 5465 7331 or [email protected] and development assessment include:

10 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 11 Focus Economic development in the planning context Jeff Seeney MP Queensland’s planning regime has undergone a major Since mid-2012 the department has also reduced by transformation in the past 12 months, with new about 20% the number of matters that are assessed by the legislation and policies in place, or pending, to promote state as either assessment manager or a referral agency. A economic development and protect environmental values. further round of referral reductions of transport-related matters is due to take eff ect shortly, which will result in Th e Sustainable Planning and Other Legislation further red tape reduction for relevant applications. Amendment Act 2012 and the Economic Development Act 2012 have delivered a number of streamlining policies, SPOLA also gives councils discretion to accept while new statutory regional plans are well advanced. development applications that do not include all mandatory supporting information, thereby minimising One of the earliest priorities of the planning reform was delays and risks to applicants. the introduction of the Planning for Prosperity temporary State Planning Policy to facilitate growth, development Another initiative being progressed as part of the and economic activity. Th is statement, which is both planning reform is the creation of a State Planning Policy aspirational and practical, articulates the importance (SPP), a draft version of which has been reviewed by key of the four pillars - agriculture, construction, mining stakeholders, and which will shortly be released for wider and tourism - to the economy, and how state agencies consultation from local governments, industry and the and councils must consider economic development as a community. Upon completion it will replace all existing fundamental planning consideration. state planning policies with one cohesive policy, making it easier for local government to refl ect and balance state By establishing the ‘four pillars’ as state interests, councils interests ‘up front’ in local planning schemes. and state agencies must ensure agriculture, construction, mining and tourism are addressed and appropriately Th e state interests are grouped into fi ve components: balanced with other state interests when making plans Economic growth; Environment and heritage; Hazards and assessing development. and safety; Housing and liveable communities; and Transport and infrastructure. Given this balance, all aspects of sustainability will be comprehensively addressed, thereby reinforcing the state By expressing state interests in such a complete and government’s commitment to ecologically sustainable comprehensive manner, councils have a clear template to development. ensure they approve the right development in the right location without undue process and delays. It gives councils a clear mandate to approve developments that will produce positive economic gains, while also In summary, the SPP will: ensuring planning regulations do not add unnecessary • express the state’s interests in planning and costs. development in a single place in a complete and Th e Sustainable Planning and Other Legislation concise format Amendment Act 2012 (SPOLA), which Parliament passed • encourage fl exible, innovative and locally in November, further delivered on the government’s appropriate approaches to planning commitment to restoring effi ciency, consistency and • provide a clear statement of issues that the state may certainty to the planning and development assessment consider when making a decision about ‘calling in’ a system. It was developed after extensive consultation development application; and with local government, the property and construction industry and the environmental sector. • be supported by tools and guidance material to assist implementation. SPOLA allowed for the formation of a single State Th rough all these planning improvements, the state Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA), due to be government remains committed to responsible and introduced mid-year, to replace the many diff erent incremental growth which constantly takes protection of agencies currently assessing development applications. the environment into account. Th is will enable a coordinated state response and ensure the state’s interests in development are properly balanced. Th e draft State Planning Policy clearly identifi es the It will allow developers to deal with one single offi ce on state interests relating to biodiversity, coastal protection, matters of state interest, thus reducing the complexity healthy waters, cultural heritage, air and noise emissions, and increasing the certainty of development outcomes. and natural hazards. It simply doesn’t make sense to have a whole range of Another legislative milestone is the Economic Development diff erent concurrence agencies within government that Act 2012, from which a new government body, Economic often hold confl icting positions. Development Queensland (EDQ), came into force on February 1.

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EDQ’s brief is concise: to facilitate economic is expected to generate 30,000 jobs and its estimated development throughout Queensland. economic impact is $2 billion.

Th is commercialised business unit of the Department Th e EDQ derives its delegated powers from the newly of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning created corporation sole known as Minister for Economic is delivering a streamlined coordinated approach to Development Queensland (MEDQ). economic development. It has replaced the former Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA) and Another challenge of planning lies in the relationship Property Services Group (PSG). EDQ will continue between state and local government. the current development activities of these bodies and identify new projects, which may include retail or Th e state is working hard to rebuild trust with councils development outcomes. and create better relationships. Th is is being done through the statutory regional planning, which plays a EDQ will play a key role in streamlining and fast- key role in helping Queensland plan for, and improve the tracking development throughout the state with the quality of life for all communities. development expertise of the ULDA and PSG now transferred to EDQ. Work is progressing on the Darling Downs and Central Queensland regional plans. Since commencing the It also undertakes a strategic planning function for process, the Deputy Premier and the Department have Priority Development Areas (PDAs). In contrast to been consulting with Regional Planning Committees the former ULDA, it will work closely with local about the economic and land use issues that are both governments in planning within PDAs, and also with positively and negatively aff ecting their regions and how provisional priority development areas (PPDAs). A PDA they can be addressed through the plans. is a site declared by the state government to facilitate the development of land for economic development A key focus for these regional plans is to resolve land or development for community purposes. In limited use confl icts, such as those arising from agricultural circumstances, the state government can declare a PPDA and mining activities. Th ey will also foster diverse and where there is an overriding economic or community strong economic growth, help plan for and prioritise need to start the proposed development quickly. PPDA infrastructure—and manage impacts on the environment. only requires a provisional land use plan that must be Statutory consultation on the draft plans is expected to consistent with the local government planning scheme. commence in the coming months. Existing development schemes for previously declared Th e preparation of the Cape York Regional Plan is areas remain valid and development projects will also well underway. Balancing appropriate economic continue to be delivered within EDQ, maintaining certainty for industry and the community. development with the protection of the Cape’s natural and high conservation areas is at the core of the plan. EDQ is made up of three key commercial areas Th is fl ows from the government recognising that this is — residential, industrial and urban developments essential if development opportunities in the region are — and may also have a broader role in facilitating to fl ourish, and that local communities must take greater economic development through retail or commercial control of their own economic futures. To this end, the development outcomes. regional plan will incorporate statutory land use maps Th e state government is intent on empowering councils that deliver land use certainty, particularly in relation to by aligning EDQ developments with council planning areas which are set aside for environmental protection objectives and delegating planning powers where possible. and those which are appropriate for development Repealing the planning powers of the ULDA has rightly opportunities. given councils greater input into the management of As part of the regional planning process, the government PDAs through representation on Local Representative will also determine the best way to replace the Wild River Committees. Area declarations that were made across the Cape by the Th e fi rst PDA declared by the Government was the previous government. Th e removal of these declarations Parklands at Southport, site of the Gold Coast 2018 will enable appropriate development within the region. Commonwealth Games Village. Th e Parklands PDA is Th e state government’s reform of the state’s planning located on the Gold Coast Parklands site near Southport and development assessment system continues to be up and is state-owned freehold land. Th e planning and front and centre for 2013. Th e priority actions to be development of the games village will be undertaken undertaken include releasing a draft local infrastructure by EDQ and will be overseen by the Commonwealth charging and planning framework for consultation; Games Infrastructure Authority which was also created introducing the Single State Assessment and Referral under the Act. Agency; rolling out the State Planning Policy; and Th e Parklands PDA will provide vital infrastructure holding the fi rst state planning forum on March 27. and be home to 6500 athletes and offi cials during the Commonwealth Games. It will also greatly contribute Th e emphasis will remain on stimulating economic to the longer term economic development of the Gold development while retaining environmental protections. Coast and Queensland through its legacy development. Jeff Seeney MP is Deputy Premier and Minister Th e Games and associated infrastructure development for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 13 Focus New regional plans with an economic development focus Malcolm Griffin MPIA CPP Regional Plans and planning by defi nition should the interrelationship of local and state planning have an economic development focus. Th e primary instruments on the issue of land supply. role of economic development in a regional context Queensland Planning Provisions (QPP) Planning is to supports the aspiration and development of Schemes and Regional Plans are being prepared in one industries, regional communities and individuals. of the most dynamic periods of regional economic While this is not in itself revolutionary or particularly growth Queensland has ever experienced. Th e nature insightful it is highly relevant for Queensland in 2013 of regional economic development in Queensland has when considering planning practice. Th is short article diversifi ed greatly from population-led development considers this basic question for planners from two in locations within the south east and along the premises. Firstly planning practice has a key role in coast to regions all over the state. Many regions are economic development within core functions and and will continue to experience in the decade ahead issues. Secondly it examines those areas of planning regional economies driven, by: practice where opportunities exist for improvements in planning practice to be made. As such this article • direct investment in new mines and mine related has been prepared to promote response within the infrastructure planning profession. • operation and support of mines In short the opportunity is before the planning • supply chain industry and logistics supporting profession to articulate the current and important industries, along major transport routes between role planning plays in economic development and ports, mines and towns to refi ne and improve current planning practice to • increased disposable income from resource sector ensure this role is eff ective in the specifi c circumstance related employment across the state and country. of economic development in each region across Queensland. In addition many regions within Queensland’s agricultural and/or pastoral based economic sectors For the purposes of this article, I consider both are facing long term positive forecasts regarding future Regional Plans, (Chapter 2, State planning Instruments, growth in demand for primary products to help feed Part 3 of Sustainable Planning Act 2009) and Planning and clothe Asia. Schemes (Chapter 3, Local Planning Instruments, Part 2 of SPA 09) as playing a pivotal role in good ‘Th e real value of global food demand is expected to regional planning practice and thereby supporting rise by around 35 per cent by 2025 from 2007 levels, economic development. In other words regional with most demand coming from Asia. China and planning practice is not confi ned to State Planning India alone could account for almost 60 per cent of Instruments. Th is is particularly relevant in the the global increase.’ (Linehan et. al 2012). case of Queensland’s large local governments. Further, while still suff ering from an extended period Further, Planning Schemes have the capacity to of below average tourism activity largely as a result of explicitly incorporate regional policy through the the high Australian dollar and run of poor weather ‘Strategic Frameworks’ and the provision for long there remains signifi cant potential for growth in many term supply and support of regional industries. regions which will at some stage (all things being As such, for the purposes of this article, the term equal) result in tourism again becoming a driver in ‘Regional Planning Practice’ refers to Regional Plans regional economic development. Figure 1: Land supply / and Planning Schemes. Figure 1 below addresses planning instrument

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Th e diversifi cation of economic development and the level of activity for regional communities is and will redefi ne the future for regions across Queensland in the current and next decade. Th e current state government is seeking change to planning practice and culture in the fi rst instance through legislative and policy reform. Government policy now requires a clearer economic development focus in planning practice and decision making, this is most explicitly referenced in the Temporary State Planning Policy 2/12 Planning for Prosperity August 2012’. In addition it is understood the next round of statutory regional plans will in this context address regional economic development. In this context of a once in a generation change for many Queensland regions and the legislative and policy framework of the state government, it is self- apparent that planning practice should respond with a greater regional economic focus. In other words planners and plans, should be: • identifying and quantifying key contributors (resources, values, attributes) to economic development • supporting through appropriate land use and infrastructure policies the development and support of these industries, and • avoiding, mitigating and managing impacts arising from these activities as and where they arrive. Importantly as is the case with all planning practice it is our responsibility to manage the benefi ts and • the protection of noxious or hazardous industry impacts to ‘refl ect the interests of the community as a Figure 2 Spread of Regional whole’ (PIA Code of Professional Practice). from encroachment of sensitive land uses. Economic Drivers Four primary areas have been identifi ed where Th e challenge for planning practice in considering a planners have core responsibility, tools and processes greater focus on economic development is considering to support economic development and at the same and planning for alternate or competing demands time opportunity exists for improved planning for these resources. Current examples include the practice. Th ey are: loss of agricultural land to mining or the utilisation of protected areas for tourist activities. Planning • protecting values and resources practice should take up the challenge of testing and • integrated land use and infrastructure planning and assessing these proposals from both an economic delivery development perspective and a sustainability basis as not representing two exclusionary outcomes. • planning for supply chain industries, and • resolution of planning issues to provide a facilitatory Th e second area of regional planning practice is the development assessment process. integration of land use and infrastructure policy, planning and investment. Th is falls within the direct At a foundational level, regional planning practice is responsibility of planning practice and is undertaken well placed to identify and protect natural resources, in disparate way at both a state and local government features, systems and attributes which underpin level. Where this can be achieved potential is created economic development. Well established planning for the targeted investment of public funds to unlock policies include economic activity and to also to extend the benefi ts • the protection of Good Quality Agricultural Land across regions and the State. Further it has potential (GQAL) to deliver multiple positive public policy outcomes. Th ere are many examples in Queensland where the • watercourse and dam catchment protection targeted and eff ective delivery of infrastructure has • the identifi cation of natural areas for their sustained and economic development and desirable contribution to both environment protection and community outcomes. A great example is provided tourism by Sir Leo Hielscher’s facilitation of the funding and • identifi cation and protection mineral/ quarry construction of the Mount Isa to Townsville railway reserves and related haulage routes, and line from which fl owed positive economic and Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 15 Focus

• development planning scheme provisions which refl ect the needs of industry. Without this focus as a priority, regions will miss opportunities to sustain regional economic development. Th e fi nal element of focus for planning practice relates to the role for planning in ensuring that development assessment processes takes a facilitatory role for those industries supporting regional economic development objectives. Th is can only be achieved where the competing issues have been resolved within Regional Plans and Planning Scheme. Th is appears to exist as a ‘Holy Grail’ in planning practice. It can however be progressed where: • plans clearly articulate the strategic intent and policy (objectives), and • plans in adequate detail resolve competing issues.

Figure 3: Integrated Logistics community benefi ts to Mt Isa, all the towns along Th ere remains signifi cant opportunity within / Industrial Land – Mining that line, Townsville, the state and nation. Th is planning practice at the state and local government Supply Chain railway line is now underpinning another wave of levels for development assessment practice, namely: expansion in mining activity in the Cloncurry region (LGMA, State Conference 2012). • allow for the lowest level of assessment possible • limit assessment to the impacts or specifi c interests With the many recent changes to infrastructure in the plan or policy, and planning and funding and foreshadowed ongoing reforms this remains a challenging area for planning • ensure assessment criteria are transparent and practice in Queensland, but one in which planners consistently applied. need to engage in. Th e area of development assessment has signifi cant Th e third element of regional planning practice which prominence in terms of planning reform specifi cally warrants consideration is a focus on associated and in terms of Single State Planning Policy and Single related land uses which support and sustain regional Assessment and Referral Agency reforms. In response economic development and spread the benefi ts and to these reforms, it is critical that development beyond the core industries. Work undertaken by assessment outcomes are not defi ned solely by time PSA Consulting in Queensland resource regions frames, or in other words ‘a fast decision is a good has demonstrated that for industrial land within decision’ but that development assessment decisions supply chains supporting to the mining industry, the are refl ective of policy, good planning practice and following conclusions are generally consistent across delivered in a timely manner. the state: In identifying these four areas of regional planning • a mismatch in the supply of and the demand practice I acknowledge that centres planning as of industrial land, (too much, too little, not in a central component to economic diversity and locations where industry wish to locate) employment generation and is not addressed in this article. Th is is an area of planning practice that • a mismatch in the form and nature of supplied warrants further attention beyond the scope of this or planned use for industrial land (lot size, article. confi guration, layout), and • a mismatch in plans for servicing and timing when In conclusion, the opportunity is before the planning considering demand created by mining. profession to address planning practice and ensure that planning outcomes in terms of economic In short, there has been limited delivery of industrial development are meeting the test of being in the land planning specifi cally to support mining supply community interest as a whole. chain industries. In this regard industrial land planning could be termed the poor cousin to planning Th is article draws from work undertaken by PSA practice which is responding to residential demand Consulting (Malcolm Griffi n Director Land Use being created from regional economic development. Planning and Stephen Glowacz) in regional planning Our analysis has clearly demonstrated that for and specifi cally in the role of planning in supporting industrial land at least there needs to be a clear focus industrial development as a component of long-term on understanding industrial supply and demand, by: economic development. In particular the analysis regarding industrial land is drawn from work • identifying the nature of industrial land as required undertaken in South East and the Surat; by industry North West and Northern Resource regions of • planning for its servicing, and Queensland.

16 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 Focus From ecological sustainability to economic sustainability - What is the role of planning? Ian Wright Ecological sustainability including matters such as their living standard, self-esteem, freedom from oppression and level of It is best to start at the beginning. In 1987 the choice. As such it is a normative concept defi ned by United Nations released the Brundtland Report which the values and culture of citizens. endorsed the concept of ‘sustainable development’ being development that meets the needs of the • Economic growth, on the other hand, is a narrower present without compromising the ability of future concept than economic development. It is the generations to meet their needs. increase in the value of goods and services produced by every sector of a region. During the early 1990s the concept of sustainable development was refi ned to comprise three As such economic sustainability is concerned with interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars being improving the wellbeing of citizens of a region economic development, social development and (economic development) through an increase in the environmental protection. value of goods and services produced by that region Ian Wright (economic growth) without compromising the Th e concept of ‘ecologically sustainable development’ community, cultural and environmental attributes of was subsequently coined to refer to the environmental the region. protection component of sustainable development. Th is concept was subsequently shortened to In essence, economic sustainability is based on a ‘ecological sustainability’. diff erent philosophical and ideological perspective to ecological sustainability in that it emphasises the In essence, ecological sustainability requires the value and agency of ‘human beings’ individually eff ective integration of economic and environmental and collectively as opposed to the value of the components in decision making processes through the environment and its constituent elements. application of principles that include: • the precautionary principle Rise of economic sustainability • intergenerational equity Th e concept of economic sustainability has gained increasing credence for a number of reasons: • biodiversity and ecological diversity, and • Economic uncertainty - Th e economic slowdown • improved economic valuation including and resulting uncertainty of the Great Recession environmental factors. has caused citizens to reappraise their own personal Th e concept of ecological sustainability was circumstances and to become more focussed on subsequently incorporated as the object of the their future wellbeing and less concerned with the Integrated Planning Act 1997 and was retained in the environment more generally. Sustainable Planning Act 2009. • Political failure - Th e apprehended failings, both Economic sustainability perceived and real, of progressive political parties (in Australia’s case the Labor Party) has led to Th e concept of ecological sustainability as the object conservative political parties coming to power of urban and regional planning is now under direct or existing Labor governments being severely challenge with increasing calls for ‘sustainable economic weakened. development’ or ‘economic sustainability’ to be adopted as the object of urban and regional planning. • Ideological - Neo-liberal ideology has become increasingly more dominant amongst leaders as the Th e concept of economic sustainability relates to the economic uncertainty of the Great Recession and economic development component of sustainable the political failings of progressive governments development. In essence, economic sustainability have called to question the sustainability and success seeks long term economic growth which does of the post-modernist ideology of the last 30 years. not compromise social (which includes both the • A time of reason - Th e failings of pragmatic short community and cultural elements) and environmental term solutions to complex social and ethical issues, attributes of a region. illustrated most recently by the Great Recession, Th e notion of economic sustainability therefore has caused a greater focus on reason and scientifi c involves two related but distinct concepts: method and the importance of technocrats such as scientists, engineers and technologists as decision • Economic development, which is the development makers instead of politicians. of the overall wellbeing of the citizens of a region

Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 17 Focus

What role then for urban and regional Similar changes can be anticipated within local planning? governments although to a lesser extent as community, cultural and environmental values As a result of these changes, there is an increasing call are more pronounced and sensitive than at the for urban and regional planning to be integrated with state government level, resulting in an inherent economic development to achieve sustainable growth. conservatism at the local government level. It is therefore argued that the object of a planning Opportunities for planners authority should be to ensure sustainable economic development where economic enterprises are A focus on economic sustainability, whilst presenting facilitated and allowed to function and expand in challenges for some planners, will off er signifi cant a spatial form and pattern that is sustainable in opportunities for others including the following: environmental, social and economic terms. • the development of broader skill sets including As a minimum this involves the following: economic and fi nancial analysis • the redesign of planning instruments from a pure • Planning instruments which provide an enabling regulatory tool to an instrument of economic environment for economic development such as the facilitation provision of suffi cient land supply for development and limited development controls on economic • the consideration of a broader range of economic enterprises. and market issues in strategic planning and development assessment • A development approvals process that is as effi cient and eff ective as possible. • economic development projects such as economic clusters, industrial planning and economic It also involves urban planning policies and activities infrastructure projects which have traditionally not beyond the regulatory functions of planning schemes been the domain of planners. and development assessment to improve a region’s investment appeal and consequently its economic Indeed a greater focus on economic development development prospects, such as: tools and methodologies may even allow planners to start addressing some of the most intractable problems • development infrastructure provision that focuses aff ecting our cities and regions such as urban sprawl, on economic enterprises housing aff ordability and infrastructure defi cits, and • industrial land use surveys in respect of which planning has had limited success • best practice guidelines for development in solving. • a one stop shop for development Concluding thoughts • the use of project facilitators On balance, it is considered that economic • economic development agencies. sustainability does off er greater opportunities than ecological sustainability did to resolve the critical From this perspective the role of urban and issues aff ecting our cities and regions. regional planning changes from that of ecological sustainability, involving the balancing of However, I remain to be convinced that it is the economic, social and environmental elements, panacea for urban and regional issues that its to that of economic sustainability, involving the protagonists suggest. It is a necessary but not facilitation of economic development of a region suffi cient condition to address the issues aff ecting our to achieve economic growth in a manner that does cities and regions. not compromise the community, cultural and In my view we will not be able to sustainably address environmental values of the region. these issues until there is real community and cultural Response of governments change. Th at is, whilst ecological sustainability and economic sustainability is necessary; in the end social Th e implications of the change from ecological sustainability is likely to be the key to unlocking real sustainability to economic sustainability at the state change. But that agenda is at least two decades hence government level are becoming increasingly apparent: and well beyond my working life. • Th e former Department of Infrastructure and Ia n Wright is a partner at law fi rm Herbert Geer, Planning has been reconstituted as the Department specialising in planning, infrastructure, government, of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning. environmental and property development law. He is a • Planners have been right sized and replaced with Trustee of the Committee for Economic Development of technical specialists such as engineers, scientists Australia (CEDA). and technologists skilled in scientifi c method and reason. • Economic Development Queensland has been created to drive economic development in the state. • Greentape reductions have been implemented.

18 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 Focus Green Tape, Red Tape – and Amber Lights Geoff Edwards MPIA Just three days of rain and the Mount Crosby water multiple layers of statutory control exist and what treatment plant shuts down! In January 2013 silt and alternatives are available to secure the public interest. debris from the State’s best horticultural lands in the Lockyer Valley had clogged the inlet fi lters (Grimson The business explanation is invalid 2013). Th e business argument that the regulatory edifi ce is a construct of green extremists and beige-cardiganed Given that environmental regulation and bureaucrats is comprehensively invalid. Th e real development control – so-called ‘green tape’ – is triggers lie closer to home. intended to protect our state’s natural resources from damage, perhaps we need more of it! Regulation is not the preferred tool of environmentalists, who prefer that ethical concern Not according to the business sector which routinely for their civic reputation would motivate developers blames radical environmentalists and pettifogging not to build on coastal dunes, factory owners not bureaucrats for green and red tape that, they say, stifl es to pollute and mining companies not to walk away entrepreneurial creativity, imposes unreasonable costs on from contaminated messes. New regulation takes companies and makes Australian fi rms uncompetitive. time, sometimes years to bring into eff ect, and Governments heed these gripes. Witness the call by rarely captures legacy developments. But faced with Drain, TradeCoast industrial federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott (Cullen 2013) unrelenting hostility from the business press, ridicule estate, Lytton. If project that it is time to abandon the ‘green extremism’ that has from the conservative side of politics and freeze developers were more obstructed new dam projects for a generation. Witness outs from project negotiations, what other tools are sensitive when reconfiguring the title of Queensland’s Act 16 of 2012: Environmental available? Certainly not the persuasion and evidence- swamps and waterways, there would be less need Protection (Greentape Reduction)... More specifi cally, based analysis necessary for self-regulation – some for statutes such as the State witness Queensland Premier Campbell Newman’s players understand only power. Planning Policy on acid apparent intention to revoke a statute preventing a sulphate soils to avoid the Regulation is also not necessarily the tool of choice for property development that would dredge 7 km of discharge of highly acid public servants. Stand in the shoes of a senior manager water into the fisheries the Caboolture River estuary – a known hazard area in an environmental department. downstream. for natural acid sulphate soils that release fi sh-killing sulphuric acid when disturbed (Houghton 2012). The current regime is indefensible Th ere is no doubt that development regulation has become dauntingly complex and bothersome. A project by a member of the Business Council of Australia attracted more than 1,500 conditions and 8,000 sub-conditions, following an environmental report 12,000 pages long (BCA 2012). Every land developer or planning consultancy would have its own tales of duplication, delay, offi cial incompetence and process-for-the-sake-of-process. I am aware of a case that lingered over 34 years – applicants kept dying before the approval could be fi nalised. Queensland’s interlocked development control system satisfi es no-one, neither developers because of the paperwork, nor activists, given that most large off ensive projects are eventually approved anyway. Th e statutory planning legislation of 1990 was 172 pp; the 2009 legislation is 703 pp. Even governments’ attempts to simplify the system seem to create more complexity: the green tape reduction Act itself was 283 pages long. However, before a reformist government wades into this morass, it should pause to consider why these

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Th e last thing you need is a new law to enforce. You are especially ecological) literacy is poor. Easier to blame already overwhelmed with workload, are suff ering your greenies for alarmism than to face up to the relentless third restructure in as many years and your best assistant fouling and poisoning of humans’ habitat, the has just left to have a baby and won’t be replaced. natural resource base upon which all business activity ultimately depends. Th e notion that public servants dream up rules to justify expanding their empire was good fun in Remedies: Business and parliaments must actively Parkinson’s Law but has little salience after 25 years of recruit natural scientists to improve the quality of economic rationalism – budget cuts and restructuring. debate about environmental cause and eff ect. Th e following six reasons for the ever-growing complexity of restrictions on private development are Growth is not sustainable more plausible. Th e construction of built projects is by defi nition unsustainable. Th ere are biophysical limits to the Environmental problems are accelerating number of houses and the lengths of roads that can First, the symptoms are also ever-growing. Th e most be fi tted into a landscape. Note that the ‘growth’ that powerful reason for environmental regulation is business continually nags governments to encourage is simply ongoing deterioration of the state’s natural an exponential index, not an arithmetic one. resources and environment. Economic growth unavoidably means an accelerating Th e amber lights are fl ashing frantically. Th e Great conversion of raw materials and open space into Barrier Reef is dying; we import fi sh from Africa; manufactured products and constructions. seagrass beds are shrinking and urban development Th is is not an argument against development, which is covering more and more arable soils with concrete. is undoubtedly necessary to cater for increasing Iconic koalas are headed for local extinction. Even population. It is arguing against assurances that disregarding climate change, the global life-support property development can be badged as ‘sustainable’ systems are in peril. Read about it here: and can continue indefi nitely without environmental http://www.unep.org/maweb/en/Index.aspx eff ects. It is also arguing against a business model that depends upon accelerating conversion of green spaces Scientists are aware of these widely attested trends, but to built spaces, driven by companies’ peer-generated they pass beneath the consciousness of our leadership imperative to earn accelerating profi ts. elite in business and politics, where scientifi c (and

Have your say on the future of our city. For information session details visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/newcityplan or call Council on (07) 3403 8888. If you need an interpreter, call 131 450 and ask to speak with Brisbane City Council.

20 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 Focus

Remedy: ‘Sustainability’ needs to be redefi ned. Instead of dispatching the Council of Australian Governments onto a mission to reduce green tape, business should advocate for an expert Sustainability Commission parallel to the Productivity Commission to examine how to achieve truly sustainable economic prosperity along with environmental stewardship. Performance-style regulation is more complex Queensland’s statutory planning system was drawn up in 1997 in consultation with the property development industry, as it proudly boasted after the legislation passed. Industry was seduced by the prospect of having a cutting edge regime with lots of fl exibility and lots of outsourcing. Th e industry can hardly blame the green movement or paper-shuffl ing bureaucrats for its defects. It is well known that the other state agencies strongly opposed the structure of the legislation. Performance-based regulation requires the public agencies to be well resourced – so that they can off er crisp codifi ed policies, comprehensive mapping, well trained assessment offi cers and effi cient chains of delegated command. Fifteen years on, all these ingredients are still missing. Th e agencies and local governments have suff ered seemingly continual restructuring and budget cuts which have sapped their capacity to perform to the ideal. Coordinated land resource mapping can show benefi t: cost ratios of 50:1 or even higher (Sanders 2005), because all sectors of the community benefi t from having clearer depictions of environmental conditions Forty years of self-regulation in making commercial Goanna. Many animals, and therefore the constraints and opportunities to buildings energy-effi cient failed abjectly. Not until especially high chain development. Where are the acid sulphate soils and will disclosure became mandatory in 2010 (Clth 2010) predators, require very concrete foundations dissolve? How deep are the aquifers was it taken seriously. Some large names in the large tracts of country to and can the soils tolerate irrigation? But mapping is property industry have since welcomed the new forage and to accommodate fluctuations in numbers. unsexy – ‘not a frontline service’ in today’s jargon – and regime (Hannam 2012), as the cost of effi ciency Simply ticking ‘present’ cost-cutting Treasuries prefer to fund grandiose road measures is quickly saved in reduced running costs or ‘absence’ during an infrastructure with benefi t: costs of 2:1 or less. and improved worker productivity. But why the environmental assessment delay? Th e environment movement was advocating does not indicate that Remedies: Business should press the State government sufficient habitat is secure this agenda in the 1970s. Enter new regulation; and to reform the regulatory regime from the ground or that the population is self- enter a carbon tax. up – but this time, bring agencies, scientists and the sustaining. community into the negotiations. Remedy: Business should actively examine the anti- environmental attitudes prevalent within its sector Business should press governments to cease disposing and embark on a campaign to bring its members of ‘redundant non-frontline offi cers’ because the up-to-date with ecological reality and their civic backroom functionaries are just as essential to a obligations. It is not up to governments to make self- smoothly functioning regime as the counter staff . regulation work. Business should lobby governments to allocate funds Oppressive regulation is a last resort for the environmental reporting and mapping that would greatly increase society’s capacity to understand Much regulation is promulgated to plug gaps exposed its biophysical environment and therefore to self- when clever entrepreneurs exploit loopholes in the regulate. Information is infrastructure, more so than previous regime. When a regulation catches only roads and ports. the responsible operators who would observe these standards anyway, an agency charged with protecting Regulation moves in when self-regulation fails the environment will feel obliged to introduce Self-regulation requires the support of not only a more wide-ranging controls. Developers who push majority of operators but all operators in a sector. No applications outside designated growth boundaries chance so long as business claims that its commercial or take every case to appeal have only themselves to imperative overrides its civic obligations. blame if local governments demand stronger powers.

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It is not true that a department necessarily becomes more effi cient by adding staff – Parkinson was partly right. However the converse is certainly true: an under-resourced agency cannot do anything effi ciently, even manage itself. Remedy: Business and commentators who demand ‘smaller government’ should realise that their cure is part of the disease: lean governments not only cannot apply coercive regulation eff ectively – but they also cannot eff ectively apply the alternatives to regulation.

Conclusions Th e best defence against increasingly onerous environmental regulation would be a change in attitude by the business sector: to accept the reality of environmental deterioration – now a full blown Regulation also becomes more complicated when crisis; to strengthen compliance and performance of Sand drift. Rivers are dying it tip toes around legacy rights such as ongoing its members; to cease chasing growth in profi ts at the throughout Queensland. If management practices. expense of its social licence and the environment; and the environmental regulation to advise governments that it now accepts that well is not strong enough to prevent this type of Business seems to regard it as an article of faith to informed planning and environmental regulation is deterioration, then it is not oppose any and all new forms of regulation. But a essential to its legitimacy and its sustainable prosperity. yet strong enough, for self- statutory permit has two faces: it limits a project yet it regulation is not working. allows a project to proceed and protects it from civic Dr Geoff Edwards MPIA is Adjunct Research Fellow opposition. Permits confer legitimacy. Mining has with Griffi th University’s Centre for Governance and enjoyed exemptions from development control and Public Policy. From 1980-86 he was a Councillor in the most forms of pro-active land use planning. Now it Shire of Sherbrooke, Victoria. From 1991-2006 he was fi nds that coal seam gas has to suff er the hostility of Manager Land & Regional Planning with Queensland’s Darling Downs communities. Department of Lands/Natural Resources. He retired from the Queensland Public Service (Mines Th e biggest environment-related threat for business is and Energy) in July 2011. He is qualifi ed in not regulation, but reputational damage through its ecological science and public administration. legacy of ugly property projects, leaking gas wells and disaff ected communities. References Remedy for the mining industry: Th is industry BCA (Business Council of Australia). Apr. 2012. Discussion would face lighter controls if it accepted collective Paper for the COAG Business Advisory Forum. http://www. responsibility for the thousands of unremediated bca.com.au/Content/99520.aspx. mine sites from which it has walked away, many Clth (Parliament of Australia). 2010. Building Energy Ef- seeping acid leachate years later and abandoned to the fi ciency Disclosure Act 2010. No. 67. Also see the Revised responsibility of the state. Explanatory Memorandum associated with the Bill. http:// www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2010B00073/Revised%20 Regulation is cheaper Explanatory%20Memorandum/Text Economics textbooks opine that regulation is a COAG (Council of Australian Governments). 12 Apr. 2012. Media release. ‘Council of Australian Governments Busi- more costly method of changing behaviour than ness Advisory Forum Communiqué’. http://www.pm.gov. market incentives. Like much other theory in au/press-offi ce/council-australian-governments-business- economics, this is divorced from reality. Th ey say advisory-forum-communiqu%C3%A9 that environmentalists live in fantasy land! Given Cullen, Simon. 14 Feb. 2013. ‘Abbott backs plans to build that most Australians abide by the law; and given more dams’. ABC. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-14/ that Treasury never funds enforcement adequately, abbott-backs-plans-to-build-more-dams/4518150 the cost of introducing a new regulation and then Grimson, Matthew. 29 Jan. 2013. ‘Muddy waters put Bris- leaving people to obey the rules is far cheaper than bane's drinking supplies at risk’. ABC News. http://www. most of the alternative suasive tools such as education, abc.net.au/news/2013-01-29/cut-back-water/4489506 . upskilling of industry, incentives, on ground Hannam, Peter. 3 Nov. 2012. ‘Good NABERS easy to fi nd’. facilitators, promotions and subsidies, for which an Melbourne: The Age. Business supplement p.21. agency usually fi nds it impossible to squeeze funds Sanders, Richard. 2 June 2005. Benefi t/Cost of Land from Treasury. Resource Assessment: The Leichhardt Downs (Burdekin) Study. Resource Planning Guideline E51. Brisbane: Depart- Markets need these tools to steer companies in ment of Natural Resources & Mines. society’s preferred direction, as much as they require The Courier-Mail. 1 Dec. 2012. ‘Traveston fi ght for Moreton’. regulation to set the bounds; and these tools require Brisbane. P.66. deliberative capacity in the public service if they are to Houghton, Des. 15 Dec. 2012. ‘Dredging for Answers on Bay be applied eff ectively. and River Risk’. Brisbane: The Courier-Mail. P.68. 22 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 Focus The Brisbane Economic Development Plan Brisbane City Council Introduction Brisbane is at the centre of one of the fastest growing regions in Australia. By 2031, 4.6 million people will Brisbane City Council’s Brisbane Economic live in South East Queensland and 1.27 million will Development Plan 2012-2031 (BEDP) is part of call Brisbane home. While the main metropolitan Council’s overall plan to implement the Brisbane population growth areas in South East Queensland Lord Mayor Graham Quirk’s vision for Brisbane. Th e will be outside Brisbane City the jobs these new economic vision that underpins the BEDP is that, residents will secure will predominantly be within it. in 2031, ‘Brisbane is regarded as a top ten lifestyle city and global hub for resources and related service Brisbane is forecast to have an additional 443,000 industry businesses. Its high performing economy is new jobs by 2031. About two-thirds of the jobs will known for its strong business and cultural links with be in the Brisbane local government area with the Asia’. Brisbane CBD and surrounding suburbs expected to accommodate an additional 130,000 jobs, mainly in Brisbane and South East Queensland managerial and professional occupations. Th e BEDP sets out Brisbane City Council’s Developing the BEDP commitment to deliver its economic priorities for metropolitan Brisbane. It aims to maximise the Brisbane City Council is committed to establishing economic return to the city, across all sectors, over the a strong business engagement focus which will see long term and takes into account the opportunities it become the most business friendly council in for Brisbane to contribute to better economic Australia. With the comparative advantage of having outcomes for the whole of South East Queensland. one local government regulatory body for such a large

Referral Assessment Agency

Energex operates as a Referral Together with South East Queensland councils, we ensure Assessment Agency under the development around electrical infrastructure is delivered within a Sustainable Planning Act 2009 to controlled environment, such as: ensure the construction of new developments in close proximity  Reconfiguring a lot, if any part of a lot is subject to an Energex to powerlines and substations easement and/or situated within 100 metres of a substation site. does not jeopardise the safe  Material change of use, if any part of the premises is subject to operation of the network, or the an Energex easement and any structure or work is to be located safety of the community. Our wholly or partially within the easement and/or is situated within 100 area of distribution is South East metres of an Energex substation site. Queensland, extending north to  Operational work (filling or excavation) if any part of the Gympie, west to the base of the premises is subject to an Energex easement and the work is Toowoomba Ranges and south to located completely or wholly within the easement and/or the work is the New South Wales border. located completely or partly within 10 metres of a substation site.

For more information on Energex’s Referral Assessment Agency visit energex.com.au

Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 23 Focus

3. talent attraction – ensuring that Brisbane businesses can attract the world’s talented workers to maintain and strengthen their capacity to compete globally 4. lifestyle City – ensuring that we also build Brisbane’s attractiveness as a city so that business owners and talented workers and their families choose Brisbane above other cities and create local opportunities for tourism and creative businesses to prosper, and 5. leadership and engagement – Th e Lord Mayor plays a leadership role in economic development and Council and Brisbane Marketing work closely with Brisbane businesses, the education sector and other levels of government in delivering the BEDP. BEDP outcomes Brisbane has strong economic growth and prosperity, proximity to Asia, a progressive and open business environment, world-class education institutions and a solid commitment to investing in infrastructure and sustainability. Th e BEDP will ensure that these attractive attributes are harnessed to drive the economic development of the city. Th e BEDP sets out a range of priorities, actions and key performance measures that are delivered through a wide range of Council programs and area, Council is able to collaborate across all levels of policies, including infrastructure delivery, transport government and the business community. planning, city planning, environmental management, international relations and city marketing. Th e Lord Mayor established his Economic Development Steering Committee (LMEDSC) An integrated approach to economic to provide input into the economic policy development development processes. It was tasked with providing recommendations about what Brisbane City Council In 2012 Council merged its economic development could do, within its regulatory framework, to support and city planning functions into a single area. Th is Brisbane business growth. All these inputs, along with allows Council to adopt an integrated approach extensive internal consultations, were then used in to land use planning and delivering economic developing the BEDP. development for Brisbane. The BEDP framework Economic forecasts have been used to underpin the new City Plan. Economic development is the central Th e BEDP communicates Council’s direction in theme of the new City Plan. Council has taken the managing and supporting the growth of the Brisbane opportunity to look for new and better ways to deliver economy and increase positive engagement with economic development via the new City Plan. the Brisbane business community and prospective investors. Th e BEDP recommendations are Practically this means that regulation has been being delivered jointly by Brisbane City Council reduced or, if unnecessary, eliminated. Home based and Brisbane Marketing, Council's economic businesses are encouraged, forecast employment development agency. growth is accommodated in growth areas, the development of knowledge precincts is encouraged Th e BEDP identifi es the priorities for Council, and transport linkages to these growth areas Brisbane Marketing, industry and other stakeholders are enhanced. Th ese processes will enhance in supporting Brisbane’s long term economic success. the amenity of the residents of Brisbane. It is organised around fi ve major thematic areas which provide a whole-of-council framework. Th ese are: 1. global reputation – building the Brisbane global brand 2. productive Brisbane – ensuring that Brisbane businesses and industries are able to grow and prosper by enhancing the Brisbane business environment

24 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 Focus Brisbane City Council: New City Plan and integrating economic development Marcus Mulholland

What is the response of planners preparing a new tools to realise a detailed outcome of what that can scheme when the challenge is ‘make it easier to do look like in relation to the economic dimension. business’? Th ere are shelves full of high level principles and outcomes about economic development and land Like all local governments, Brisbane City Council use relationships. Th ere were no useful models or plays a role in infl uencing economic activity in its examples of how that relationship could play out at area. Since Council adopted its last City Plan in the detailed operational level of a planning scheme for 2000, the understanding and expectations of the a local government like Brisbane and the outcomes we scheme’s role in economic matters has changed. are seeking. Events outside the local government boundary have highlighted what is within the realm of what a scheme In such a scenario, we focused on integrating high- can infl uence and what it cannot. One key outcome level external policy (such as the Brisbane Economic is that conventional land use planning can deal with Development Plan), into the draft plan’s strategic population serving economic development relatively framework, while retaining traditional planning well, but other areas of economic development is a settings, for example levels of assessment and the role struggle. of overlay-like provisions. On 30 November 2012, Council adopted a draft From this perspective, we established a ‘working new City Plan to submit to the state government principle’ that the new planning scheme was a for the fi rst ‘State Interest Review’. Th is represented business system – not just a land use development a signifi cant step in Council articulating a shift in regulatory tool. We also took it that the balance of the its policy settings. In particular around how we new plan needed to deliver on the higher level policy understand, articulate and realise the role of the city’s directions as well as forecasted numbers around the planning scheme in how, why and where economic type and location of major employment generation activity occurs. expressed in the NIEIR information. We added to the list by also understanding how we could apply the During the preparation of the draft plan, we took tools provided by the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 the opportunity to develop new tools to realise not and the Queensland Planning Provisions to achieve only fresh policy directions, but also refl ect on the these outcomes. conventional practice of land use planning and development assessment. Such an approach has enabled the new draft plan focus on self-assessable outcomes for various In preparing the new draft plan, we sought to industry uses. We have removed the requirements for understand the challenge of what a ‘New World City’ commercial impact assessments at any level or scale meant. Part of this vision is an economic outcome of development, and sought to enable a more fl exible that sees Brisbane as a major city in the world that and market driven outcome for smaller scaled centres has benefi tted on realising the unique window that otherwise would be ‘out of centre’ (i.e. not in a of opportunity Brisbane has. Th e opportunity is centre zone) and not supported. Th ese changes are based on the understanding of global and regional unlikely to have been made without a better and economic directions, the place Brisbane holds in that more in depth understanding of what economic relationship, along with the opportunities it presents. development is, where we want Brisbane to be and In understanding the directions expressed through then how the planning scheme and planning practice Council’s Brisbane Economic Development Plan, the can infl uence that outcome. Windows of Opportunity Report and also the forecasts Th e draft plan is available on Council’s website while provided by the National Institute of Employment it is in fi rst State Interest Review. When this check and Industry Research (NIEIR), there was the is complete, Council will begin its formal statutory awareness of both the opportunity that the new consultation period which has been extended to 60 planning scheme could play a role in advancing the business days. In the meantime, Council is consulting city’s economic development, but to be a tool to build with the residents, business and community groups on the values we appreciate about Brisbane’s lifestyle for their feedback and any informal submissions about and environment. how the draft plan meets their vision for their city. A guiding principle of land use planning is that it is Marcus Mulholland is Strategic Planning Manager, City about integration of policy settings around social, Planning and Economic Development Branch, environmental, physical and economic matters. Our Brisbane City Council experience was that the practice of conventional regulatory land use based planning, provides limited Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 25 Focus Recent economic development strategies in Queensland Eve Vickerson MPIA Mary Valley Economic Development Strategy (2012) Summary: Th is strategy was created primarily in response to the uncertainty caused by the cancellation of the Traveston Dam Crossing Project in 2009. Th e strategy questions the viability of the Queensland Government retaining 13,000 hectares of land and concludes that it is not warranted in the long term. Key components: • Focus on supporting existing agricultural activities in the valley and fostering the growth of these activities. • Strategic redistribution of water entitlements currently held by the state government. • Reconfi guration of large land holdings to support profi table agricultural uses. • Disinvestment Program: plan for government to sell down its existing land assets over a two year period in order to minimize negative market sentiment. More information is available from: • Establishment of the Mary Valley Development http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/land-acquisition- Advisory Group. management-and-sales/mary-valley-landholdings.html

Cairns Economic Development & Innovation: Strategy and Delivery Program 2012-2015 (published 2012) Summary: Concentrates on diversifi cation and balance of the economy due to an overreliance on tourism in the past. Highlights the opportunities for growth in knowledge-based industries. Notes the impact of the Global Financial Crisis and high Australian dollar in terms of a downturn in the tourism industry. Key components: • Growing the Tropical Innovation Awards and providing business innovation support (e.g. scoping potential for Cairns Innovation Hub). • Ensure economic profi ling is up-to-date and that dialogue is maintained with the business community. • Regional collaboration between Far North Queensland Councils. • Advocate for and support an early roll-out of the National Broadband Network in the Cairns region. More information is available from: • Cairns to host 2012/2013 Investment Attraction http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/invest/about/role-and- Forum. priorities

26 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 Focus

Gold Coast Economic Development 2020 Strategy (2010, currently under review) Summary: Like Cairns, the Gold Coast has relied heavily upon tourism to support its economy and has felt the impacts of the Global Financial Crisis. Th e focus of this strategy is to ‘embrace diversity across knowledge-based and expert oriented industries’. Key components: • Implement the Gold Coast City Investment Fund for long-term funds to provide infrastructure. • Implement the TechGC program which is a long- term 'school to work' skills development program aimed at increasing the number of students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics. • Promoting the Gold Coast as a place for the fi lm industry and the sports industry. • Attracting high performance Sports Training Camps to generate revenue through increased accommodation spend, the creation of sporting events and to capitalize on the associated media exposure. • International Trade and Investment Program: a series of international trade missions ‘aimed to More information is available from: assist local fi rms to generate export sales’. http://www.businessgc.com.au/our-strategy

Southern Downs Economic Development Strategy 2010-2015 (published 2010) Summary: Emphasises the strategic location of the Southern Downs on the New England and Cunningham Highways and proximity to Brisbane, Ipswich and the Surat Basin. Th e strategy supports the growth of the manufacturing, transport and logistics industries. It also pushes for the Southern Downs to become a leading inland tourism destination in Australia. Diversity in the economy is supported with a spotlight on the education, training and knowledge industry. Key components: • Establishment of an Investment Working Group in Council. • Creating a University of Southern Queensland learning hub located at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism. More information is available from: • Supporting the national broadband network rollout http://www.southerndowns.qld.gov.au/page/ in the Southern Downs. Economic_Development/Economic_Development/ • Creating a knowledge industry and technology precinct in Stanthorpe. • Participating in Surat Basin supply chains and promoting the Southern Downs as a family lifestyle destination for Surat Basin workers.

Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 27 Focus The economic development agenda – some opinions Geoff Mullins Th e Queensland Government’s focus on economic about tight economic conditions means that focus development is a hot topic in planning circles. on practical planning issues will continue,’ he said. ‘However planning that is driven by ideological Resource economist John Rolfe is Professor in the pressures may be limited because of the higher costs Faculty of Arts, Business, Informatics and Education involved.’ of the CQUniversity at Rockhampton. He is also the Director of the Centre for Environmental Gold Coast consultant Brian Feeney, whose letter Management at the University. He believes a reality to the editor regarding ecological sustainability in check is at the heart of the economic push. the last edition of Queensland Planner received ‘Governments are struggling to maintain their a written response from the former Assistant fi scal positions and credit ratings, and have come to Minister (Planning Reform) Ian Walker, believes realise post GFC, the importance of development the new agenda means there is potential for and growth,’ Professor Rolfe said. ‘Much of the future planning schemes to have fewer provisions opposition to development is being driven by to mitigate unintended social and environment ideology while the support for development is being outcomes. driven by reality checks.’ ‘Th is would be consistent will the idea of giving Th e Professor says prioritising economic industry more certainty that they will get an approval development doesn’t in itself mean that planning without what might be perceived as 'onerous' principles will be diluted. conditions,’ Mr Feeney said. ‘I think that the extremes in weather events that we ‘Th e new state government seems to be taking a have seen in the last few years as well as a realisation more overtly free market approach than the previous

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28 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 Focus government. No doubt they are also focused on developers. Th e clear intention of both the Act removing what they see as impediments to private and the proposed State Planning Policy is to sector job creation in the wake of the GFC. marshal human and spatial capital in the interests However, the drastic public sector job cuts seem to of maximum resource development, whereas be driven more by ideology than sound public sector Community Planning aims to reverse that direction management.’ to benefi t people and places, by making best use of available resources. Th e focus on economic development has led to many asking What happened to ecological sustainability? ‘Th e new act establishes the MEDQ (Minister for Brian Feeney reckons the state government’s Economic Development Queensland) to fast track commitment to it seems to have been weakened economic development wherever the Minister by changes to regulation and sites as an example designates a Priority Development Area or PDA. In Temporary State Planning Policy 2/12 Planning for parallel with this, the proposed new Planning Policy’s Prosperity. emphasis on “enabling processes” makes no reference to planning methods being either, well informed, ‘A clear threshold for what's happening to economic responsive nor responsible.’ sustainability would seem to be if the government redrafted the Sustainable Planning Act to remove PIA Queensland President Kate Isles sees the new ecological sustainability as the cornerstone of the approach as balanced and in no way impacting on Act,’ he said. ecological sustainability. ‘A more specifi c example of the shift that's ‘I don’t think that this new focus is ignoring already happened is that on 1 February 2013 the ecological sustainability, I would actually say that government repealed the rules that previously the reverse is true, that previously the matter of prevented householders from installing electric hot “economics” was unwritten and therefore ignored,” water systems. Ms Isles said. ‘I think the Queensland economy needs to diversify ‘What is required is a truly quadruple bottom from the traditional mining, agriculture and line approach to policy and planning that equally construction industries. While these sectors have considers and balances all aspects of the equation served us well, I think the government's support for without favour to either the environment or cultural events in the regions such as the very economic development. successful Australian Festival of Chamber Music ‘I think that the government also recognise that the held in Townsville should become a bigger part of issues associated with stimulating an economy and the government's economic planning.’ development are complicated and that there is no Associate Professor Phil Heywood from the School single silver bullet, rather a need to systematically Civil Engineering & Built Environment at QUT adjust in a small way many things, from the sees the recent moves as a possible script for ‘Yes, Sustainable Planning Act, letting local governments Minister’. set their own planning agendas through to infrastructure charge system changes. Importantly ‘Sir Humphrey would congratulate the Minister though, there is an education gap. Many planners on the “very brave” set of policies laid out in the (and I was one of these) don’t specifi cally understand Economic Development Act and supported by the the “economics of planning”. Dedicated training Draft State Planning Policy,’ he said. ‘Both, released will be needed for planners to be better in November 2012, seem designed to “Crash or equipped to understand the feasibility Crash Th rough”. of planning schemes and development ‘But Sir Humphrey might also observe as an aside proposals.’ “Crash Courses produce wrecks”. Th e stated purpose of the Act is explicitly “to facilitate economic development and development for community purposes in the state”. Th e aims of the new State Planning Policy, currently out for public consultation are similarly to promote state prosperity. ‘Th e shared new aims outlined in the Policy are strongly development-directed. Th ey appear to be prompted equally by the opportunities and threats of the present time and the market ideologies of the last decades of the twentieth century. ‘As the pace of the resources boom slackens, the government’s political allies are demanding new policies to advance interests as investors and

Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 29 Planning Road planning needs a new systems approach Brian Feeney

Days after being re-elected in 1967, Forecast travel time savings and the Brisbane Lord Mayor Clem Jones travel time budget reaffi rmed his commitment to building the major urban freeway network As well as forecasting future traffi c fl ows, recommended by transport consultant traffi c models also calculate future travel Wilbur Smith. Lord Mayor Jones said that time savings for road users. ‘We also know the (Wilbur Smith) traffi c However, the calculated time savings need plan has to be carried out otherwise the to be interpreted in the light of how much traffi c situation will cost the people of this city time people travel each day. It turns out millions of dollars.’1 that this ‘travel time budget’ (the average time spent travelling per person per day) is By 1984, a government review of Brisbane relatively constant. road plans noted that the 1981 population predicted for the city by Wilbur Smith had Doonan (2009) notes that been achieved but not in the locations forecast. ‘It is well documented that people tend to ‘Th e diff erence in population distribution has allocate a set amount of time (often said to be resulted in travel patterns also varying from a daily average of 75 minutes) which they are those expected.’2 content to spend travelling. Beyond this time, people tend to change their travel behaviours Th ese diff erences are not surprising to defer trips and fi nd new, more accessible benefi t of faster transport is greater distance considering that only a fraction of the Wilbur destinations.’4 travelled, which means that the benefi t of Smith freeway network was ever built. 8 SEQ Household Travel Survey data5 urban road construction is sprawl.’ Did Brisbane reach major gridlock by 1981 confi rms that the travel time budget in SEQ In fact, between 1992 and 2007, the without these freeways? No. has been quite stable over time - 64 minutes average distance travelled per person per Across the metropolitan area, people in 1992, 70 minutes in 2004, 72 minutes day in SEQ increased by about 25%. 6 adjusted their travel and location decisions in 2007 and 65 minutes in 2009. Over the Forecast travel time savings on a new road and Brisbane continued to grow and same period, the average duration of work facility come from forecast increases in 5 prosper. Th e urban system adapted to the trips has been in the range 23-28 minutes. travel speed for those using that facility. road infrastructure available. In contrast, there were many changes in Litman (2009) considers that Systems thinking versus linear transport infrastructure and settlement ‘(t)he true value of changes in travel speed can modelling patterns in the Brisbane region, particularly be diffi cult to determine because people tend to between 1992 and 20047. Th e travel survey Systems thinking in urban studies has have fi xed travel time budgets, typically about results above suggest that residents in the 70 daily minutes or 8 hours weekly to personal been around since the 1960s. It’s self- region adjusted to these changes in a way evident that cities are made up of complex travel. As a result, increased travel speeds tend that changed the average travel time budget to increase travel rather than save time. For interdependencies rather than separate, only marginally. discrete elements like individual arterial roads. example, if a highway or transit improvement Implications of travel time budget increases travel speeds, commuters often accept In any complex system, feedback processes constancy longer distance commutes. As a result, the true operate to change the fi rst round eff ects, benefi ts are increased mobility and improved either reducing or amplifying these eff ects. Travel time budget constancy means location options, not time savings.’9 However, road infrastructure planning that time savings in part of the transport often relies on mathematical models that network are, on average, almost entirely How forecast travel time savings are unable to deal adequately with system 'spent' in other parts of the network. In influence project evaluation feedbacks. other words, on average, almost no time Reductions in travel time for road users are Litman (2012) sees the models this way: savings are used for non-travel purposes. generally considered to produce community ‘Most do not accurately account for the Manning (2004) describes the consequences benefi ts. As Metz (2008) puts it: tendency of traffi c to maintain equilibrium of this as follows: ‘Th e idea is simple: there are better things to do (congestion causes travelers to shift time, ‘If the time budget rule (constant travel than travel, so if travel time could be reduced route, mode and destination) and the eff ects time budget) applies, there are two serious by improving the infrastructure, then there of generated traffi c that results from roadway consequences for assessing the benefi ts of would be a quantifi able economic benefi t to set capacity expansion, and so tend to exaggerate congestion relief. Th e fi rst is that, for passenger against the cost of the investment.’10 future congestion problems and the benefi ts traffi c out of paid time, though not for freight Th ese reductions (as calculated from the 3 that result if roadway capacity is expanded.’ traffi c or for public transport operating costs, modelling process) are given a dollar value time savings are a chimera. Instead, the 30 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 Planning and included as a benefi t in the cost benefi t Historically, transport infrastructure has had infrastructure was considered self-evident analysis (CBA) for the project. a signifi cant impact on settlement patterns in are no longer good enough. Th e dollar value of the forecast time savings the Brisbane region, starting with the Brisbane Community demands for sustainability often makes up most of the benefi ts claimed to Ipswich railway in 1876. Heywood (2000) and value for money must surely mean that for the project. For both the Go Between argues that, in some respects, the Wilbur these outmoded assessment methods have bridge and the Airport Link, forecast Smith traffi c plan of the 1960s to be discarded, and system eff ects taken time savings were about two-thirds of the ‘exerted a stronger infl uence on the much more seriously. All projects should be claimed benefi ts.11 development of settlement form than did the evaluated for their contribution to creating 17 However, as Metz (2008) notes (1965 Brisbane) Town Plan’ a more sustainable city, not on how well Beard (1998) is concerned about the they satisfy forecast travel demand. ‘If travel time is conserved rather than saved Notes (i.e. constant time budget), then there infl uence of transport infrastructure such as the Pacifi c Motorway upgrade on 1. Brisbane Lord Mayor Clem Jones, Courier Mail, 24 April 1967. are implications for investment appraisal, 2. Policy Committee for Brisbane Region Transport Planning (1984), modelling and policy as discussed above. In settlement patterns. Brisbane’s Major Road System, A statement of policy and objectives. particular, standard CBA is not a reliable ‘Where and how we provide transport 3. Litman, Todd (2012), Online TDM Encyclopedia, Victoria Transport Policy Institute. http://www.vtpi.org/tdm/tdm125.htm guide to the value of infrastructure investment infrastructure will profoundly infl uence the 4. Doonan, Kellie (2009), Setting the Transport Scene, Queensland and arguably should be abandoned.’ shape of our cities. Th e primary objective of Department of Transport and Main Roads. transport infrastructure planning should be to 5. SEQ Household Travel Survey Data (2011), Queensland Depart- ‘Travel time savings are likely to arise as a ment of Transport and Main Roads. transient phenomenon. It might be supposed positively infl uence the urban environment, 18 6. Sampling errors may well account for some of the variation. The that the possibility of saving time would be an not to satisfy forecast travel demand.’ Global Financial Crisis may also have affected the 2009 data. important factor to be considered when the Brisbane City Council’s TransApex project19 7. New road infrastructure included: Gateway Motorway upgrade 1995, Gateway Motorway extension to Logan Motorway 1997, Pacifi c choice of a new travel option presents itself. is a current example of building transport Motorway upgrade to Nerang 2000, Inner City Bypass 2002, and Bruce But once the new route or mode becomes part infrastructure to satisfy demand rather Highway upgrade north of Gateway Motorway 2002. The Pacifi c Mo- torway upgrade in particular stimulated residential growth in northern of an established pattern of daily activity, than to positively infl uence the urban Gold Coast areas such as Pacifi c Pines and Ormeau. the benefi t may then be perceived as an environment. 8. Manning, Ian (2006), Victorian Competition and Effi ciency Com- improvement in access, rather than as a time mission Inquiry into Managing Transport Congestion – Submission by In 2007, the Brisbane Lord Mayor - in an Dr Ian Manning. http://www.vcec.vic.gov.au/CA256EAF001C7B21/ saving. With the elapse of time (months or echo of what his predecessor said 40 years WebObj/SubmissionDR100-IanManning/$File/Submission%20DR%20 years), the improvement in the transport system before – told a journalist that 100%20-%20Ian%20Manning.pdf allows further access to desired destinations, 9. Litman, Todd (2009), Transport Cost and Benefi t Analysis, Victoria Transport Policy Institute. http://www.vtpi.org/tca/tca0502.pdf within the more or less constant time people ‘’Th ese (the TransApex projects) are vital 10. Metz, D (2008), The Myth of Travel Time Savings Transport Re- 12 pieces of infrastructure that the city can’t allow themselves on average for travel.’ views. http://www.limitstotravel.org.uk/documents/Myth_TTS_printed. do without in years to come’. He says that pdf Without travel time benefi ts, it is likely congestion would cost Brisbane $9.3 billion a 11. See GHD (2006), Hale Street Link Impact Assessment Statement that few urban arterial road projects would year by 2015 if nothing were done.’20 and SKM/Connell Wagner (2006), Airport Link Environmental Impact achieve a positive Benefi t Cost Ratio.13, Statement Vol 3. http://www.airportlinkeis.com/otherlinks/eis/volume3. htm 14 In contrast, Gleeson and Steele (2009) Th at is, the costs would almost always 12. Metz, D (2008), The Myth of Travel Time Savings Transport Re- exceed the calculated value of the benefi ts. describe TransApex in this way views. http://www.limitstotravel.org.uk/documents/Myth_TTS_printed. Th is suggests that other criteria need to ‘the ‘crash through’ infrastructure development pdf 13. According to the Environmental Impact Statement for the Airport be used for evaluating these projects, style of the TransApex project with its focus Link project, the benefi t-cost ratio is only 1.1 even with ‘time savings’ in particular to what extent the project on facilitating trans-metropolitan travel and for private motorists (i.e. not in work time) accounting for half the supports the achievement of broader claimed benefi ts. http://www.airportlinkeis.com/otherlinks/eis/pdfs/ improving congestion and delays for motorists, Vol3-TechPapers/13_Economics.pdf planning objectives. is contradicting the State and council’s own 14. For a discussion of more fundamental problems with Cost Benefi t Analysis see Ackerman, Frank (2008) Critique of Cost-Benefi t Analysis, Implications for metropolitan commitment to sustainability and reducing car dependency. Th ese are core strategic and Alternative Approaches to Decision-Making. http://www.foe.co.uk/ planning resource/reports/policy_appraisal.pdf planning values outlined in key planning 15. Gleeson, B, Darbas, T, Johnson, L and Lawson, S (2004) What is Gleeson et al (2004) note that instruments at all levels of government. Th e Metropolitan Planning? Urban Research Program, Griffi th University. crash through approach which increasingly 16. The Queensland Treasury’s Project Assurance Framework gener- ‘(t)here is a national consensus on the need ally requires that a CBA be undertaken in assessing State-funded to address the car dependent, sprawling resonates in infrastructure politics is starkly projects, thereby helping to entrench this perverse outcome. morphology of Australian capital cities.’15 at odds with planning’s claim to value 17. Phil Heywood (2000) The Planning and Development of Brisbane’s deliberation and sustainability.’21 Urban Form and Structure Th e SEQ Regional Plan addresses this Brisbane City Plan: A City Strategy, Background Discussion Paper No 7, Brisbane City Council. issue by focussing on compact settlement, Road planning needs a new 18. Beard, Colin (1998), Government sponsorship of urban sprawl in particularly through Desired Regional systems approach South-East Queensland. Transport Engineering in Australia. Outcome 8 Compact Settlement. Ignoring the system eff ects refl ected in 19. Projects under the TransApex banner are the Clem 7 tunnel, the Airport Link, the Go Between bridge, Legacy Way and the East West In reality, at the individual project level, the constancy of travel time budgets has Link see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TransApex the evaluation methodology used for road worked against metropolitan planning’s 20. Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman, Australian Financial projects is undermining the Regional Plan’s key concerns of compact settlement and Review, 17 August 2007. 21. Gleeson, B and Steele, W (2009) The Bellwether Zone? Planning compact settlement objective by including sustainability, and left the community with Infrastructure in South-East Queensland Urban Research Program, forecast time savings as a project benefi t. very large debts that will be a drain on Griffi th University. Perversely, this practice has not reduced public sector budgets for years to come.22 22. Brisbane City Council budget documents show a commitment to spend more than $2 billion on just three of the TransApex projects - at travel time in the aggregate, but has Simplistic assessment methods inherited least $500 million spent on the Clem 7 tunnel, $320 million spent on 16 encouraged longer trips. from a time when the need for urban road the Go Between Bridge and a commitment of $1.3 billion for the future Legacy Way tunnel.

Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 31 From our sponsors Brisbane fast-tracks survey plan sealing Brisbane City Council

Brisbane City Council is rolling out a program that will help property developers and residents subdivide land more effi ciently. Building on the success of RiskSMART, where accredited town planners submit low risk development applications for fast- tracked approval, Brisbane City Council is now introducing ‘SealSMART’, a process aimed at fast-tracking plan sealing applications. Under SealSMART, accredited consultants engage professionals such as certifi ed surveyors, engineers, landscape architects and ecologists to attest conditions have been complied with before lodging a plan sealing application. Provided the application meets all requirements, Council then seals SealSMART survey plans within fi ve business days of plan sealing fee payment. Th is provides certainty for customers and reduces holding costs that can be associated with large developments. Neighbourhood Planning and Development Assessment Committee Chair Amanda Cooper said the SealSMART program was designed to overcome lengthy delays that could be experienced in the plan sealing process. ‘We introduced the trial because 90 per cent of applications were being submitted Councillor Amanda Cooper, Chairman Neighbourhood Planning and Development Assessment Committee to Council incomplete, causing gridlock in stamping the last physical plan seal the approval system,’ Cr Cooper said. Project Manager with DTS Group Stephen on low-risk applications of six lots or less, O’Malley said his company participated ‘Th is led to Council investing signifi cant the scheme will be expanded in 2013 to in the SealSMART trial and the process resources following up and rechecking include up to 10 lots. helped bring certainty to his clients. incomplete applications. To become accredited, interested parties ‘We as surveyors and town planners now ‘SealSMART was established to stamp out will need to demonstrate how they comply have a greater control and appreciation of this practice and greatly improve processing with designated selection criteria, such the development life cycle,’ Mr O’Malley times for low-risk applications.’ as access to suitably-qualifi ed personnel, said. demonstrated history of submitting Th e roll-out of SealSMART follows a ‘decision ready applications’ and quality ‘We can now confi dently form a timeline successful trial period in 2012, during assurance processes. from development approval through to which 21 SealSMART applications were a sealed survey plan, which is critical for submitted with an average processing time For more information on Brisbane City the costing and success of our client’s of between three and four business days. Council’s SealSMART program, visit www. development.’ brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone 07 3403 Consultants who participated in the trial 8888. In early 2013, Brisbane City Council have expressed their satisfaction with the will roll-out the SealSMART program by process and many additional consultants inviting additional consultants to become have already expressed their interest at accredited. Whilst the initial trial focused becoming accredited.

32 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 Postcard Attacking climate change: a low carbon vision for Hong Kong Thomas Gardiner MPIA (Student)

As a young planner preparing myself for a lengthy career in the urban and environmental planning profession, I am constantly reminded by my mentors of the importance of moving beyond the ‘armchair’. Th is metaphor emphasises that in order for young planners to become competent professionals and enhance with the opportunity to become exposed where I spent time helping examine existing our knowledge and understanding of many to a foreign planning environment as well infrastructure within the district as well as of the planning issues encountering Australia as awarding them with a unique cultural assisting in the analysis of demographic and and the rest of the world, we must learn from experience which allows students to live and environmental. our practical experiences – not by sitting in an breathe the somewhat diverse culture of that It was my participation in these classes, and armchair and desk from 9 till 5. special metropolis on the Chinese peninsula – conversations with my Hong Kong colleagues Hong Kong. In fact, many of us will discover that by that inspired me to more deeply explore the becoming active members of our local In writing this article, I would like to briefl y issue of climate change in Hong Kong, how it planning community or by travelling abroad discuss my role and participation on this has aff ected this metropolis, and briefl y review our perceptions of the planning profession exchange program both as a student and Hong Kong’s planning responses in sustainably will change and benefi t in response to those tourist before discussing how the most densely adapting to climate change. Specifi cally, I experiences. Fortunately I was presented with and congested metropolis in the world has will spend time exploring the concept of a a wonderful opportunity to move from the responded and sustainably adapted to the ‘Low-Carbon vision’ as Hong Kong’s primary armchair earlier this year. most severe environmental and planning issue response to attacking climate change. of our generation – climate change. In December 2011, I received a letter from Hong Kong’s low carbon vision Professor Darryl Low Choy of Griffi th The exchange experience Like many regions and cities throughout University advising me that my application for While the prospect of participating in classes the world, Hong Kong is not immune to participation on the Urban and Environmental at the University of Hong Kong seemed the imminent threats of climate change. Planning Discipline’s ‘University of Hong Kong quite daunting, the college atmosphere and In fact, the structure and layout of the city Exchange Program’ had been successful. As the learning environment was very welcoming itself, as well as the attitude and behaviour successful applicant, I was the recipient of a which made the transition for a fi rst-time of its crowded and congested people, have full scholarship to participate on a four-week visitor very easy. I participated in three classes consequently increased the severity of the cultural exchange program to Hong Kong at the university’s ‘Department of Urban eff ects of climate change in this metropolis. and was invited to participate in classes at the Planning and Design’. Th ese classes were a Th ese eff ects have been well documented in University of Hong Kong’s ‘Department of combination of both lectures and studio-style several studies which have been commissioned Urban Planning and Design’. Th is exchange classes which educated students about many by Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection program provides undergraduate students of the introductory principles of planning in Department and Planning Department. Hong Kong as well as many of the urban and For example, a discussion paper entitled environmental planning issues encountering ‘A Study of Climate Change in Hong Kong the metropolis. Some of the topics covered Feasibility Study’ highlighted that the release and discussed included: of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Hong • reviewing the regional context of town Kong had risen from 35.3 million tonnes in planning and development in Hong 1990 to 42.3 million tonnes in 2006. Th is Kong and the Pearl River Delta signifi cant rise in GHG emissions has been attributed to activity in the energy supply • understanding the cultural, political and sector as well as directly sourced to energy use institutional factors aff ecting planning in building and development construction, and development processes in Hong Kong transport, and landfi lls. Th is signifi cant rise • examining the institutional framework in the release of GHG emissions has caused a of planning and its role within the number of environmental and public health Hong Kong Special Administrative Region concerns that have begun to threaten the Government. long-term viability and liveability of Hong Kong. Th ese include an annual increase of In addition to participating in these classes, 0.12˚C in temperature per decade between I was also an active participant in fi eldwork 1885 and 2009, an increase in average annual conducted for the preparation of one of the rainfall of 24mm per decade during the same studio projects. Th e project was based on period and sea level rises in the Victoria climate change adaptation in Sham Shui Po Harbour of 14cm between 1954 and 2009. Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 33 Focus

established policy and focus on Transit- buildings which have now been converted into Oriented Development’s in Hong Kong. residential estates and community centres – However, there is a growing recognition that representing an innovative way of reducing this needs to be expanded. Th is expansion has energy consumption from building use and begun to take shape with the introduction construction. of policies and initiatives including the Air Finally, the HKSAR government, in Ventilation Assessment and updated urban partnership with the Hong Kong Planning design guidelines incorporated within the Institute have made bold attempts to inform Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines. the Hong Kong public about the eff ects of Accompanying these standards will be policies climate change and associated adaptation to facilitate the use of cleaner and renewable and mitigation strategies. Th is has been energy and fuel which will contribute towards facilitated by a series of public awareness the overarching commitment of the HKSAR campaigns which raise awareness of the need government which is to achieve a 25% for low carbon planning in Hong Kong. It reduction in energy use by 2030. is hoped that these campaigns will build the Hong Kong’s low carbon vision will also be capacity of community members to actively fulfi lled by the introduction of more ambitious engage with the HKSAR government to legislation on building codes. In the near voice their concerns about the potential future, voluntary building codes on new and impacts of climate change. Furthermore, existing developments will become mandatory these discussions will also provide community for new and existing buildings with the aim members with a platform to suggest ideas that these codes and standards will reduce for potential low carbon technologies that In acknowledging the current and future Hong Kong’s overall energy consumption could contribute towards the development of pressures placed on Hong Kong in the face of while also boosting its energy effi ciency. Th is climate change adaptation strategies. climate change, it stands to reason to recognise attempt to create ‘energy-effi cient’ buildings I was very fortunate to attend one seminar that urban and environmental planning will comes in response to statistics which highlight organised by the Hong Kong Planning play an important role in reducing Hong that approximately 89% of Hong Kong’s Institute which facilitated discussion between Kong’s vulnerability to climate change. In electricity consumption comes from buildings. academic staff , students and the general public response to the threats identifi ed, the concept Th is alarming consumption rate has prompted about climate change. Th e seminar entitled, of a ‘low-carbon vision’ or ‘Low-carbon a series of responses from the HKSAR ‘Planning for Low Carbon Communities’, planning’ is beginning to become adopted and government’s Environmental Protection promulgated by the HKSAR government. included speakers from the university and Department. Th e most prominent of these the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Climate Th e concept of low-carbon planning keeps has been the introduction of a Building Energy Programme. Th is seminar advocated the in line with the principles of sustainable Effi ciency Funding Scheme which will support importance of fulfi lling Hong Kong’s low development, holding that low-carbon the introduction of various building energy carbon vision by adopting principles which planning will promote development that codes. Th is will support the introduction of would allow Hong Kong to shape itself into a balances environmental, social and economic policies aiming to make buildings ‘energy- sustainable city. needs. It implies that development in Hong effi cient’ with building codes to set a Kong will be promoted so long as associated minimum effi ciency standard in buildings A final reflection emissions are kept below specifi ed standards, with the funding to encourage the adoption of While spending countless days and nights which will support the introduction of future effi ciency measures to building owners. climate change mitigation and adaptation wandering through Hong Kong’s maze of While it was unfortunate that many of these strategies. Furthermore, it is expected that skyscrapers I came to understand how this proposed building codes were still under the introduction of low-carbon planning metropolis might be seen as a model for other construction during my visit, I did witness will infl uence current and future land use cities in introducing planning mechanisms some innovative examples of buildings patterns that shape Hong Kong’s natural and to tackle the imminent threat of climate attempting to maximise energy effi ciency. In built environment while also changing the change. Certainly, the principles forming fact, there were several districts which I visited, socio-economic behaviour of its people which the foundation of Hong Kong’s low-carbon including Sham Shui Po and Tseung Wan O, could also reduce energy consumption and vision, discussed in this article, might provide GHG emissions. which were heavily industrialised localities that Australian cities with a platform to begin have been transformed into modern, medium- their plan of attack in sustainably adapting As a step forward, various mechanisms and density urban communities. Rather than to climate change. However, if Australia is to tools have been implemented to begin Hong constructing new buildings, these districts strengthen its position in the climate change Kong’s attack on climate change and move recycled many of the previous industrial adaptation battle, we must learn from our towards a model for low-carbon development. During my visit and discussions with colleagues, there were three key components which stood out in fulfi lling Hong Kong’s low-carbon vision. Th e fi rst component is to achieve emissions reductions from power generation which has been connected to the introduction of various energy emissions and low-carbon standards. Th e reduction of GHG emissions has traditionally been linked to the long-

34 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 Information

On a whole, this cultural exchange program People’s Planner - continued from page 36 was the opportunity of a lifetime for me Th is is just the tip of the iceberg when and has been benefi cial in my professional it comes to my ideas on economic and personal development and I encourage development, all of which are bound to be any young planners to seize the opportunity copper bottomed, iron clad, gold standard to move from the armchair. Furthermore, winning ideas. Copper, gold, iron….a bit of I would like to take this opportunity to a theme developing here. Don’t tell anyone thank some people. Special thanks must go but I have a sneaking suspicion that there to Ms Christina Lo and all of the staff and might be a bit of money to be made in these students at the University of Hong Kong commodities – yet another winner of an idea. for their wonderful hospitality and kindness throughout my stay. And fi nally, I must Another quiet tip - I also think that if you thank Professor Darryl Low Choy and all of purchase a piece of land cheaply and then sell the staff at Griffi th University’s ‘Urban and it at a much higher price you are also onto a Environmental Planning Discipline’ who winner. One of the ways the value of the land made this opportunity possible and have been can be increased is by changing the zone to very supportive throughout my studies to date. increase the development potential. Hence if foreign compatriots – requiring planners to we upzone every piece of land it will be more move out of the armchair to understand how I look forward to one day returning to Hong valuable and taaaadaaaaa…..goodbye GFC, planners can help to attack climate change. Kong and broadening my current knowledge and using this to help Australia understand hello helicopter and Ferrari (I wonder if I can If there was one highlight of this cultural how we can sustainably adapt to the threat of franchise this business model?). exchange program it was this. Recognising climate change. that it is through our personal experiences Well dear reader I tire from solving the world’s and communication with colleagues that will Th omas Gardiner is an undergraduate student problems. Tis time to repair to my bed lined enable planners to eff ectively adapt to and at Griffi th University completing a Bachelor of with copies of the Sustainable Planning Act mitigate any urban or environmental planning Urban and Environmental Planning (Hons)/ and have sweet dream of all things planning. Science (Environment) degree. Th omas issues. Th is is a skill which I know I will hold Until next time I remain yours truly, when I commence my professional planning can be contacted at Th omas.Gardiner@ career in Australia. griffi thuni.edu.au Th e People’s Planner.

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Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 – 35 People’s Planner Another word from the people’s planner Well after a hiatus he is back. Th at’s right the I relax with……..my children. We play And dear reader if I am not mistaken this People’s Planner. We don’t know who he is but material change of use and negotiated decision edition is all about economic development. in these days when it is popular to have INK, it notice. Th ey get a bit miff ed when I try and Not before time I say! It’s about time is rumoured that he has a tattoo of the original impose a setback on the dolls house. someone grasped the nettle and took street layout of Adelaide, as drawn by Colonel I collect……roadside dust. Did you know a serious look at promoting economic Lightfoot, on his left buttock and picture of that roadside dust along major roads has development. Town planning of course has a Burleigh-Griffi n on the right. Th is time, in a high content of platinum from catalytic lot to answer for and I don’t think you would addition to asking the People’s Planner for some convertors? Harvest enough of this and you have heard anybody say this, but we need to oracle like prose on economic development to can make a small fortune. have a serious look at cutting unnecessary red round out the issue, we also got him on the couch tape and regulation. and asked a few up-front and personal questions A book I could not put down was….. Firstly I think we can fi ne tune town about his life…... and here’s what he had to say. Spot goes to the park. It’s amazing how one dimensional Spot’s character is and that his planning to give people maximum choice. In On the Couch (or getting to know the character does not develop throughout the an eff ort to promote economic development people’s planner) book. It also concerns me that he hangs I propose that we change town planning laws such that an individual has the right A vivid childhood memory is…….realising about with a hippo and an alligator. Doesn’t he know how dangerous they are? to do anything they like on their own land. that my sandpit could be easily segregated Secondly in order to protect each individual’s for diff erent pretend land uses (the bit that Th e best thing I have ever done was…. amenity there should be no development Mr Fluff y, the cat, regularly used was zoned compare and contrast the evolution of allowed on land adjacent to their own. Th ere noxious and hazardous industry. Over time performance based planning over a few drinks you go so simple maximum choice while this zone gradually expanded until such time at a dinner party. Strange how the guests protecting amenity. Why is it that I am so seem to tire so easily at my dinner parties! that the zoning map was all dark purple. Mr visionary that I can cut through the turgid Fluff y never did comply with his conditions A song that gives me goosebumps is…..It’s miasma that is planning to deliver a simple of development!). raining men by the weathergirls. You give me and elegant solution to a complex problem? My worst habit is…..tucking my singlet into goosebumps by Christie Allen is a close second. I think we also need to look at some of my underpants. My fi rst town planning memory is….when the successes of the past when it comes to tourism promotion. I recall that in the My guiltiest pleasure is…..lining my bed I was 12 I realised that Uncle Ivan’s roadside 60s, 70s and part of the 80s the way to with copies of the Sustainable Planning Act. pineapple stall was an illegal use. I shopped him to the local council and they closed him attract visitors was to build something BIG. Th e word that best describes me is….. down. We haven’t spoken to this day but Th at’s right, the Big Banana (although I indescribable deep down I think he is thankful. am concerned that the banana in question did not appear to correctly represent any My fi rst job was…..washing utensils in a Th e person I admire most is…..Maximilien known breed of the golden fruit), the big butchers shop. Probably has something to do Ringelmann of La Station d'Essais de pineapple, the big cow, the big sheep, the with my enduring love of small goods. Machines. He invented the Ringelmann scale for measuring the apparent density big prawn, the big oyster and Mike and Mal If I wasn’t a town planner I………would do of Smoke. It was developed in Paris in 1888. Leyland’s big Ayers Rock (ok so it wasn’t something else to mess with people’s amenity, Obviously a man ahead of his time. big compared to the real thing but you get perhaps an architect or an engineer. the idea) at Leyland Brothers world. We My best holiday was…….in Canberra. Th e just could not get enough of BIG things My favourite smell is……..old copies cork oak (Quercus suber) plantation next to and tourism prospered (well Mike and Mal of the Local Government (Planning and the Glenlock Interchange that was planted seemed to take an economic nosedive…..I Environment) Act. at Burleigh-Griffi n’s direction is a sight to still can’t understand). Move away from behold. Visiting Leyland Brothers World things BIG in the tourism world and the Planners... was a close second. industry goes to the pack……..you join the A favourite topic of conversation is……… dots dear reader! Cork. Did you know that Portugal is the Th ere are however some glimmers of hope cork producing capital of the world? on the horizon and I see that in the high Th e single thing that would improve my end of the tourism sector a giant robotic quality of life is……wine bottles moving dinosaur has been used to great eff ect. back to cork instead of screw-tops and To this end I think it is incumbent upon plastic or more television shows about planning provisions to make the inclusion rednecks hunting things. of a dinosaur a standard requirement of all new tourism ventures. Stop the presses, the But now a sage word or two on economic next Queensland Planning Provisions (QPP) development! cannot proceed unless it has a defi nition Well enough of the small talk, yes dear of ‘dinosaur’ and the basis of a dinosaur readers, tis I, the People’s Planner, once code…..now we are cooking with gas. more returning to grace the pages of Queensland Planner. continued on page 35 36 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2013 – Vol 53 No 1 4/'RIÀFHQHZV

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