This issue

From the editor 2 Focus From the president 3 Draft Planning Scheme consultation process 10 News Housing in Mackay 13 National winner returns to Alma Mater 4 Invigoration of the Mackay ‘City Heart’ 15 How To… Prepare an Infrastructure Agreement 5 Mackay city centre…. active centre 17 What’s New – SARA 5 Th e economic engine room of 20 Darling Downs/Lockyer Valley Branch up and running 6 Planning Letters Politics and policy: an historical perspective on regional economic Letters to the editor 6 planning in Australia 23 Planners Planning for Indigenous cultural heritage 27 Barefoot Bowls 7 Planning for Sustainable Communities 29 Cover design by Zara Ali Q&A: Brittany Lauga MPIA 8 www.zaraali.com.au Q&A: Barry Omundson 9 Statutory planning corner 31 From our sponsors 32 Postcard 33 People’s Planner 36

Proposed Development Contact us on 0400 280 149 From: Public Notification Group To: All Town Planning& Development In Queensland At: Head Office Sunshine Coast On: Areas between Sunshine Coast & Rockhampton By: Public Notification Group (Quotes for full Public Notification) Please contact us for any Public : 0400 280 149 Notification required Based on Sunshine Coast, all other Approval Development Permit for Material Change of Use of areas in Queensland by request Sought: Premises – Reconfiguration of A Lot etc. Comment Period: Services: Newspaper Ad, Adjoining Landowners, Signage Visit our Website below       Public Notification Group Mail: Po Box 166, WOOMBYE QLD 4559 : 0400 280 149 Email: [email protected] web: www.publicnotification.com.au

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Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 – 1 From the editor

One good thing about conference time the Queensland coast for much of his Eight decades after the fi rst, Mackay’s is that it provides reason to write an issue life. Defi nitely a ‘Sail-In-Sail-Out’ kind latest planning scheme is in the works of Queensland Planner about a place. Not of guy. and Jaco Ackerman explains that that there’s anything wrong with planning community engagement has been a big issues and themes. But Queensland’s Interesting choice then for a place name emphasis in its preparation (page 10). towns and cities are where most of us live in an era when governors and exchequers Housing aff ordability has been a big issue and work. Th ey merit our focus now (think Brisbane, Gladstone, Cairns et in the city, but is the answer small lots? and again. Spring 2012’s issue on Cairns al.) were more in vogue. Maybe the elites Monique Fenn off ers her view (page 13). was a favourite and I am pleased that this didn’t hold out much hope for the place, Mackay city centre is rich with potential issue will record some of the planning but Mackay’s prosperity and success has and city centre renewal has been a focus stories current in Mackay. been notable, fi rst as the ‘sugar capital’ for Mackay for several years. Two and later as gateway to the Bowen Basin papers, by Michael Jewell (page 15) and Mackay is an interesting city I have and a mining hub. Julie Cardiff (page 17) touch on diff erent visited several times but can’t claim to aspects of this change. know well. Curious to know more about Mackay retains planning interest too. As its clearly Scottish name, I looked up historians of planning in Queensland Casting the net wider, Scott Riley the Australian Dictionary of Biography know, the city was a pioneer. Mark Baker makes a case for greater government entry on John Mackay. J. Mackay (as in his book Visions, Dreams and Plans investment in the Mackay, Whitsunday I’ll call him) was a Scots-born explorer (2012) notes: and Isaac region. More interesting to who ‘discovered’ the area in 1860. He the regional planning question however was Invernesian, the name given to ‘Th e enactment of Th e and is Stewart Somers’ historical perspective those from Inverness (although Glasgow Other Town Planning Schemes Approval on regional economic planning and the slang would just as often suggest the Act of 1934 provided the fi rst statutory fl aws he sees with successive government title ‘choochter’ to a resident of the framework for the preparation of town policies on regional investment (page 23). Highland capital. While not the worst planning schemes in Queensland.’ Recommended reading. thing to say to someone, this term is not a compliment. Glaswegians So does the Mackay of today continue a Also in this issue are two articles touching meanwhile, might cop the descriptor tradition of planning leadership? State on Indigenous planning issues, by Aaron ‘weedgie’ or even ‘soap dodger’ in return. planning conference delegates this Fogal (page 27), and Sharon Harwood Queensland’s inter-city rivalries have got November will get an opportunity to and Nikki Huddy (page 29). A postcard a long way to go.) fi nd out. Meanwhile Queensland Planner from Vancouver by Zoe Boal is our ex- Queensland ration. Anyway, J. Mackay set up a pastoral off ers a taster to this question with a run in the district but didn’t last long, series of articles about contemporary Mike McKeown MPIA continuing on and working up and down planning in and around Mackay. Editor

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2 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 From the president

agricultural production and over 50 per cent of the state’s electricity. Th e emerging resources, manufacturing and construction sectors will also continue to drive the region’s growth. Of course with this growth come many challenges of which planners working directly in this region are well aware. We know that juggling short-term/permanent housing solutions remains a signifi cant issue particularly for Isaac Regional Council, de-amalgamations will also impact Rockhampton and the CSG/LNG will soon be delivering its fi rst exports out of Gladstone and Curtis Island.

Kate Isles MPIA Th is region is however also known for Carnarvon Gorge President PIA Queensland Division its tourism and environmental values source: capricornholidays.com.au including Carnarvon Gorge, Mount Early this year, the Queensland committee the day right through the evening. If you Archer National Park and of course came together for a strategic planning haven’t already booked I would encourage the Keppel Bay Islands National Park. session and one of the initiatives that came you to all attend – I would hate for Th erefore, like many regions across the from this exercise was to host regional anyone to miss out. state, there is a fi ne balance between symposiums in each of our branches. managing the focus on economic growth I am also pleased to announce that on On Th ursday 8th of August I was through the resource sector, protecting the Wednesday afternoon prior to the privileged to attend our fi rst regional our good quality agricultural land, welcome function PIA will co-host a symposium for our diversifying our tourism opportunities and workshop with Department of State branch. Over 70 attendees came together delivering lifestyle aff ordability. Development Infrastrucutre and Planning to discuss and learn and network. Brittany on the proposed new planning legislation. To me this type of complexity is Lauga our Central Queensland convener We approached DSDIP with the idea to what drives and makes our profession developed a diverse program enabling all utilise the great minds across the state to so important. As planners it is our attendees to take something away and test and workshop some of the thinking responsibility to not only think about the apply it to their work. before the new Planning for Queensland’s here and now but also maintain viability Development Act. Th is is an exciting Th e aim of the symposium is to bring the for our future generations. Our planning opportunity for the profession to come industry and profession together to talk instruments need to recognise this and together and infl uence the new legislation locally but importantly reconnect and ensure that the appropriate protections are and how planning should be undertaken connect with colleagues and also ensure in place. in Queensland. that the membership knows what PIA is It is therefore exciting that in only a doing here in Queensland and the nation- To start this process I was joined by nearly matter of weeks the planning profession wide agenda. 25 planners in Brisbane recently to start will come together for our annual state documenting our thoughts on the new It seems fi tting given this Queensland conference in Mackay. Th is is our legislation. Th e group were asked the Planner is focussed on Mackay that the opportunity to showcase the work of following three questions: fi rst symposium was held in what is known the profession, exchange knowledge and as the economic engine room for the state. learnings and importantly network whilst • What is the purpose of planning legislation? Th is isn’t surprising given that the Fitzroy having a bit of fun! and Central West region is responsible Shannon and her team have done a • What does planning for development for almost 40 per cent of Queensland’s fantastic job in developing a program that mean to you? coal production, over 14 per cent of its will keep you enthused from the start of • What would your perfect planning act look like? Th ere were a number of consensus views formed by this group including the need for PIA to push for ‘development assessment’ to be re-phrased as ‘plan implementation’. I personally fully support this notion and was left dumbfounded when a young planner said to be recently ‘I can’t wait Planners at the recent CQ symposium in Rockhampton Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 – 3 News

to be a planner once I leave development when it comes to our level of assessments assessment’. After I nearly choked and tables as one group suggested: green, reassured them that they were indeed a orange, red or Yes, No, Maybe or my planner, it did get me thinking that our suggestion ‘approval required’, ‘approval profession has become really become with community consultation required’ or one of strategic planning vs development ‘no approval required’? assessment and not one where everyone Whilst this isn’t an exhaustive list I believe is a planner and that some specialise it is an important discussion that we as the in plan-making and others in plan- planning profession should have and should implementation. We need to change this drive in the broader planning debate. What thinking and PIA needs to lead this charge. are your thoughts? What language would So I have pledged to start embedding this you like to see used? Lets start this chat and language into my thinking and I would see what others think also. encourage you all to do so as well. Another exciting event coming up on the Another interesting discussion was around PIA event calendar will be our annual TV news covering PIAs Townsville planning scheme seminar the language we use. For me one of the PIA Queensland Awards for Planning challenges I believe we have had in gaining Excellence. Th is year our awards ceremony the fi rst session on the new Townsville community awareness is due to the will be held on World Town Planning Day Planning Scheme. Over 120 attendees complex nature of the language we use. at the conclusion of our state conference and plenty of media came along to ‘Impact’ and ‘code’ doesn’t mean anything in Mackay. Th is year we are theming our hear about how the planning scheme to the average resident. I therefore awards night ‘Celebrating our Regions’. would drive support Townsville’s growth challenged the group to think of diff erent We will revisit some of our previous over the next 10 years and beyond. language that has meaning and application regional winners and look at some of the Congratulations to our branch convener to many and important the community. signifi cant planning changes that have Heidi Cooke for jumping on the front After all isn’t it the community who is our happened over the years. So much of our foot and securing an important session for ultimate audience and user? state’s success comes from our regions and our members and the industry. it’s important that we acknowledge and So why can’t we use language from our In closing I would encourage members continue to acknowledge this work! plan-making to plan-implementation that to attend the PIA Queensland Annual is plain English? Why not use ‘encouraged I’m exciting by what is happening in and Meeting to be held on Monday 21 development’, ‘supported development’ around our regions. And as I type our October at Allens, Level 31, 123 and ‘discouraged development’? Perhaps North Queensland branch has hosted Eagle Street.

National winner returns to Alma Mater Dan Molloy Th e National Awards for Planning of our Queensland winners could not Outstanding Secondary Student Project Excellence dinner held at the National attend on the night, but an opportunity to Award at the 2012 Queensland Awards Arboretum in Canberra in March was ensure that her achievement could be duly for her investigation into the issues and a memorable occasion that recognised recognised was created recently. management of the Macgregor Terrace, outstanding planners and outstanding Simpsons Road and Jubilee Terrace planning outcomes. Unfortunately, one Alexandra Gilley, a Year 12 Stuartholme intersection at Bardon in Brisbane. Her School student in 2012, had won the project was further recognised at the national level for its insights into how improvements can be made to the local area through integrated planning actions.

PIA State Manager, Dan Molloy, presented Alexandra with her national award at a full Stuartholme assembly, allowing Alexandra to be recognised in front of around six hundred of her former schoolmates and no doubt providing inspiration to many to follow her lead.

4 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3

1262 PQ PIP Advert (Jan 2011)_PRINT_OL.indd 1 31/01/11 3:14 PM News How To… Prepare an Infrastructure Agreement Brisbane, 11 June 2013 John Brannock LFPIA

Scott Turner’s experience as a strategic council to design and construct part of planner is refl ected in his recent paper and a town centre bypass. An Infrastructure presentation highlighting the importance of Agreement allowed the applicant to Infrastructure Agreements. Scott provided donate material to council for road impressive arguments to pinpoint the construction as a compromise for reason why Infrastructure Agreements additional fi nancial payment of the are necessary for achieving infrastructure bypass. outcomes under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and is paramount to signifi cant • A large scale industrial development use of such agreements in the future. posed serious impacts on the state and local road networks. An Infrastructure Scott emphasises that Infrastructure Agreement proposed a staging Agreements are most benefi cial to ‘out of agreement where the more land a sequence’ developments and large-scale proponent owns, the greater percentage master planned developments which require of contribution. Th is staging staged infrastructure investment. Th is can be • highlight the requirements and interest program allowed council to receive seen in countless scenarios, three of which of the council for the development fi nancial, land or works contributions were highlighted in Turner’s presentation to counteract the eff ects of the • facilitate benefi ts for the wider which highlight positive outcomes for the community local council and the developer. development on the road network. • have the ability to apply staging Th e case studies highlighted by Scott • A tourist development which proposed programs to infrastructure contribution signifi cant tourist accommodation in clearly identify the advantages that addition to fi lling the gap of lacking Infrastructure Agreements can provide to • are an opportunity to facilitate commercial and retail services in council and developers. He acknowledges development. that early recognition of development the area utilised an Infrastructure Scott has personal experience that interests is key in order to develop a Agreement to facilitate an approval Infrastructure Agreements are successful and appropriate agreement for for a substantive tourist development signifi cantly important for achieving both parties as they: for the development and equitable infrastructure outcomes under the Act, infrastructure payments to the council. • articulate level of certainty for in addition to improving infrastructure • An expansion to a quarry facility developer networks for the wider resulted in a condition imposed by community.

What’s New – SARA Brisbane, 25 June 2013 Steve Craven MPIA

Th e State Assessment and Referral Between them, Steve and Kerry reminded and introduces SDAP and State Codes, Agency (SARA) commenced its role in us of the 56 current referral triggers which are designed to focus assessment development applications on 1 July. In and the occasional glitches produced outcomes onto matters of relevance to the the week before, we received an overview by uncoordinated referral agency respective technical agencies. and training from those responsible for its responses. Th ey outlined the State implementation – Steve Conner, DSDIP’s Development Assessment Provisions Th e SARA team sees its role as not only Executive Director for Development (SDAP) and the MyDAS system, created co-ordinating referrals and responses, but Assessment, and Kerry Reithmuller, to handle on-line lodgement of all DAs also managing the content and relevance Director of the SARA Team. With a where the State is assessment manager of responses. DSDIP welcomes feedback promise of a more effi cient system that and all referrals of other DAs. Th e on all aspects of the system, especially cuts costs and time for applicants, SARA SARA website (http://www.dsdip.qld. in its fi rst few months of operation. It has been eagerly anticipated. In a fi rst, gov.au/about-planning/sara.html) shows wants to ensure that the system is as the seminar was broadcast live online to all referral layers via a map, prescribes eff ective as it can be. participants in Mackay and Townsville. technical agency (referral agency) fees

Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 – 5 News - Letters Darling Downs/Lockyer Valley Branch up and running Dan Molloy

PIA returned to the Darling Downs attended by PIA National President Dy ‘Th e importance of professional and Locker Valley region in July, with a Currie and PIA State Manager Dan Molloy. development to regional members was ‘How to…’ session which focused on the evident, with attendees travelling from drafting of conditions that are lawful, Th e session was presented by Michael Chinchilla, Miles, Warwick and Toowoomba certain and enforceable. Leong (Corrs Chambers Westgarth) and to attend the session’, James said. examined the statutory and common Th irty planning professional attended law tests that apply when drafting and Th anks to Michael Leong and the event the event held at the Empire Th eatre in interpreting conditions. Th e lengthy sponsor, Toowoomba Regional Toowoomba. Branch Convenor James Q&A session demonstrated attendee’s Council. Juhasz chaired the session which was also deep interest in the topic.

Dear Editor is interesting to note that the members interests. Th is can also dent the self- survey (2012 membership survey results confi dence of planners. As a non-planner and only on the fringe in action) indicates urban design is the of the planner community, I feel self- last on the list of the top fi ve PD areas of Cultures, in whatever sense or fi eld of conscious of making any comment on the interest. Is it because everyone is already endeavour, are not without the values engaging content of the Winter edition too well up to speed? Th ere are too many and goals components. Dispersing and of Queensland Planner but I would like to examples that lead one to question this. diverging values are unlikely to be good off er a few observations. for culture building and consolidation or However, I want to defend my colleagues strengthening of self-image. Are values We all need to feel that our contribution by reminding that all that we do is within under challenge? to society matters. Urban designers the political context. Politicians rule the have been struggling to maintain their world (country, state, local area), not Finally, I express the strongest support ground for decades. Th e undermining planners. If they did, no doubt it would for your plea that planners should use of self confi dence probably has a good be a better place. Th erefore, don’t beat their cameras more to tell a story. While deal to do with planners being often seen yourself up because you don’t think you the image conveys only part of the story, by the property industry as well as the matter. Th e chances are that your passions it certainly puts more attention on the political community as obstructionists about how the world can or should be results of planning than the processes. and delayers. I cannot help but draw made better do not line up with the Can this be another direction for culture the observation that this sentiment current political agendas (local or state). change? has probably been driven by changing Kate Isles (From the president) has no Juris Grest e OAM politics and the growth in muscle power uncertainty that what she does matters of the development sector. Of course, the but dare I say, her career is probably not development industry as well as some typical. political groups would like to see few restraints. A lay person like me sees the As to who shapes the world today for planning process necessary to mediate the tomorrow, I have to take some exception broader interests of the public against the with Dy Currie and Kate Isles piece narrower interests of shareholders. I note (Planning matters: shaping the world the focus of the endeavours written up today for tomorrow). No, planners do not in Scott Smith’s article (Cultural change ‘deliver a place to sleep…’ to ‘ a place intrinsic to development assessment reform) to heal…hospitals, schools, aged care.’ is on shortening and simplifying the Other professionals do that. I often wish approvals process. Th is of course saves that planners were able to exercise more money for local government (the public) curbing infl uence on some of our other as well as the industry. However, there is professional colleagues. Planning sets the very little mention about ensuring that frameworks and processes which much in the streamlining process, speed and of the time get knocked badly out of quantity is not at the cost of quality. It shape by politics and powerful sectional

6 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 Planners

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Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 – 7 Planners Q&A: Brittany Lauga MPIA Dan Molloy

Brittany Lauga is a passionate young You have a wide range of a traditional-owner led project involving planner. She is the team leader for experience. What is your career a coal mine and export facility north- Planning Services at CQG Consulting in highlight to date? west of Cooktown, and Boulder Steel Rockhampton. She is very active in PIA and which is a proposed steel mill just is currently its Central Qld branch convenor. I grew up going to Great Keppel Island, outside of Gladstone. I am also involved so working on its redevelopment was a in consultation with the Gladstone What triggered your interest in fantastic experience. I learnt a lot about community on the East Shores $45 planning? the Great Barrier Reef and engaging million waterfront redevelopment project. with the community. I worked closely I was studying law and discovered two with the disability community and the Th e economies in areas such as years into it that I wasn’t passionate proponent, Tower Holdings, to negotiate Rockhampton and Mackay are in about it. I looked elsewhere and found a commitment to equitable access transition. What are the key economic planning. It may seem that I stumbled throughout the island that I am very and social issues confronting planners in into a planning career, but my love proud of. An equitable access consultant your region? for geography and social science were will be involved in the detailed design of underlying forces that steered me into the Th e downturn in mining has resulted in the proposal so people with a disability, degree at QUT. a lot of job losses and as a consequence people with prams, the elderly and people of that, we are now seeing job losses in Was undertaking your planning with an injury are able to enjoy the island mining supply chain businesses. Other degree different to what you too! issues aff ecting our region include cuts in expected? What does your current role entail? government spending, deamalgamation of the Rockhampton Regional Council, It was more than what I expected. Th e I am currently working on a number of growing unemployment and increases in planning degree at QUT made me Environmental Impact Statement projects the cost of living. think in new ways, about new ideas across the state. I do some DA work On the positive side, the approval by all and challenged my views on the world. for clients around central Queensland. three levels of government of the Great Placemaking intrigued me, I loved I am excited to be working with the Keppel Island project has resulted renewed learning how the Romans shaped our Moranbah Cumulative Impacts Group interest in investment in the region. Th e cities and reading about the likes of to investigate the impact of dust on Gracemere Industrial Area is attracting Jane Jacobs and Christopher Alexander’s the Moranbah community. Th e group major industry looking to establish their contributions to planning, thinking comprises council, mining, industry operations in our region. diff erently about economic development and community representatives. I am and learning about the importance of currently developing a communications While there are debates about whether the sustainability to planning. plan to inform key stakeholders about the mining boom is over, Moranbah, Emerald, group and its role in Moranbah. Dysart and Clermont are still very busy and there are a number of major projects What are the advantages of still in the approvals pipeline. Moranbah is being a planning professional in about to be almost completely landlocked a regional area? by surrounding mines! I am very lucky to live and work in this What are your interests away region. Housing is aff ordable, it takes six from work? minutes to get to work every morning, the beach and the Great Barrier Reef are Going to the gym, travelling the world, only a short drive and it takes an hour camping at Byfi eld and around the to fl y to Brisbane. Th ere is a fabulous islands with my husband Wayne and our social network, particularly for young chocolate labrador Apollo, fi shing and professionals and business people. snorkelling around Keppel Bay, heading out in Coorooman Creek to drop crab I have been lucky to work on some pots, relaxing at Keppel Sands and my amazing projects early in my career Wednesday night get together with including Great Keppel Island, the friends for $2 tacos! Fitzroy Terminal coal export facility at Brittany Lauga Port Alma, the Wongai Project which is 8 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 Planners Q&A: Barry Omundson Dan Molloy

large scale infrastructure projects on time are friendly, they love their sport and the Barry Omundson was appointed Chief and within budget. Moreover, it needs city off ers everything that you can do in a Executive of Mackay Regional Council to be the right infrastructure at the right major capital city. Th e region off ers over 30 in February 2013. He is an experienced time; one that the local government local beaches, is close to the Whitsundays, executive with a varied range of experiences can aff ord from a full asset life cycle the majestic mountains and the rugged to bring to the table as CEO of our 2013 management framework. beauty of the surrounding inlands. PIA State Conference city. Queensland Planner took the opportunity to get to know Delivering infrastructure in isolation is The mining boom is in transition. him a little better. fraught with challenges and can have What are the strategic lasting impacts when not considered opportunities in the region? You have had an interesting career strategically. Our council has given the path. What have been some of green light to start work on a Regional Mining and engineering services will the key roles you have held? Sustainability Strategy, which seeks to always be a part of our economy, but address a range of land use, infrastructure we need to change the entrenched I have worked for some progressive and fi nancial issues we face now and into expectation that business as usual will and inspiring companies but I still the future and provide a platform for continue. We have a diverse, buoyant remember my time in the Navy, joining regional sustainability. economy and leisure tourism, agriculture as a 15 year old apprentice. I have held and exports through our ports will numerous senior positions as CEO NQ You returned to Mackay Regional ensure our survival and provides diff erent Water, Deputy CEO at Council earlier this year. What are opportunities. Council and spent a wonderful few years the key challenges in your role as as a technical advisor to the Western CEO? We need to enhance the opportunities in Samoa Government. sugar, retail and building. Our growth will Th e key challenges for me are people and continue, maybe not as rapidly as we have How does your previous infrastructure, both of which underpin witnessed, so it is important we support experience in the infrastructure organisational sustainability. Everything local business to allow them to prosper. arena assist you in dealing with that occurs in our organisation is activated specific issues today? through the behaviours of our people. How does your new planning scheme address these? Having worked in a multinational To that end a key focus is to develop contractor organisation trying to get a culture at Mackay Regional Council Rolling three schemes into one has been the most out of a contract with local that inspires extraordinary performance, an enormous undertaking. Th e new government I can well appreciate the innovation and a desire to provide the scheme strikes a balance between growth, inherent risks associated with delivering best service to our clients – the residents protecting our natural assets and making of the region. good use of the land available.

Mackay region is one of the fastest Th e new scheme ensures sugar has a growing areas in Australia, yet with a viable future, while meeting the growth relatively small rateable income. For needs of our region. We need people example, to support this high growth, living on smaller lots to meet the while also trying to maintain and replace changing needs of residents and the existing assets we are able to draw revenue scheme strikes a balance between smaller from only 49,180 rateable properties. residential lots and the desire to have Compare this to Townsville with 77,000 fl exible options. rateable properties, Cairns with 78,187 and Sunshine Coast at 152,332 rateable Y ou have been a keen sportsman. properties you can see how diffi cult it is What do you do now to relax? from a fi nancial sustainability perspective. Nothing beats a good drop of Chardonnay What is special about Mackay? on the back deck with some friends. I love all sports and watch my favourite teams Th e relaxed tropical lifestyle is a huge when I can. I also enjoy getting out and attraction, but being close to family is about with my wife Toni to see another reason for the change. Th e people this beautiful country. Barry Omundson Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 – 9 Focus Draft Mackay Region Planning Scheme consultation process Jaco Ackerman MPIA Community engagement has never been more Engagement Guidelines provide a set of criteria important in an age where accountability, that determines whether a project will require transparency and customer service are a pivotal part community engagement. To qualify, a project only of council's ethos, operations and services. has to meet one of the eight criteria. Th e criteria cover matters such as strong community concern Th e community engagement process has changed or interest, statutory obligations and changes to the signifi cantly since Mackay Regional Council last use of signifi cant areas of land. undertook public consultation of a planning scheme back in 2005. Th e draft planning scheme met all eight criteria, Since 2005, the region has witnessed a number which was one of the driving forces that led to of changes and challenges. Th e Mackay region's the development of the largest single community population has continued to grow into a more engagement processes ever undertaken by council. diverse and transient community, three local To manage this process a Community Engagement governments amalgamated, council's strategic Plan was developed to ensure all residents, land owners planning team increased from two to ten staff and stakeholders had the opportunity to comment and social media platforms such as Facebook and on the draft planning scheme. As a result, Mackay Twitter became part of everyday life. Regional Council's promise to the public was: Th e days of placing a draft planning scheme on the table in council's foyer and waiting for the public 'We will keep you informed, listen to and to come to you are over. Modern community acknowledge concerns and provide feedback on engagement is about embracing change, embracing how your input infl uenced the decision.’ the use of technology, and taking and delivering Guiding concepts your message to the public in every way possible. 1. Take the information to the people Th is article refl ects on the processes and events of the recently completed public consultation of the One of the key objectives of the public consultation draft Mackay Region Planning Scheme. Council process was to take the information to the people. utilised a number of tools and techniques to Submission boxes at Th e engagement process was designed to use a customer service centres and achieve a successful public consultation process that combination of face-to-face, paper-based and libraries went above and beyond the statutory guidelines electronic methods to reach as many people as under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA). possible rather than employing the traditional Background consultation methods of blanket information sessions and newspaper notices. In June 2011 Mackay Regional Council commenced the preparation of a Queensland A primary focus of the public consultation was Planning Provision (QPP) compliant planning targeted stakeholder meetings and information scheme for the region. Following state review and sessions. While the traditional community approval to commence public notifi cation, council information sessions still played an important commenced public notifi cation of the draft Mackay role in the process, engaging key stakeholders and Region Planning Scheme (draft planning scheme) groups through meetings and information sessions on 10 May 2013. was of equal importance. Th is allowed for session content to be tailored to the interests of the key Th e formal consultation was originally set for a stakeholder groups and presented at a time and 10 week period; however this period was further location convenient for them. extended in July by an additional two weeks to 2 August 2013. Additional key methods of consultation included: • letters issued to aff ected landowners The engagement plan • bus tour with the development industry Council's Community Engagement Guidelines • displays at the Mackay Show and city centre informed the development of a comprehensive community day community engagement plan that went above and beyond the minimum statutory consultation • duty planner service and one-on-one requirements under SPA. Th e Community appointments. 10 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 Focus

2. Advertise, advertise and advertise It is important to develop and execute an extensive and eff ective advertising campaign that ensures your message gets out there and raises public awareness of the product and of the process. Without widespread public awareness you simply will not get the feedback that is needed to inform improvements to the planning scheme. Eff ective advertising can prevent customer responses of 'why wasn't I made aware of this' and prevents customer angst, frustration and distrust. For example, within the fi rst few days of the consultation, a member of the public left a phone message enquiring about the draft planning scheme. Upon returning the call, the customer advised that she was going to 'give council a mouthful' because she hadn't heard about the draft planning scheme, however within the space of the day she had heard three radio advertisements and read an advertisement in the newspaper. Needless to say, she how many people viewed the 2005 scheme during Promoting draft planning public consultation, it is fair to say that this scheme on the back of a did not proceed to 'give council a mouthful'. bus. number did not exceed 24,759. Th e draft planning scheme was advertised through various methods, including eNewsletters, Additional ways in which technology was utilised newspaper and radio advertisements, council's throughout the public consultation period include: telephone hold message, special displays at • Th e development of an interactive mapping customer service centres and libraries, community system that allowed the public to search property noticeboards, email signatures, and social media specifi c information, choose background images, updates on Facebook and Twitter. switch between overlay and strategic framework 3. Embrace technology layers and print directly from the system. Th e online mapping page received almost 3,000 Never before has technology provided the unique visits. Interestingly, most visitors spend engagement opportunities as it does now. In an age a considerable time on the webpage and looked where computer ownership is taken for granted at a number of areas or overlays. Th e web-page and Facebook and Twitter is deeply entrenched in received 1.9 million requests or instructions today's culture, utilising technology is now a must during the consultation period, with an average in any community engagement exercise. of more than 650 instructions per visitor. Th e eff ect of technology is no more evident than • Online enquiries: From the planning scheme when comparing the public consultation of the webpage, stakeholders were able to make an Mackay City Planning Scheme in 2005 and the online enquiry. Th e target response time to Draft Mackay Regional Planning Scheme in 2013. enquiries was fi ve days but most responses were To view the draft planning scheme in 2005 you provided within 2-3 days. Th e online enquiries were required to visit Council's Administration were very popular, with almost 90% of all types Building where a hard copy of the document was of draft scheme enquiries (online, telephone, one- available for viewing. To then make a submission on-one appointments) made online. you were required to submit a signed letter lodged • Online submissions: 70% of submissions were in physical form to Council. received electronically through use of the online submission form or by email. In 2013 with access to a computer you could view • eNewsletter: An eNewsletter was developed to the scheme and its interactive mapping, lodge a keep stakeholders up to date with the planning submission, browse factsheets and lodge online scheme process. Th e fi rst eNewsletter was released enquiries, all at the click of a button. during July 2011 with 15 further eNewsletters Th e ease in which people within the region and issued prior to the formal consultation period. across the planet could access the draft planning During the twelve week consultation period scheme contributed to the planning scheme webpage twelve eNewsletters were issued to 970 subscribed attracting 24,759 visits over the 12 week consultation recipients. period, 13,564 of these from unique computers. • All council email signatures had an image and While there are no hard fi gures on record detailing link to the planning scheme web page.

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• Newspaper articles sparked interest in the draft planning scheme which encouraged readers to further research information on the web page. • Website visits increased before and after community information sessions. • Newsletters provided a prompt for subscribers to view the draft scheme, especially in the fi rst few weeks of the consultation period. 5. Decide to listen or defend. Developing a draft planning scheme is no small Figure : Post on Facebook • Laptops with internet access were available at feat and naturally if you are involved in the plan - Community Information the various community information sessions, making process, you want to defend your position. Session allowing community members to search To ensure we kept to our promise to inform, the planning scheme webpage, the online listen and acknowledge concerns, it was important mapping system or the draft planning scheme to make a conscious decision to not take the electronically. Th is assisted in responding to defensive. Th e strategic planning team did a great enquiries from attendees prior, during and after job in facilitating dialogue, providing information the formal briefi ng. on the draft planning scheme, explaining how • Twitter and Facebook: Updates on consultation outcomes were developed and encouraging people events and the consultation process were provided to lodge a submission. Th is was a challenging but on Council's Facebook and Twitter pages. Th is extremely rewarding part of the process. form of communication is relatively easy to use and is free. Where to from here? 4. If you want people to be interested, Th e conclusion of the public notifi cation of the draft you have to make it interesting. planning scheme marked an important milestone in the public consultation process. A post community As interesting as planning schemes are to those of engagement programme to review and respond to us who live and breathe it every day, it is important the submissions, including hearings on the more to realise that not everyone in the community complex submission issues, is currently underway. lives in 'town planning land' or shares our mutual excitement and understanding. Whilst you may To measure the success of the public consultation, have arrived at 2031 (intents and outcomes of the various (online) surveys will be distributed to a scheme), to get the community to see 2031, as you randomly selected list of stakeholders, meeting do, you need to take them on the journey. attendees, newsletter subscribers and submitters. Th e survey will include questions to measure the Targeted stakeholder approach discussed previously satisfaction of stakeholders during the formal allowed for our engagement to deliver each public consultation period. stakeholder group with information tailored to their specifi c area of interest and an opportunity Summary for discussion around these specifi c topics. Areas Th ere is much that Council has learnt from of interest were broken down into key themes such undertaking this draft planning scheme community as healthy natural environment, strong economy, engagement process. Good community engagement responsive rural communities and agriculture, alongside accountability, transparency and protecting heritage; and locality based themes customer service are a pivotal part of Council's structured around the fi ve urban areas, growth areas ethos, operations and services. and rural catchments. It is ever so important to understand modern A key consultation message focussed on making the community engagement that embraces change, planning scheme relevant to the reader, evoking the utilises technology, and takes and delivers your question: 'What does it mean for me?' Newspaper message to the public in every way possible. advertisements advertising community information sessions focused on the specifi c urban area and Th e tools and techniques you choose to utilise evoked thoughts about what the area would be like for community consultation will determine a in 20 years. successful public consultation process that goes above and beyond the statutory guidelines under A review of the draft planning scheme website visits the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA). highlights a direct correlation between website visits and the release of newspaper articles, eNewsletters Th e fi nal take home message from this consultation and information sessions. Th e following process: to listen, acknowledge and provide observations can be made: feedback. 12 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 Focus Housing in Mackay Monique Fenn MPIA (Graduate)

Supporting the population is probably one of driven the marketing notion that traditional lots the most important aims a city can achieve. are what the market wants to cater for rear yard Within a region highlighted as one of Queensland’s access and large sheds for the boat and other large growth areas, this is particularly important and toys. Th e fact these smaller lots are being accepted the supply of aff ordable housing has been given indicates that there is, and probably always was, an increased focus within the industry and the a percentage of the market that did not need community. Within the last three years, there has the larger lots, and was being denied this more been an obvious change in the housing market. aff ordable product as result. Encouraged by local council policies, and driven by the current economic climate, along with the Regardless of the consumers thinking on changing attitude of the general public and the lifestyle, the rise in small lots has partly been constraints of the land, more and more housing a result of lack of land. In viewing the region’s stock now has a strong focus on small lots. New patchwork from above, it is evident the eight estate developments such as Andergrove Lakes, million hectares surrounding the city limits is vital Woodlands and Rivers Edge have all successfully agricultural land. When the region’s agricultural embraced the ‘smaller is better’ attitude and are production has a gross value of $888 million Woodlands-Andergrove quickly becoming desired hotspots in the area. (2010-2011) it’s a fairly important aim to locals masterplan

It is no secret the resource boom impacts the aff ordability of the surrounding area. With Mackay off ering high accessibility to the mines, house and land prices have skyrocketed in recent years, heavily impacting on most people’s ability to purchase a home, but particularly impacting on fi rst home buyers. With the parallel rise in living costs and household expenses, due to both the impacts of the resource boom and general increase in everyday living, newcomers and new builders are looking to save money. Th e size of the backyard is one such sacrifi ce that can be made with no real consequences to their lifestyles. Simply put, many people just can’t aff ord large lots.

Forgoing the backyard isn’t too much of a sacrifi ce however when you look at the general change in attitudes, which has been acknowledged across the world. Our lifestyles now are far diff erent to that envisioned even 30 years ago. We have become experts at creating housing with a focus on indoor comforts, sealed in with grid powered ventilation and our forever growing supply of electrical devices. Th e traditional backyard BBQs and sandpits has been replaced by iPads and media rooms. For many, a backyard is simply not considered necessary, not to mention the maintenance of the garden being far too troublesome for our busy lives. Small allotments have removed the backyard, and all the extra work that comes with it, whilst still allowing for our suitably sized homes that fi t our new lifestyles.

Mackay boasts one of the highest rates of boat ownership in the state, and for many years that has

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Developers around the region have responded positively and Mackay’s estate developments are still selling quickly, despite the recent downturn in the mining industry. Off ering a range of housing types, with a particular emphasis on smaller lot sizes, these estates are expected to house the majority of the region’s mounting population.

Although it is acknowledged that smaller lot sizes and increased densities are a typical trend across most cities and regions, Mackay’s transition has been both quick and noticeable. A refl ection of growth pressures, land constraints and changing attitudes, it is now highly desirable to focus on the house, not the size of the block. Higher densities are pushed in the industry as a more sustainable Andergrove Lakes artists and Queenslanders alike to protect that land. outcome, so it is encouraging to all to see the impression Th e region is also dotted with wetlands fed by a industry and community embrace the ‘smaller is network of natural waterways weaving through the better’ attitude. land. Th ese riparian areas are vital to maintaining water quality and fi ltering water before it enters Andergrove Lakes the Great Barrier Reef. Additionally, the region boasts over 450,000ha of remnant vegetation. Th e Andergrove Lakes is a mixed use development land available for urban development therefore is comprising of residential, tourist and commercial restricted to a relatively small area. Th e only logical uses. Planned and built by the owners of other way to provide an increased housing stock is to cable ski parks, two large lakes will feature a increase densities. Consequently, there has been a cable ski park (one to international competition greater pressure to increase population densities to standard) surrounded by higher density residential meet the demand of housing, whilst also protecting overlooking the water. Th e development will also the state’s assets. feature a commercial precinct, backpackers lodge, short term accommodation and a child care centre. Th e shift to small lot sizes has been a rather quick aff air. Th e Mackay region has a population Th e development has a focus of mixed housing exceeding 118,000 persons and the population types off ering terrace housing, small lot housing, growth has exceeded 3% per annum since the 2001 duplexes and standard residential allotments. census. It is predicted an extra 50,000 persons will Woodlands call Mackay home within the next 30 years. Th ese people will clearly need to be provided housing, A joint venture between the Economic and fast. As of June this year, the local council now Development Queensland (former ULDA) approves approximately 120 allotments per month, and Mackay Regional Council, Woodlands which has risen from approximately 25 allotments Andergrove has been designed as a vibrant inclusive per month in 2008. Given the above, small lots community, providing a diverse range of high have been the preferred method of providing the quality, smartly designed and well-priced homes Rivers Edge supply required. and living options. Small, aff ordable housing is a focus of the development, with allotments as small as 95m2, and an emphasis on attached housing. Rivers Edge Located just outside the CBD, Rivers Edge is a recently developed estate with a focus on small lots. With frontages of 7.5m and areas between 230-260m2, the lots remain aff ordable whilst still providing a single detached dwelling.

14 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 Focus Invigoration of the Mackay ‘City Heart’ Michael Jewell MPIA

Th e focus of this article is themed on planning function as the economic and commercial centre measures to support the invigoration of the for the region with the largest mix of uses and Mackay ‘City Heart’. Th e ‘City Heart’ in the a concentration of retail, commercial, health, CBD can be described as the traditional mixed use, medical, cultural, recreational, and community entertainment and commercial centre for Mackay, activities. In the recently released draft Mackay characterised by heritage streetscapes and towering Region Planning Scheme, council is to be ‘royal’ palms in the centre medians. In this context congratulated for reinforcing and maintaining this there are similarities with this traditional ‘City principal activity centre role for the CBD, as the Heart’ and that of Townsville and Cairns. focus for higher order activity within the region.

In Mackay, the ‘City Heart’ has an east-west spine Th is clear planning policy commitment at a state along Victoria Street and is notionally framed and council level can act as a stimulus for major on the east by Sydney Street and on the west by investment in the CBD, evidenced by the recent Gregory Street. In 2013 Mackay Regional Council major expansion in Mackay of Caneland Central was fortunate in receiving a signifi cant funding Shopping Centre, located approximately fi ve boost for refurbishment works in the CBD. A city blocks to the west of the ‘City Heart’. Th is funding application to Regional Development recent centre extension included a new Myer store, Australia was approved by the Federal Government specialities, expanded food court and alfresco in June, with up to $8.8 million in funding. dining at footpath level, which ‘externalised’ this Coupled with Council’s budgeted spend on these traditional ‘regional’ shopping centre. In 2012 works, this amounts to a total development cost Lend Lease was awarded a regional commendation of $18.6 million for the City Centre Public Realm for this extension at the North Queensland Improvement Project. Th e refurbishment of the Regional Architecture Awards. Th e jury citation ‘City Heart’ will provide a welcome boost to the for this commendation said: CBD, with a focus on pedestrian and shopper activity and increased commercial rental. ‘Caneland Central Shopping Centre in Mackay represents a successful transformation and However, it is considered that this expenditure reimaging of a regional shopping centre in a alone will not ensure the invigoration of the CBD regional centre. Referencing local built form, is maintained in the medium to long term. It materiality as well a clever use of natural light is proposed that such expenditure needs to be the interiors are light, bright and inventive. underpinned and supported by clearly articulated Exceptional energy savings and a real connectivity planning policy and strategy. to the riverside park, this building has made Mackay City Centre Cnr In the Mackay Isaac and Whitsunday Regional Plan, a substantial contribution to the city. Terrifi c Wood and Victoria Streets artwork completes the story.’ the Mackay CBD is identifi ed as the principal http://www. activity centre for the region and is intended to mackayregion.com/

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between these precincts would appear to be that the former is proposed for predominantly short term accommodation, including hotels, motels and the like. Th e latter mixed use precinct is intended for accommodating both residential mixed use and commercial mixed use developments. Th e main highlighting point here is that compared with the current 2006 planning scheme, it appears to be council’s intention that the ‘City Heart’ now be dealt with separately and diff erently from a land use perspective to the balance of the CBD.

Th is diff erence in treatment under the draft planning scheme is even more pronounced when it comes to intended maximum applicable building heights for various parts of the CBD. Building heights in the Mackay City Centre Local Plan area are regulated through a specifi c map that provides for four separate building height areas. For the ‘city centre’ and Caneland Central Shopping Centre areas, it is proposed that they be included in building height area 2, which provides for a maximum building height of 26m (8 storeys) and a minimum building height of 14m (4 storeys). It is noted that the area in between the ‘City Heart’ and Caneland Central Shopping Centre is proposed to be included Top: Draft - Mackay City At the same time, there is concern with the draft in building height area 1, which provides for a Centre Local Area Plan, planning scheme in the way it is proposing to Mackay City Centre maximum building height of 50m AHD. Strategy and Urban Design deal with the supporting network of centres in the Principals, March 2013 city. Th e strategic framework for the draft scheme Th e impact of this intended reduced building Author: Mackay Regional provides for a hierarchy of centres, including: height for the ‘city centre’ is that under the draft Council - Page 25 planning scheme the traditional historical centre • Principal centre of the CBD would no longer coincide with the Bottom: Caneland Central • Major centre highest intensity of built form in the city. Th is Australian Design Review, • District centre, and will make Mackay, for the fi rst time, signifi cantly Photo by Ethan Rohloff diff erent to both Cairns and Townsville, where their • Local centre. respective planning schemes maintain the highest Whilst the general principal of identifying a intensity of development (18-20 storeys) centred network of centres is supported, the identifi cation on their traditional city centre areas. In Mackay, of the suburb of Ooralea (approximately 6km south this will potentially lead to a shifting over time of of the CBD) as the location of a new Major centre the ‘city centre’ defi ned by the highest intensity (similar in scale and retail function to the existing of development, some 300m to the west along Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre, some 5km north Victoria Street, of the existing ‘city centre’. of the CBD), is considered to have the potential to As can be seen from the above, the Mackay ‘city interfere with the intended role and function of the centre’ and balance CBD area has a bright and broader centres network, in particular the Principal vibrant short-medium term outlook, invigorated centre. Th is proposed key change in planning by the much anticipated refurbishment works policy at a strategic framework level also has the associated with the City Centre Public Realm potential to cool anticipated medium term retail Improvement Project. However, in the medium to and commercial investment in the CBD. longer term council will also need to be mindful of At a fi ner grained level, the draft planning the potential impact non-aligned planning scheme proposes that development in the CBD policy and strategy may have on these be regulated / guided by the Mackay City Centre desired outcomes for the Mackay CBD. Local Area Plan (LAP). Th e traditional ‘City Heart’, within this LAP is included within the References city core precinct and the surrounding balance Mackay Regional Council (MRC), 2011 ‘Mackay City Centre CBD area (including Caneland Central Shopping Local Area Plan – Background Report’, June 2011 Centre) is intended to generally be included in the Mackay Regional Council (MRC), 2013 ‘draft Mackay City Centre Local Area Plan – Mackay City Centre Strategy and mixed use precinct. Th e main diff erence in intent Urban Design Principles’, March 2013

16 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 Focus Mackay city centre…. active centre Julie Cardiff

Welcome to Mackay city centre elements. It’s the meld that provides the fundamental conditions for an active destination With the pristine, blue right on its – a vibrant place that attracts people and retains doorstep and continuous economic growth occurring business vitality. within its catchment, Mackay Regional Council is working to ensure Mackay’s CBD is one of the most Recent initiatives seeking to advance Mackay’s active and vibrant in regional Queensland. ‘Active City’ status include a suite of innovative plans for public realm improvement. Th e city centre, as the place where locals converge to work, shop, eat, be active and relax, currently Mackay city centre…public realm supports over 170,000 people in Mackay, and the improvement wider Whitsunday region. Consultants Lat 27 worked closely with council Like many centres in regional Queensland and and the community to develop the Mackay City throughout Australia, Mackay’s CBD is not Centre Public Realm Concept providing eff ective without challenges. To ensure the city centre methods for addressing streetscape improvement continues to respond to the needs of the growing across the broad City Centre 'canvas.' and diverse population, council in partnership with city business is targeting strategies specifi cally Th e cost of broad scale improvements across a designed to increase and promote CBD activity. signifi cant city footprint is considerable and a key role of the Public Realm Concept is to attract Th e vision for Mackay city centre developed funding. Mackay’s CBD, at over 100 hectares, is collaboratively with the community foresees an dispersed over a far larger area than many other active future: Queensland centres (including major centres such as Brisbane’s CBD) presenting real challenges for ‘Mackay City Centre is to be the destination of public realm intervention. choice for people of all ages to live, work and recreate in a vibrant, diverse environment based Th e Public Realm Concept establishes a ‘kit of on the city’s unique mix of physical and cultural parts’ approach – defi ning priority areas and experiences. A walkable city that embraces its allowing improvements to be carried out within climate and its heritage - a city that is a place to an overarching design framework as funding live, learn, work and play’. becomes available. Th e proposition is to establish a 'green grid': a hierarchy of streets developed as a Th e future vision for the city recognises the idea of tree grid of pedestrian-priority 'shadeways' across creating physical improvements to the public places the streets of the city centre. Th e grid concept and streetscapes cannot be separated from social, promotes connections to existing city assets such cultural, digital connectivity and transportation as the Bluewater Lagoon, Quay and Trail, and Victoria St at Wood St

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Th e funding will allow the catalyst project to proceed, transforming the CBD core into an exciting tropical public domain, in the fi rst major streetscape refurbishment of the area in more than 20 years. $18.6 million will deliver the refurbishment of both sides of Victoria and Wood Streets along with the historic Pioneer Shire Building and adjoining parkland. High quality pavements, interactive signage, new lighting and street furniture and plenty of trees and greenery and new shade structures will allow residents and visitors to work, shop, be active and relax, ensuring the physical environment of the CBD keeps pace with business activity and community needs and aspirations.

Complementing the upcoming physical refurbishments, a range of innovative digital products designed to position and highlight Mackay as an ‘Interactive City’, are also in play.

Aerial view of Mackay also provides the framework within which a range Mackay city centre … Interactive City of improvement initiatives can be arranged, in a Th e ‘Interactive City’ is an economic development staged and effi cient way. partnership venture between council and city A number of key ‘catalyst projects’ form the businesses. Planned upcoming facets include free Concept’s initial building blocks to progress the Wi-Fi hotspots on city streets along with interactive vision for the city. Identifi ed ‘catalysts’ were kiosks off ering a range of guides, maps and prioritised and refi ned through a rigorous process directory information at the touch of a button. of community engagement, with a revamp at the very core of the city identifi ed as the community’s Mackay currently leads its ‘Interactive City’ number one priority for action. initiative with the highly successful digital portal www.mackaycitycentre.com.au . Th e website serves Supported by almost 90% of respondents in a city centre e-business network with over 1000 an engagement which saw over 7000 residents members, a community customer club program view the proposal online – this catalyst project reaching over 3500 members, providing mobile has already received funding in equal parts from app and QR code technology, e-newsletters, Regional Development Australia and council. interactive mapping and ‘City Deals’ – a self- managed digital platform for businesses.

Th e popular website achieved 170,000 visits in the Mackay city centre last fi nancial year, making it a valuable tool for city businesses and a means to counter competition Located 900kms north of Brisbane and 900kms south of Cairns, Mackay from online operators located outside the local area. city centre is strategically positioned at the hub of one of Queensland’s Th e easy-to-use site, featuring an online business most active economic regions. directory, off ers a perfect showcase for CBD Productivity in the Whitsunday region, comprising Mackay, Isaac and events and promotions including council’s Active… Whitsunday council areas, is 62 per cent higher than the Queensland in the City initiative. average and the area boasts a combined population of 171,000. Active…in the City targets body mind and soul, Th e Mackay council area alone is consistently one of Queensland’s fastest attracting loads of visitors to take part in regular, growing, supporting a resident population approaching 120,000. fun and free CBD-based sessions, from art classes in the open air to moving and shaking it with Home to one of Australia’s largest sugar growing and milling industries, Zumba lessons. Mackay is underpinned by strong employment opportunities, a resurgence in agribusiness, and growth in construction, logistics and tourism. City visitors can try free activities like stand up paddleboarding in the pristine blue Pioneer River, Mackay is a gateway to Queensland’s richest province - the Bowen Basin or join locals for regular, free cycling and walking – and provides vital engineering and logistics support for Queensland’s groups on the popular Bluewater Trail, all at no resource sector. Major export facilities, Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay – cost thanks to Active …in the city. of global signifi cance for coal trade – are located within the council area.

18 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 Focus

Make the most of the alfresco facilities at the Bluewater Quay, enjoy the glorious weather at the Bluewater Lagoon; or relax with families and friends along the award winning Bluewater Trail.

With glistening blue water and a fresh sea breeze, Mackay’s Bluewater Trail is popular with locals and visitors alike. Th e boardwalk-style path borders the pristine Pioneer River, and includes a number of scenic lookout points right in the heart of the city centre Th e Trail connects Mackay’s CBD to beach and suburbs with off -road active transport options as well as recreation opportunities.

With easy access from the Trail, Mackay CBD’s Bluewater Lagoon is the perfect destination for a safe and refreshing swim and a great location to enjoy the spectacular Mackay weather.

If art and culture is more your style, take the time to stroll Active in the City the city centre and discover historic buildings, captivating artworks and more on the self guided art and heritage walks. Mackay city centre – Your Active CBD destination Or just grab a coff ee at one of the local cafes beforecafes Keeping active in Mackay’s CBD is easy with loads of things before embarking on a little retail therapy… to see and do. Find your Active…in the City program of regular free events and so much more at www.mackaycentre. Make sure to check out www.mackaycentre.com.au to plan com.au . your active CBD experience!

Mackay – an active city and proudly part Th e pilot program runs over three years and of Queensland’s Active Towns program judging by eff orts in the city centre is already enjoying success. Increasingly, there is realisation of With more people walking and riding thanks to the benefi ts off ered locally through active transport initiatives like Active…in the City, it comes as no – aside from boosting personal health and fi tness in surprise that Mackay is one of three cities to be a region plagued by increasing obesity levels, cost selected by the Queensland Government to take savings in terms of infrastructure are set to deliver part in its 'Active Towns' pilot program. tangible benefi ts to the Mackay community. Yes, council, community and businesses are embracing Th e program provides a multi-million dollar activity as a Mackay city centre mantra for a vibrant investment to deliver new walking and cycling and sustainable future. infrastructure plus education programs to increase take-up of sustainable transport options. Pioneer Promenade

Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 – 19 Focus The economic engine room of Queensland Scott Riley MPIA CPP It is often argued in economic circles about the Th e region boasts a resident population of 171,000 importance of Gross Regional Product and the residents in 2013, which is predicted to grow by importance regions play in the overall betterment 62% to 279,000 in the year 2031. Th is population of the state’s economy and the nation’s prosperity. is higher than the Far North Queensland Region So how much do the big city cousins consider (Cairns region) and is just behind the Townsville the big numbers that regions contribute in the region in terms of population. Gross Regional Product game? Th e economy of the Whitsunday ROC area is Th e real world case in point is the Whitsunday driven by: Regional Orginisation of Councils1 (ROC), a true • Bowen and Galilee Basins housing the largest heavy hitter and the dark horse of the performance coal mining deposits in Australia. Th e majority paddock. Have you ever considered the famous of Queensland’s prime coking coal reserves tourist region of Mackay and Whitsunday are mined here, including the highest grade combined with Isaac are head and shoulders above metallurgical coal in the world. Th is coal is used the city for Gross Regional Product performance in the manufacturing of iron, steel, zinc as well as per capita anywhere in Queensland? high grade plastics, becoming building materials Currently the Whitsunday ROC area is the and cars. Non-coking coal is used in cement, nation-building region of Australia providing over fertilizer and power industries. $22 billion of economic value to the Australian • a strong agribusiness sector, including one of 2 economy. the nation’s largest sugar and bio commodity producers Whitsunday ROC takes in Isaac, Whitsunday and Mackay Regional Councils covering an extensive • one of the largest winter produce growing area of 90,000km2 about half way between regions in Australia and a key producer of grain Brisbane and Cairns. Th e region boasts extensive and beef port infrastructure exporting world-class coal to • an expanding construction and development global markets. Being over 2.3 times the size of industry underpinned by accessible port the state of Tasmania the region is one of the facilities, rail and air infrastructure fastest growing and dynamic regional economies delivering minerals, diverse agricultural food and • world renowned tourism destinations including manufacturing products and world-class tourism. the 74 Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef with over 1.3 million visitors to the region 3 1 Comprising Whitsunday, Mackay and Isaac Region- spending some $967 million. al Councils. 2 Whitsunday Regional Organisation Of Councils 2013 Analysis of Gross Regional Product (GRP) per capita provides some interesting fi gures. As table The fast facts 1 shows, at $133,143 GRP per capita for the Whitsunday ROC is double Brisbane’s and triple • Our region produces approximately 104 million tonnes of coal per and the Gold and Sunshine Coast’s. in 2011/12 exported 96.5 million tonnes via our ports. (Dept Natural Resources and Mines, and NQBP) Table 1 – Comparisons of Gross Regional Product4 • In 2012, the region crushed 8.4 million tonnes of sugar cane and Population GRP GRP per produced 1.2 million tonnes of sugar. Some 382,000 tonnes of raw capita sugar and 299,000 tonnes of refi ned sugar were exported via Mackay Whitsunday ROC 171,000 $22b $133,143 City Port. (Mackay Canegrowers and NQBP) Brisbane 2,000,000 $129b $64,500 • Th e region produced 368,000 tonnes of grain and $332 million of beef. Gold Coast 572,000 $25b $43,706 (ABS 7503.0, Nov 2012) Hunter region* 643,108 $36.9b $57,377 • 1.2 billion litres of fuel is transported by road from the City of Mackay Townsville and 260,048 $18.4b $70,756 Port to the mining areas of the Bowen and Galilee Basins. North West region • Th e Queensland Treasury and Trade (2013) population study estimates Sunshine Coast 317,000 $12.6b $39,747

that there were 18,000 non-resident persons residing in the region in 3 Tourism Research Australia June 2011 2012 primarily due to FIFO activity. 4 GRP Source: Queensland Treasury and Trade, March 2013 – GRP 2010/11 * Deloittes 2013 20 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 Focus

Opportunities for Whitsunday ROC and Rail Australia Th ere needs to be an ongoing commitment to Opportunities exist to grow the regional economy improving rail usage to assist in industry expansions of the Whitsunday ROC area. Signifi cant returns across the: on investment for Australia could result from • resource sector initiatives such as: • agriculture sector • increased agriculture and aquaculture exports to Asia through expansion of port and airport • tourism sector infrastructure and enhanced national food It may come as a surprise to know that there is an security and export opportunities ongoing focus between council, state and federal • direct international tourism links with Asia governments to ensure one rail system in mining and Pacifi c regions through an international areas – which in turn allows for opportunities for airport in the Whitsunday region use by other industries. • improved road infrastructure including the Planning in the region also involves advocating for , Peak Downs Highway and safer rail crossings and overpasses to avoid safety Clermont Alpha Road to mitigate against and productivity issues, and building capacity fl ooding, improve productivity and enable greater of local rail stations to load freight (agriculture), capacity for industry expansion (particularly easing congestion on regional roads and increasing mining, agriculture, tourism, construction and the speed of product to market. transport logistics) - In particular providing a secure link between the Galilee and Bowen Airports and ports coal fi elds to the rest of the region. Increased regional choices for transport (access) Issues and solutions leads to increased activity, a mix of uses and a What are the planning and infrastructure challenges more diverse economy. Th ere are plans for an to this region? Transport, connectivity and power international airport for Whitsunday region are high on the list, along with aff ordable housing including a multi-modal transport hub supported and developing liveable communities. by the development of the regional aviation master plan and strategies. Th e challenges and opportunities for housing, population, education, health and FIFO are a Expansion into international tourism for the region paper (or two) on its own. Th is article has focused also supports a nation-building regional economy on the role of the region in Australia’s GDP so the and improved transport also results in increased discussion that follows is about transport, energy, agriculture and aquaculture export in line with the water and waste. Asian Century paper.

Regional roads Energy Connectivity is a common planning principal Th ere is a level of irony in the challenges of in any size of community. Consider the delivering energy to the region. It is important challenges across this large region. Signifi cant roads to the region that energy supply is competitively and scheduled road upgrades include the Bruce priced and encourages industry to expand and Highway and Mackay Ring Road, Peak Downs establish in the region, and results in nation Highway and Stockroute Road realignment, building activities. Galilee/Bowen Basin connecting roads, Clermont- Alpha Road, Bowen Development Road and Th e region is advanced in the development and improving road safety across the region. support of alternative energy sources including solar sequestration, waste energy solutions and Another example is the Belyando Estate Bridge cogeneration e.g. Mackay Sugar Cogeneration Plant. $20 million road and bridge infrastructure to allow for access to aff ordable housing in a mining 1.2 billion litres of fuel is transported from Mackay community (Moranbah), will provide access to a City Port to mining communities and the option major new residential area for the town. for fuel to be transported by rail or pipeline instead of road is being investigated. Th is will deliver In this region, roads are almost an industry in on improved safety of fuel transport, decrease themselves and they deliver signifi cant economic impacts on the roads, and decrease congestion benefi t to the region. on roads to mining communities.

Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 – 21 Focus

Water and sewerage, water management and security Water and waste are central planning issues in any community and in this region there is strong competition between residential, agriculture and mining industries for water. Co- ordinated approaches to water and waste are ultimately to the benefi t of all.

Developer contributions and infrastructure provisions are an ongoing challenge and the region continues to advocate for greater water and sewerage funding for local governments in high growth population areas to cover increased costs of water and sewerage, and recognise the increased environmental compliance requirements due to proximity to Great Barrier Reef. Conclusion Th e basis of success for the state of Queensland and the advancement of the Whitsunday Regional Organisation of Councils will be to invest in sustaining the productivity of this vibrant region and build the capacity of the local communities to make a real diff erence in the future of the nation.

Scott Riley is the Executive Director, Planning and Environmental Services at Isaac Regional Council.

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22 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 Planning Politics and policy: an historical perspective on regional economic planning in Australia Stewart Somers MPIA

It is 225 years since European settlement brought western development to the Australian continent. Regional development and economic ‘policy’ in Australia dates back to these early beginnings of settlement in 1788. Th e colonial years witnessed energetic promotion of primary industries; not only to feed the inhabitants of the new colony, but to fuel the insatiable demand for fi ne wools in Europe at that period. Th is was eff ectively managed through the granting of land, along with ‘cheap’ convict labour, to wealthy entrepreneurs. John Macarthur is a well-documented benefi ciary of this policy exemplifying the fundamental link between private enterprise and government policy.

In this article I reveal that, unlike our pioneers, recent governments in Australia have not fully understood economic Returning soldiers were given small parcels of land to farm as part of a policy to populate the regions outside the development needs of regional Australia. capital cities (www.museumvictoria.museum - HV McKay). We appear to have lost sight of the fact policies are short-sighted and diffi cult to engaged along with government in the that economic development grows on manage due to the ‘footloose’ nature of task – beginning with John Macarthur the infrastructure investment trellis; international capital. and his merino sheep enterprise in dams, wastewater treatment, railways, 1796 in the Parramatta region. It is ports, national highways and airport Th e extraction of minerals has emerged unfortunate that the balance between facilities. Th is investment is essential as an equally unsustainable substitute private money and public funds has for supporting growth and development for earlier attempts at achieving instant changed radically in many regions with of endogenous fi rms and businesses in national wealth through foreign governments abdicating their legitimate both the regions and capital cities. Th is investment. Interestingly, minerals role of facilitating and constructing key lost principle appears to have guided our extraction also relies on overseas owned infrastructure required for businesses and ‘planners’ in the 1880s, as described by companies and investment dollars. communities to prosper across Australia. Professor Jonathan Pincus in an article in the Australian: Regional planning must exist in an evidence based policy environment and ‘Railways opened up the interior, the planners must have a willingness to allowing NSW (in 1880s), for example, support those endogenous businesses that to become a major wheat exporter.’ have established within regions due to an (Pincus, 2010). ability to align with natural advantages and which also have the potential to A cargo-cult mentality overtook the compete at a national and global level. sense of nation building of earlier prime ministers and premiers. An imperative Historical perspective of attracting large overseas investment to save the local economy, whenever and Since the fi rst fl eet, governments wherever possible remains the overriding have been involved in attempting to interest of economic policy. Existing develop regional Australia to strengthen local businesses that have taken root national (or colonial) economies and within a region are being overlooked in to achieve population decentralisation. preference for promises of quick results History shows clearly that urban and associated with foreign investment. Time economic development has mainly been John Macarthur (source: rba.gov.au, Museum of and experience has shown that these successful when the private sector is Australian Currency Notes) Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 – 23 Planning

In the early years of the colonial period, As an additional response to this need success, largely failed due mainly to the trade protection was used to enhance for growth and jobs federal governments overwhelming attractiveness of capital competitive advantage of primary invested signifi cant capital funding on city locations. produce from the colonies on British national infrastructure schemes, such markets as well as encouragement of as the Snowy Mountain Scheme and Again, during the Hawke-Keating fl edgling manufacturing enterprises the Ord River Scheme. Th ese projects government period in the 1980s, within many regions. Most of the injected signifi cant amounts of money attempts were made to encourage colonies also invested considerable funds into regional Australia, as well as regional economic development to into building rail infrastructure in the providing water security for agricultural combat the high unemployment rates late 19th century. Th e gold rush era of the enterprises and many regional centres caused by structural changes sweeping 1850s through to the 1890s encouraged located within those regions. through the national economy triggered rapid development of many larger by trade liberalisation and the fl oating regional towns and cities. An experiment in regional of the Australian dollar. Th ese policies development partly refl ected the theoretical threads Following World War 1 (1914 to 1918), of ‘endogenous’ growth theories that the fi rst nationwide policies emerged In the early 1970s the Whitlam stressed that growth could be more to develop regional Australia with land government embraced regional planning rapid in regions that had ready access to grants (soldier settlement schemes, and development schemes with both signifi cant capital, a highly skilled and and other forms of Crown land grants) passion and cash. Th e establishment educated population, and an economy and a continuation of the tariff s and of ‘Growth-poles’ (Perroux 1950, that favoured knowledge intensive government grants schemes to secondary 1955; Myrdal 1957; Hirschman industries (Beer, 2000). Unfortunately, and tertiary industries located in both 1958) appears to have formed the this glimmer of rational planning was capital cities and regional centres. Most intellectual and conceptual basis for fl eeting and has not yet matured as a basis of the regional centres initially grew as Whitlam’s policies. It is a top down for national or state policy formulation. service centres for the rural populations strategy aimed at attracting exogenous supported by the ever expanding industries into a region to stimulate Strategies of promoting and helping agricultural industry (BTRE, 2003). economic growth and development. Th e endogenous industries and businesses to strategy proposes that importing a lead grow based on locational advantage have As a percentage of the population at industry fosters industrial clusters and been strongly pursued in North America that time, non-metropolitan regions in linkages with local fi rms, and promotes and Europe. Policies including access to Australia had approximately 60% of technology transfer, competitiveness low cost capital funds or loan guarantees the share (Hugo, 2012). However, the and specialisation (Howard, 2007). for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) inexorable decline in rural population was Whitlam established major bureaucracies have been very eff ective in these major beginning. in the form of the Department of developed economies. Other proactive Urban and Regional Development, policy areas include training in business Following the Second World War, management and entrepreneurship, Prime Ministers Ben Chifl ey and Robert and the Cities Commission to drive his ambitious regional development and export training and assistance at the Menzies continued the tradition of SME level, and the provision of access high tariff s for protection of secondary decentralisation policies. To pursue these twin objectives his government invested to subsidised or guaranteed loan funds industries along with export incentives (BTRE, 2003). designed to maintain Australia’s markets signifi cant funds in selected growth for primary products; especially wool, centres; including Albury–Wodonga on Th e principles driving Whitlam’s initiates wheat, timber and meat products. the NSW/Victorian border, Bathurst- in the 1970s continue to infl uence policy Orange in NSW, and Monarto in South thinking at regional, state and national Combined with protectionism, Australia (BTRE, 2003). Th is form of government levels. Most continue to rely decentralisation policies were pursued exogenous policy pursuit was a popular on the cargo-cult concept of relying on with a new vigour due to mass migration model around the globe at that time, exogenous businesses from overseas, or of people from Europe after the end of despite its reliance on the provision of nationally resolving regional economic the war and the onset of the ‘cold-war’ costly infrastructure and cheap land. growth problems. between the USSR and the West. Th e policy, apart from the occasional Legitimate funding, or a government lottery? As the Howard–Costello government came to power the approach to regional economic development continued to evolve. A ‘whole-of-government’ approach to regional issues was clearly in the political rhetoric along with market oriented policies and social

A view of portion of a dam on the Ord River used for irrigation (source: www.lakeargyle.com) capital building, the provision of 24 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 Planning public infrastructure in the regions and state level economic and environmental Mining and the regional specifi c targeting of degraded regions goals. Th e lottery-based Regional economies for special initiatives. Unfortunately, Development Australia Fund (RDAF), implementation of these grand ideas fell closely resembles the Howard policies As discussed, privately controlled short due to funding limitations and except with greater funds at its disposal mining entities have driven growth in a policy called ‘Regional Partnerships (Collits, 2012). many regions across Australia. Large Program’ emerged, a precursor to the scale mineral developments have also lottery style approach to distributing Over recent years a Western Australian had the eff ect of masking the complete development funds to some regions, initiative entitled ‘Royalties for Regions’ lack of national investment in rail thereby drawing criticism as a ‘pork- has evolved towards a similar approach and port facilities because mining barrelling’ policy. to these other local government funding companies have until now been able models. Initially, the WA government to fund essential infrastructure needed Th e Rudd-Gillard governments were allocated $4.8 billion over 4 years. for them to get product to market. As notable for their lack of specifi c funding However, at its recent state budget, a $500 a direct consequence of this, regional of regional infrastructure (except for million chunk was cut out of the program communities have found that mining the development of the NBN network). to meet shorter term budgetary issues. product is hauled economically by private Th ese governments, in concert with and state controlled railways; but primary the states, relied heavily on digging-up Queensland has followed this initiative of produce and manufactured goods are and exporting minerals to stimulate promising to return some of the royalties relegated to using fi nancially expensive regional economies – a fl awed strategy if from mining back to resource rich and environmentally irresponsible road long-term sustainable growth of regions regions. However the budgeted amount based logistical options to access domestic is a goal of governments. Long-term for this policy is miniscule compared to markets or port facilities. sustainability can only be achieved by WA, with only $78 million committed to developing basic industries which rely on regional communities in the fi rst round States have proven to be incapable of natural regional advantages, skilled and (Qld Gov, 2013). A clear issue of equity preparing comprehensive development educated workforces and an economy exists in that only those local government and regional land use policies that that strives to achieve a balance with areas within ‘resource regions’ are eligible not only identify clearly the essential the natural environmental systems that for this funding. infrastructure required for both industrial underpin the region, such as water, development, but also related urban A glaring problem with these programs is vegetation, soils and climate. development requirements that will that there is no evidence of an overriding achieve longer-term environmental As referred to above, the system of development strategy that this fl ow of sustainability. Th is lack of evidence making regional communities apply for funds is being directed at. If history is based policy development and broad- funds on a competitive basis was carried repeated, then much of the money will be scale regional planning stifl es attempts at on from the Howard policy era rather ‘blown’ on minor civic projects or local securing longer term benefi ts for regional than distributing development funds road programs rather than being used businesses and communities. Moreover, based on priority driven and evidence- to build up the economic strength of it does not provide policy certainty for based policy approaches designed regions as economic entities along with major private investors who might be to achieve pre-determined regional the nation through the construction of attracted to invest in infrastructure in outcomes and clearly stated national and strategic infrastructure. the context of supportive and rational

Major rail and port infrastructure has been funded by the mining industry to overcome government reluctance to build such essential facilities (source: images for iron ore mining at: www.google.com.au) Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 – 25 Planning land use, environmentally sustainable the building of key infrastructure along References development, as well as rational fi scal with essential components of our urban policies at the state and national fabric; including housing, retail facilities Beer, A. 2000, Regional Policy and Develop- ment in Australia: Running Out of Solutions, government levels. and industrial centres combined with in Prichard, B. and McManus, P. (Eds) Land of employment creation opportunities, must Discontent: The Dynamics of Change in Rural and Th e Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) be fundamental elements in formulating Regional Australia, University of New South Wales Press, Sydney. identifi ed other regional economic issues regional economic and land use policies. in a recent paper, where it states that; Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics, ‘Activity in the mining industry has spilled Working Paper 55, 2003, Government Interven- Conclusion tion in Pursuit of Regional Development: over into domestic activity through its Learning From Experience, Canberra, June 2003 demands for labour, intermediate inputs It is clear that there is no simple solution to stimulating development in Australia’s Collets, P. 2012, Policy, Vol.28, no. 2, Is There a (especially services) and investment, its Regional Australia, and is it Worth Spending payment of taxes and royalties, and the various and incredibly diverse regions. Big on?, Winter Ed. 2012 boost to Australian incomes through the Clear-eyed and evidence based policy Hirschman, A. 1958, The strategy of economic ownership of mining equities.’(RBA, 2011, formulation is certainly a fundamental development, Yale University Press, New Haven. p49). Th is observation is supported by step that both state and federal Howard, D. 2007, A regional economic perform- population growth patterns in Australia governments must adopt. But policy ance matrix – an aid to regional economic alone is not enough. Good governance policy development, Journal of Economic and over the last ten years demonstrating that Social Policy, Vol. 11, Issue 2, Article 4, Southern the highest growth rates correlate with along with well-directed funding of Cross University. infrastructure and business incentives that those regions that have the greater share Hugo, G. 2012, (National Climate Change Adap- of mining activities; standouts being assist in growing endogenous businesses tion Research Facility), Population Distribution, Western Australia and Queensland and to within all sectors of the relevant regional Migration and Change in Australia: An Explo- economy are all critical for success. ration, ACCARNSI Discussion Paper – Node 2, a lesser degree NSW. However, increases 2012. in revenues for governments have not Th e role of governments at all levels is Myrdal, G. 1957, Economic theory and under- found their way into the construction clear. Th ey must encourage enhanced developed regions, Duckworth, London. of infrastructure for non-mining related competitiveness of existing regional Petkova, V., Lockie, S., Rolfe J. and Ivanova, regional businesses and communities. businesses by removing elements that G., 2009, Mining Developments and Social Impacts on Communities: Bowen Basin Case Th e RBA also identifi es the minerals create uncertainty. Public investment Studies, Rural Society, Vol. 19, Number 3, Octo- boom with an increasing exchange and/or the underwriting of quality ber 2009. rate, adversely aff ecting trade exposed infrastructure such as intra and inter- Perroux, F. 1950, Economic Space: Theory and industries at the micro-level; the most regional transport facilities are critical for Application, Quarterly Journal of Economics, 64 (Feb), pp. 89-104. obvious example being agricultural getting agricultural products, minerals, and manufactured goods effi ciently to Perroux, F. 1955, Note sur la Notion de Pole products increasing in cost on foreign de Croissance, as cited in Economie Appliquee supermarket shelves. However, at the domestic and international markets. , Paris. macro-level RBA refl ects that the overall Th e future of our regions is, as it always Pincus, J. 2010, The Australian newspaper, NBN performance of the economy during largesse pushes nation building off the rails, has been, very dependent upon a shared, the mineral boom was more stable than August 20, 2010. cooperative and transparent partnership during earlier booms (RBA, 2011). Queensland Government, 2013, Department of between government and the private State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Th ese short-sighted regional development business sector working towards a Royalties for the Regions 2013 Progress Re- port, Round 1, 100 George Street, Brisbane. policies are resulting in economic and prosperous and sustainable future. social benefi ts from mining fl owing Reserve Bank of Australia, 2011, The Mining Stewart Somers is General Manager, Industry: From Bust to Boom, Research Discus- out of the resource areas into regional Planning and Devel opment at sion Paper by Connolly, E. and Orsmond, D., centres; especially capital cities. Land Canberra. Toowoomba Regional Council. use manifestations in the form of housing shortages and price spikes for urban land have limited the potential for fl ow-on economic development and placed pressure on non-mining businesses and existing residents in the resource rich regions (Petkova, et al, 2009). Th e shortage (non-existence) of urban infrastructure and facilities in many regional centres has exacerbated this problem; one that cannot be resolved by individual municipalities; or even state governments on their own. Th e proactive engagement and encouragement of the private sector in

26 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 Planning Planning for Indigenous cultural heritage Aaron S. Fogel

From time to time most planners in issues arise planners can feel trepidation management control and oversight from Queensland encounter issues with non- and anxiety. Th is article is intended to the state government to Aboriginal Indigenous cultural heritage. Generally alleviate these concerns by outlining peoples and Torres Strait Islanders. Th e these issues revolve around the built the legislative framework surrounding Acts state that only Indigenous peoples environment. Th e related responsibilities Indigenous cultural heritage in are the primary guardians, keepers and are clearly identifi ed in state and local Queensland and provide the reader with a knowledge holders for their respective planning schemes, and these statutory generalised pathway to gaining clearance. cultural heritage and should be allowed obligations are listed in IDAS ensuring to reaffi rm their obligations to law and that compliance is met. Furthermore, the The legislation country, in part, by having the primary built environment (historic or otherwise) Th ere are numerous federal and state role in the cultural heritage process. is something that planners work with laws that relate to Indigenous cultural Th is has had the positive eff ect of a everyday. Planners therefore have a natural heritage. Most projects that require the dramatic increase in participation of familiarity with it. While a collective expertise of a planner will not be subject Indigenous communities in the heritage groan of dismay may occur when historic to the majority of these laws. Th is includes process. It also means that there is buildings aff ect a project, navigating the complexity of native title which is minimal centralised oversight and the through the legal frameworks surrounding extinguished by freehold tenure (the heritage process can be quite variable such properties is well known and can predominant tenure type for planning across Queensland. Businesses that usually occur relatively quickly. projects) and is probably best left for operate throughout the state should be fl exible and open to change as heritage Indigenous cultural heritage does not another article. Of more relevance, the management principles, negotiating have any of these advantages. It is not state of Queensland has two Indigenous styles and heritage expectations may well integrated into planning legislation cultural heritage acts that pertain to all not necessarily be the same across or schemes. It is completely independent planners. Th e Aboriginal Cultural Heritage from IDAS to ensure that Indigenous Act (2003) and the Torres Strait Islander Queensland’s various Indigenous groups. Cultural Heritage Act (2003), here in, heritage is considered whether approval Th e Department of Aboriginal and under the Sustainable Planning Act collectively referred to as ‘the Acts’. Th e Acts are virtually identical in content with Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural 2009 is required or not. Planners do Aff airs (DATSIMA) currently administer not regularly interact with Indigenous one specifi cally designated for Aboriginal peoples and the other for Torres Strait the Acts. DATSIMA’s responsibilities groups. Indigenous cultural heritage is for Indigenous cultural heritage were often buried below the ground surface, Islanders. Whilst the legislation is very similar it is important to remember inherited from the Cultural Heritage scattered across the surface, or is spiritual Coordination Unit, Department of and non-physical. Th ese are all elements that these are two very diff erent cultural traditions. Environment and Resource Management that the typical planner would not when it was dismantled by the current encounter on a regular basis. As a result, Probably the most fundamental aspect of government. Th e Acts were under review when Indigenous cultural heritage the Acts is they shift the focus of heritage by the former Queensland government with changes proposed to simplify and clarify compliance standards and processes, as well as increase awareness about the Acts. Th is review was put on hold during the change of government. It is presently unclear if, or how, desired reductions in regulatory red tape by the current government may aff ect the Acts.

Th e Acts apply universally to all land users and to all land tenures including freehold. ‘Land users’ are defi ned in the Acts as a person carrying out, or proposing to carry out, activities on land likely to materially aff ect it. Simply put, if an activity will disturb the soil, aff ect above ground heritage (i.e. scar trees, rock art, grinding grooves) or occur in Ground penetrating radar survey technique in action Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 – 27 Planning

2. activities causing no additional surface heritage process in return. disturbance Penalties 3. activities that will occur in developed areas If harm to cultural heritage is occurring 4. activities where signifi cant previous or is likely to occur from an action, a surface disturbance has occurred 30-day stop work order can be placed on a project to protect the heritage. Th is 5. activities causing additional surface can be extended by another 30 days if disturbance in undisturbed areas. necessary. Th e costs and project delays Lithic artifacts If the land use activity falls into categories related to this are highly variable and 1-4 it is likely that using the gazetted dependent upon the type of project and an area that is sacred and/or ceremonial duty of care guidelines will be appropriate the stage of development. A 30-day stop the land user has responsibilities under considering cost, time and statutory work order could cost tens of thousands the Acts. Land users are required to take obligations. Th e central weakness in of dollars in certain circumstances. all reasonable and practicable measures this method is that the land user may Land users found to have contravened to ensure that the land use activity does be in breach of the Acts if they make the duty of care can face fi nes up not harm Indigenous cultural heritage. inappropriate decisions while assessing to $1,000,000 as a corporation and Th is statutory obligation is referred to as their responsibilities. If the duty of care $100,000 as an individual. Th ese cultural heritage duty of care. guidelines are followed to completion and fi nes apply to each occurrence of this process is documented accordingly, Duty of care harm to Indigenous cultural heritage. the land user is aff orded protections from Additionally, individuals that knowingly prosecution. Th is method of compliance In most cases the land user has three or ought to have known they have does not have an absolute guarantee of options for adhering to the Acts. Th ey can harmed cultural heritage can serve up to compliance with the Acts but may be choose to follow the gazetted duty of care two years imprisonment. guidelines, proceed under a native title or appropriate for land use activities that are other agreement or develop and implement very unlikely to cause harm to cultural It would seem intuitive to appropriately a Cultural Heritage Management Plan heritage. and responsibly handle all cultural (CHMP). Determining which method heritage obligations for such reasons as Using a CHMP, native title or other is appropriate for a particular project is avoiding civil penalties, avoiding criminal agreement are generally appropriate for dependent upon several factors and is not penalties and upholding codes of social category 5 land use activities when there always straightforward. However, land use and corporate responsibility. However, is a substantial chance of causing harm activities are divided into fi ve categories far too often this does not occur resulting to cultural heritage. When properly to assist land users in determining the in loss of cultural heritage and needless negotiated these types of agreements defi ne appropriate course of action to adequately exposure to risk by land users. satisfy their duty of care. Th e categories timelines, personnel, communication, are based on the nature of the activity and costs, fi eld work protocols, mitigation Closing remarks prior disturbance in the project area to measures and mediation requirements. Indigenou s cultural heritage may not include: Th e additional costs and time necessary for developing these agreements can be always appear to be a straightforward, 1. activities involving no surface substantial but the land user can expect easily navigated process. Indeed, disturbance a much greater degree of certainty in the sometimes it is not. But it does not have to be feared. Indigenous heritage obligations can be fulfi lled in a timely and cost-eff ective manner with appropriate guidance, a well thought out approach and consideration early in the planning process. Th e reader is reminded that this article only provides a quick snapshot of the Indigenous cultural heritage process. Th e particulars of an individual project should always be evaluated on their own merits and consultation with a heritage professional is advised to ensure compliance with the Acts.

Aaron Fogel is a Senior Indigenous Cultural Heritage Specialist at RPS in Brisbane specialising in heritage management, archaeology, remote sensing and GIS. Grinding groove site 28 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 Planning Planning for Sustainable Communities Sharon Harwood MPIA CPP and Nikki Huddy MPIA

Each year the fourth year planning students at James Cook University take a core subject entitled Planning for Sustainable Communities. Th e subject has been developed by the Centre of Tropical Urban and Regional Planning and is delivered in partnership with Mt Uncle Distillery, Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service, Cook Shire Council, Guurrbi Tours, Swissfarms and Bana Yarralji Aboriginal Corporation. Th is year Sharon Harwood and Nikki Huddy took the students on the fi eld trip associated with this subject. Th e purpose of the fi ve day fi eld trip in this subject is for the students to experience fi rsthand the sustainability challenges for remote communities of Far North Queensland. Th e fi eld trip provides students with opportunities to meet and hear from members of Willie Gordon (Guurrbi Tours) teaching students about the meaning of the rock art and how ongoing the regional business community and management of this site has helped his community retain their cultural identity. relevant government departments, as well student as well as the lecturers gained. Th e communities that we visit look as Traditional Owners who are actively Each student conceptualises the one forward to our fi eld trip as they are very involved in the ongoing management of, situation diff erently according to their proud of their achievements particularly and planning for, their country. own background and experience. Th is given the challenges and at times adversity that they face. Th e students Th is year we took 38 students from 15 in itself taught us all the importance of in turn learn that planning is more than diff erent nationalities on the fi eld trip. understanding that there are many ways planning law – it is about people who Th e class diversity was an added bonus to view a problem and twice as many are passionate about what they do and to the learning experiences that each ways to see a solution. where they live. Th is passion infl uences planning outcomes and decision making. For many if not all of the students it is also the fi rst time they go ‘on country’ to learn about how planning is conceptualised from a Traditional Owners perspective. Th is experience is critical to understanding how planning can infl uence the liveability of Indigenous communities, in addition to teaching students planning is not conceptualised by Indigenous people in the same way that planners (and government) may see the world. We also visit Bana Yarralji Aboriginal Corporation at Shipton Flats and learn about the challenges of establishing a social enterprise on Aboriginal Freehold Land and the implications of Indigenous Protected Area status, World Heritage and the local planning scheme upon the John Harrison Planning Officer Cook Shire explaining the merits of staging social infrastructure development at aspirations for economic independence Cooktown foreshore for the Kuku Nyungkal people. Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 – 29 Planning

John Harrison Planning Offi cer Cook Shire explaining the merits of staging social infrastructure development at Cooktown foreshore

Concluding remarks

Students have made comments in their fi eld journals regarding their learning experiences that further reinforce the value of experiential learning and the impact that it has upon their personal journey.

Some of these include: ‘Th e time spent with Marilyn and Peter

(Bana Yarralji) were the most enjoyable Experiential learning: Dr Judy Bennett of Guurrbi Tours (bottom right hand corner) teaching the importance of part of the fi eld trip to me as I felt social capital to Aboriginal enterprise development relaxed and welcomed… I had most of and diversifi cation can truly pay off for children to be self-enterprising rather my preconceived ideas about Aboriginal struggling farmers…I think one thing than reliant on handouts and funding land rights corrected…I gained much they could do is share their experiences to achieve their own goals and become from the experience because I had a with other struggling farmers explain self-determining of their own future.’ misunderstanding of resilience specially how they have overcome their challenges ‘One of the challenges John (Cook in the Aboriginal context. I went with with an array of solutions… Th e same Shire Planning Offi cer) and his staff the assumption that the Aboriginals in solutions might not fi t other industries face working and living in Cooktown remote communities were resistant to but the idea that people can be shown is over confl icting agendas that many change and not necessarily resilient. I that they can use the resources and in the community have when it comes now understand that resilient means networks available to them to do more to development applications and keeping your culture and belief values with less…Improving the social capital reactions to diff erent types of proposed alive despite going through disruptive particularly the weak social ties is an projects…It is the dichotomy of interests phases in life.’ initiative that could really contribute between council, planners and the towards making the region more ‘Th ank you so much for off ering this wider community that comes into play sustainable given that FNQ’s major personal handwritten journal option. very clearly in small towns…John also industry is agriculture.’ Although the journal may not have been highlighted that attracting people to edited over and over again, I hope it ‘Both Judy and Willie’s talks have move permanently to Cooktown means portrays just how much I have learnt and wholeheartedly convinced me of that council must work hard to create a how it has aff ected me. .. It has been one the pitfalls of government funding community that is liveable, usable and of the most infl uential and it may have particular in its failure to enhance the enjoyable, which is key to ensuring the even helped me to choose my career path.’ long term sustainability of Aboriginal town’s long term sustainability rather ‘I think that Peter (Swissfarms) is business venture...I really agree than reinforcing the pattern of boom setting the bar for Australian farming, with Willie and Judy that the key and bust that has so often particularly the way that innovation is educating the next generation of plagued the area.’

Marilyn Wallace (Bana Yarralji) teaching the students about social enterprise and how this will assist in connecting her clan back to their country

30 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 Planning Statutory planning corner Robert Stonadge MPIA

In this statutory corner we delve into the • managing the eff ects of development particularly around requests to change most signifi cant shake up of state agency on the environment, including existing approvals is still under development. referrals since March 2007. Th at’s right, managing the use of premises Th is said, lodging through an electronic not since the last time the Queensland • continuing the coordination and portal is a very welcome improvement. development assessment framework had integration of planning at the local, Another functional enhancement is referral coordination have we had… regional and state levels. the simple fact that there will be only a referral coordination. Th e above is a major diff erence in single concurrence agency response for To be fair, there is more to it than jurisdictional assessment from pre- the vast majority of applications. Th is a change in name from referral SARA. For example, the Department of means less paperwork, less compliance coordination to the State Assessment and Environment and Heritage Protection issues and signifi cantly less administration Referral Agency (SARA). However we previously assessed development on a when making applications and changing are yet to see if the diff erences are more Queensland Heritage Place against the approvals. than cosmetic. purpose of the Queensland Heritage Act Although there is considerable benefi t Th e most obvious change with the 1992, which requires the department to in SARA, the major downfall of any introduction of SARA is the removal of conserve Queensland’s cultural heritage system is always human behaviour. assessment jurisdiction from the multitude for the benefi t of the community What makes SARA diff erent to referral of departments. Importantly, the fi nal and future generations. Now, with coordination is not the legislation, but decision rests with the Department of State the introduction of SARA, the same how the system works in practice. SARA Development, Infrastructure & Planning, development on the Queensland promises a consolidated state position, and technical advice is provided by other Heritage Place would be assessed against but will SARA offi cers go out on a limb departments. Th is process is logical the purpose of promoting sustainable and go against technical department and aligns with standard development development. Th e implications of this recommendations? assessment practices within local authorities, fundamental change in assessment where technical advice is provided to the jurisdiction is yet untested and will be Th e fi nal elephant in the room is assessment manager from various specialist interesting to see play out in the courts. assessment timeframes. SARA does not reduce referral agency assessment disciplines to assist them to make a fi nal, Th ere are also signifi cant potential timeframes, and it is reasonable to informed and balanced decision. benefi ts with the introduction of SARA, assume that the internal liaison between SARA is supported with a strong legislative particularly the introduction of the State state departments will not speed up freedom to decide applications, whether Development Assessment Provisions the process. Will SARA be considered as assessment manager or referral agency (SDAP) which, for the fi rst time, more a success by the state government or (see section 255A, 255B & 255C of the clearly articulate the state’s interests industry if the system improves process Sustainable Planning Act 2009). Th ese and provide a clearer framework for an and response consistency but doesn’t provisions allow SARA to give any applicant to address the relevant state decrease assessment timeframes? weight it deems appropriate to the matter interests. Review of the SDAP codes prescribed under a regulation (i.e. the State will immediately identify that they were It is too soon to judge whether SARA will Development Assessment Provisions). hastily put together, and one would expect be the success hoped for by the current that codes will, or should soon be, under Although the limits of SARA’s decision administration, or if it will have the same review. making fl exibility is yet untested in the fate as referral coordination under IPA. P&E court, when acting as referral agent Another major improvement is the SARA Finally, and most importantly, with the under schedule 7 of the Sustainable mapping, which fi nally brings together introduction of SARA will the state Planning Regulation 2009, SARA’s most of the referral trigger mapping government now redouble its eff orts in jurisdiction is prescribed as the purpose of into one GIS system, making it easier frontloading state interests into local the Sustainable Planning Act 2009. Th us, to identify referral triggers and state planning instruments and reprioritise SARA’s concurrence agency response interests. the state’s planning focus on strategic powers must not confl ict with the Th e MyDAS electronic lodgement system and regional planning, rather than more purpose of the Act in achieving ecological is also extremely useful, particularly for reforms to development assessment sustainability by: tracking the process of applications through processes? • maintain the process by which the Integrated Development Assessment development take place, including System. However, the user interface is ensuring the process is accountable, extremely poor, the lodgement process is eff ective and effi cient and delivers time consuming, the payment of fees is sustainable outcomes cumbersome, and the lack of functionality, Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 – 31 From our sponsors Reform well underway Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Queensland Government

Th e reform of the Queensland • managing long-term population needs facilitate appropriate development— Government’s state planning and • developing strategic guidance for also recognised by industry and development assessment framework is well infrastructure provision reiterated at the Queensland underway, bringing reduced red tape and a Government’s planning forum held in more streamlined assessment development • supporting greater housing choices and March 2013. system to the development industry. diversity. Planning health check Th e new planning reform agenda has been Th e state government is currently a priority for 2013, with key initiatives addressing these issues by assisting the Th e department is also currently to simplify and clarify the state’s planning Mackay Regional Council to fi nalise running a pilot project to gauge the framework— including changing the their planning scheme, with a focus performance of planning and assessment Sustainable Planning Act 2009 to make on appropriate levels of assessment; systems of individual local governments it the most cost-effi cient and time- reviewing development assessment against accepted leading practices. Five eff ective planning framework in Australia, practices to facilitate accelerated approval councils—Mackay, Redland, Gold Coast, developing a single State Planning Policy, of low-risk applications and identifying Central Highlands and Rockhampton— establishing a single State Assessment and innovative opportunities to deliver have agreed to take part in the pilot Referral Agency (SARA) and reviewing catalyst infrastructure. to help develop and test their current the infrastructure charges framework. processes. New planning Act in development Th ese reform items are broad-reaching; Mackay Regional Council has been an they encompass whole-of-planning In the coming months the Queensland enthusiastic participant in the project, changes across the state. Th e government Government will be developing a new providing valuable input into how however is also responding to localised Act for planning in response to industry the pilot project can be prepared and issues requiring short-term action, concerns and feedback. Th e new Act delivered. Other key stakeholders include particularly in relation to resource will focus on facilitating the right the Local Government Association industry development. Th e Department development and the right time and of Queensland, Council of Mayors of State Development, Infrastructure and its key aims will be achieved through SEQ, Property Council of Australia Planning has established the Regional and an effi cient, integrated, accountable and the Urban Development Institute Resource Towns Action Plan (RRTAP) and transparent system of land use of Australia. If the pilot program is to identify short-term initiatives and planning and development assessment. successful, the project will be rolled out ‘on-the-ground’ projects which can be It is anticipated the new Act will be more broadly to help drive operational underway in the next one–two years that introduced to Parliament in 2014 and all and cultural change needed to deliver the can be delivered while at the same time Sustainable Planning Act 2009 planning country’s best planning and development complementing the broader planning schemes will be fully transitioned into the system. reforms already underway. new legislation.

It targets specifi c regional cities and Th ere are three key drivers for the new towns across Queensland and focuses on legislation: issues that have been identifi ed through 1. Government mandate to drive consultation with stakeholders and local prosperity: Th e new Act will support councils, as well as feedback received the government’s mandate to drive through a series of facilitated workshops. prosperity through a four pillar Issues for Mackay economy (including development and construction). Th e action plan has identifi ed the 2. Government’s planning reform below key issues for Mackay that can be agenda: Th e new Act will be a core addressed through this process: component to creating Australia’s best • maintain balanced and sustainable planning system and empowering local growth by building upon and value governments to better plan for their adding to the existing economic communities. diversity 3. Cultural change: Th e Act aims to • meeting growing energy and water empower cultural change and shift the demands focus from process to outcomes and 32 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 Postcard Postcard from Vancouver Zoe Boal

In March this year, I was lucky enough to take a trip to Vancouver, Canada. I think like most I instantly fell in love with the city and its people. After my return I was asked to write a postcard about the places in my trip which stood out to me the most. By far there were two standout neighbourhoods: Granville Island and Gastown. Granville Island Granville Island open space – photo Zoe Boal Granville Island entrance sign – photo Zoe Boal known today as Granville Island, was of its former industrial life. Th e once Granville Island isn’t actually an island, formed as a result of tonnes of sand being industrial purpose-built buildings and but there’s something about it being dredged from the surrounding waters of warehouses have been recycled; now surrounded by water on three sides that False Creek to create a 45 acre man-made used as businesses, theatres, art studios, just seems to make everyone instantly island. At the time, Granville Island was restaurants, bars, small boutique stores relax. Granville Island is a hive of activity called ‘Industry Island’ and was later and even a microbrewery. for Vancouver locals and tourists. I’d learnt stabilised to make for a more permanent a little about the history of Granville solution to the growing demands of the Also remaining from a time past is the Island before starting the trip, but once we Vancouver Port. Emily Carr University of Art and Design got there I was intrigued to learn more. which is situated in the centre of the As history goes the industrial boom island. Th e island reaps the benefi ts of In 1915, Vancouver City approved a ended, factories closed their doors the university’s up-and-coming artist reclamation project to create an industrial and Granville Island started to rapidly talent. Th e layout of the university’s area for the city. Th is industrial area, deteriorate. Soon the island became an design workshops and art studios allows eyesore for the city, and in the 1970s pedestrians to see into workspaces and it was decided that something needed for student work to be displayed to the to be done. Th e man-made island public while being created, as well as once was recognised for its urban planning it is completed. It almost creates a form potential; and so the city employed a of public art that is ever changing and new redevelopment scheme to start the accidental. revitalisation of Granville Island. Th e heart of Granville Island is the Public Walking through Granville Island Market. Th e Public Market is a massive today you can still see the remnants food market inside the former rope factory. Th e atmosphere within the market itself is incredible. Th ere are vendors selling all kinds of fresh produce with a focus on locally grown and created products.

Th e public space surrounding the market adds to the buzz of the area, since there are so many little nooks and places for people to sit, eat, and take in the surrounds. Th e constant rotation of street performers scattered around add to the experience. A lasting impression for me was the appreciation of the value of street culture and the way Granville Island so actively supports live entertainment in the public realm. I think I wouldn’t be the only one to lose hours just walking around and taking in the atmosphere. Granville Island 1922 and today - images from Google Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 – 33 Postcard

to develop eff ective heritage conservation strategies and implement tools to conserve the historic built environment.

Th rough the implementation of the Management Plan the city transformed Gastown; starting by developing conservation standards and guidelines to direct fl exible development for Gastown owners, and most successfully Gastown – photos Zoe Boal introducing fi nancial and development I thought we’d explored it all until we streetscape, the city is so tastefully incentives for heritage conservation. came across the house boats of Granville preserved. Gastown was originally a Th e concept of development incentives Island; or as I now know, Sea Village. Sea general trade and commerce centre really appealed to me. Th e city recognised Village comprises of house boats that are for the area. Development in the area that the suburb was declining rapidly docked to Granville Island and have a was for industrial, commercial and and that locals were not in the fi nancial common pontoon walkway to connect residential purposes, intended to establish position to develop their properties of them all. Th e cluster of homes creates a Vancouver as a major port. As a result their own accord. To help Gastown little neighbourhood in itself - just tucked Gastown has some of Vancouver’s most owners rehabilitate the area, the city away on the north-west side of the island. notable examples of what I now know off ered a range of incentives in the form Sea Village is a great demonstration of as Victorian Italianate and Edwardian of grants, tax incentives and density how Granville Island caters to a diverse Commercial building styles. bonuses to entice developers to restore range of the city’s needs, diff erent In the 1960s the people of Vancouver and build in the area. Financial incentives lifestyles and how innovative ways of realised the importance of the were provided for facade improvements, using spaces can be applied to meet a distinctive architecture of Gastown, major conservation work on substantial city’s growing demands. and ultimately protected it from being buildings that were structurally Granville Island works so well because the site of a new freeway. It was from deteriorated, as well as density incentives it’s a public space which can appeal here Gastown was designated by the to transfer density to sites outside the to everyone, and has something for British Columbia Province as a heritage heritage designation of Gastown. everyone. Th is man-made island has district, and the city and developers Gastown is a credit to the people of proven time and time again that it has the started to see an opportunity to revitalise Vancouver. A neighbourhood that was ability to adapt, change and respond to its the neighbourhood. A beautifi cation initially ‘saved’ by its people really speaks purpose; and be there for its city. Th e fact program was implemented which saw the to the community spirit and character of that Granville Island has the ability to do, installation of new street lamps, bricked an area. Gastown today is a lively, quaint and be, all of these things confi rms what (cobblestone) streets and improved and charming place. Th e cobblestone a diverse, inventive and unique place it sidewalks. streets and the old fashioned streetlights really is. But it wasn’t just the beautifi cation create a character that is second to none in Gastown program which has made Gastown what Vancouver. Th ere are countless restaurants it is today. An initiative by the Vancouver and bars that attract people from all over Gastown was another suburb of planning department, called the Gastown the city, renovated loft style apartments Vancouver which caught my eye. So Heritage Management Plan, redefi ned in the historic warehouses, and colourful much so, that I returned there multiple the neighbourhood’s vision and brought laneways that act as a constant refl ection time during our trip. Even though the focus for development in the area of the Gastown community. Gastown is a Gastown is an inner city suburb, it’s to the restoration and preservation place which is thriving with community like stepping back in time because of of the suburb’s heritage features. Th e culture and authenticity and is what helps the beautiful heritage buildings and Management Plan’s primary purpose was make Vancouver as a whole, such a rare and wonderful place.

Both Granville Island and Gastown are true refl ections of their individual communities both today and in their histories. Th ese two neighbourhoods stood out to me because of the appreciation given when planning their respective revitalisations. Both suburbs have been preserved and designed so well over the years that they continue to be functioning, adaptable and Streets of Gastown – photos Zoe Boal responsive spaces, even today. 34 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 Information

People’s Planner - continued from page 36 tribulations in the life of English local wait…coming to a big screen near you ‘Whoever wishes to foresee the future government town planners. Well I have soon with any luck. I just hope the screen must consult the past; for human events recently heard that another series may has appropriate planning approval. ever resemble those of preceding times.’ be released shortly. I can just see into I would have thought that a country that the future in hundreds of years’ time, But enough! I am now exhausted and could invent beers you can drink in space the staple of Shakespeare for senior must away to prepare for the Mackay state and that hydrate you as you drink it, high school students will be replaced conference. Still have a paper to write on would have stumbled on this before now! by studying episodes of Here come the ‘Th e comparison of defi nitions of animal But now I feel like it is all now coming Planners (Move over Bill Shakespeare your husbandry in pre–IPA planning schemes together. Let’s just hope that the powers time is over!) across Queensland’ – the conference committee have forgotten to notify me of that be read these very pages and perhaps Who knows perhaps the outcry for we can have a special session on this at the my papers acceptance but I am certain it is more will be so strong that the major in the mail. state conference. Hollywood studios will look at a big I think some clarity of thought such as this screen dramatisation. It would be an And just think, the state conference, yes would also go a long way to solving other Oscar winner for sure! Who would they dear readers, I, the People’s Planner will be crises such as peak oil, climate change, get to play the planners? Perhaps Ben there rubbing shoulders with you. Who the Syrian crisis and the lack of talent and Affl eck, one of the younger Baldwin am I, the mild mannered public servant, cooking shows on commercial television. brothers, perhaps Stuart Wagstaff as the the non-stop party-going consultant from With thinking like this I am certain both elder planner (perhaps he could eclipse his Brisbane, the dapper gent wearing a waist Kevin and Tony will be turning to me for performance from those 1970s cigarette coat?...who knows? Th e only way to tell advice post the recent federal election. advertisements), Cate Blanchette, Johnny will be to try and grab a glimpse of the Depp?...But please no Hugh Grant, his tattoo of the original design for Canberra And fi nally dear readers I have some characters are always so foppish and across my buttocks. more good news for you. I know all of ineff ectual and that would never do for you would have already watched series a planner. I can just see planners being Until then, I remain yours faithful ly one of ‘Th e Planners are coming’, a shadowed by method actors wanting to BBC documentary about the trials and get inside the mind of a planner. Just you Th e People’s Planner.

Queenslandplanner Journal of the Queensland planning profession

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Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 – 35 People’s Planner Another word or two from the People’s Planner

Just who is the people’s planner? Some say just But what to wear? Powder blue crimplene bit of a mission to link defi nitions from some poor misguided soul who thinks that safari suit, a nice pair of slacks, shorts and building legislation into the state’s planning planning makes a worthwhile contribution walk socks? And for the formal dinner legislation, for example the defi nition of to society, others that he is a cold war soviet perhaps an all-in-one leisure suit (I have storey. I don’t think this is good enough sleeper agent yet to be activated (or perhaps noted that the ‘onesie’ is now popular and have gone back through various he already has been). All we know is that he evening wear amongst the younger set). I statutes to get back to the real root of has a burning fl ame in his belly that has to might also need to have a new hair style for defi nitions. And hence after hours and days come out of his mouth and spill onto these the event and last, but by no means least of searching I stumbled upon the Criminal pages. Here he is again. Read and ponder. I will need to get myself acquainted with Code Act 1899. I note that the Criminal the Mackay City Planning Scheme just in Code Act 1899 includes a defi nition of Dear readers, tis I, the People’s Planner, case I need to provide some impromptu dwelling that I think cuts to the heart of once again returning to spread the word of planning advice while in the area. So much what good planning is about, viz: planning and to solve the problems of the to organise, so little time, but dear readers world. I do hope to see you there. dwelling includes any building or structure, or part of a building or structure, which Th is issue, I have been told by the But enough or leisure and relaxation! What is for the time being kept by the owner or editor of these erstwhile pages, that the is happening in the world of planning? occupier for the residence therein of himself Queensland Planner will feature Mackay, Well for something diff erent I hear that or herself, his or her family, or servants, or the PIA state conference venue for 2013. there might be some planning reform to any of them, and it is immaterial that it is Ahhh, Mackay, the sugar capital of be undertaken and dear readers I say NOT from time to time uninhabited. A building Australia – can it get any sweeter? What BEFORE TIME! Everybody knows that or structure adjacent to, and occupied a choice! Birthplace of Delvene Delaney good planning policy has immediate eff ect with, a dwelling is deemed to be part of and home of my favourite roller derby and that there is no need to give planning the dwelling if there is a communication team, the Mackay City Roller Maidens. I policy and legislation time to perform between such building or structure and the think the line-up at the conference and the before we seek to change it. dwelling, either immediate or by means of setting of the majestic sugar city will be a covered and enclosed passage leading from enough to draw the People’s Planner, and I think we really need to look at some the one to the other, but not otherwise. many others, to savour the delights of this fundamentals and get back to some real year’s state conference. basics. I have noted that there has been a What a cracker! It puts everything in its place and seems to restore some sort of natural order. Take this defi nition and roll Planners... it through building legislation and then planning legislation and I think we will see a clarity of policy and synergies that have never before been achieved. Some nay- sayers may suggest that defi nitions need to be constructed to deal with the specifi c area of policy in question and as such cannot be integrated across varying areas of legislation and policy. Pish-posh I say. Th ese people say there are no easy answers! I say they are just not looking hard enough.

I think some other defi nitions from this legislation such as ‘state of undress’, ‘night-time’ and ‘serious disease’ might also be carried over into the new planning legislation to shine a light on the dark world of planning. Fancy that, these gems have been sitting there right under our noses in an Act that had its genesis in 1899. I now know what Machiavelli meant when he said continued on page 35 36 – Queensland Planner – Spring 2013 – Vol 53 No 3 GTA brisbane has moved

As of September 2013, we’re at Level 4, 283 Elizabeth Street

Drop in and say hello, and please update your records New Postal address GPO BOX 115 BRISBANE QLD 4001 Phone (unchanged) 07 3113 5000 Email (unchanged) [email protected]

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