GPC has extensive experience in the making and amending of local and state planning instruments that aim to support the delivery of an efficient, effective, transparent, integrated, coordinated, and accountable system of land use planning and development assessment in Queensland.

Our experience includes the detailed review of local planning schemes and component parts to check the mechanics of the planning scheme, ensure policy alignment (line of sight) through a planning scheme, address state interests as expressed in state planning policies and ensure compliance with the Planning Act 2016.

GPC has the capability and capacity to deliver complete local planning schemes or key component parts (e.g. strategic framework) or amendments to an existing instrument to align with new policy positions or to address technical issues.

We have extensive experience in writing zone, overlay and use codes. Specific use and topic focused codes include (but not limited to) Flood hazard overlay code, Retirement and residential care facilities code, Multiple dwelling code and Dwelling house code.

GPC has also drafted planning scheme policies (e.g. Social impact planning scheme policy). We have undertaken peer reviews of draft amendments and draft amendments to state planning policies and guidelines.

GPC strongly believe in planning schemes being simple, to the point, and easy to navigate and use. Planning schemes are most effective when the planning outcomes being sought are clear and well thought through.

BCC Traditional housing: Alterations and extensions

2019
This project involved two parts, the preparation of a guideline to support the alteration and extension of traditional houses completed in partnership with Arkhefield, and the identification of possible amendments to support the delivery of better neighbourhood and streetscape outcomes through the planning scheme.

GPC was responsible for project management, the drafting of text content and analysis of the planning scheme.

Client
Brisbane City Council

Key issues
> Alignment with BCC policy directions considering Brisbane’s Future Blueprint and consultation on traditional housing
> Identification of amendment options from minor to major

Image credit: Svinyard/ Shutterstock.com

Draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme

2017
GPC prepared a new planning scheme for the Lockyer Valley region consistent with the requirements of the Planning Act 2016.  The planning scheme was drafted to be a ‘fit for purpose’ planning scheme that is a practical, usable and easily understood. GPC worked closely with Council officers and Councillors to ensure the desired vision and policy outcomes were appropriately expressed in the new planning scheme.

Client
Lockyer Valley Regional Council

Key issues
> Short four month working timeframe
> Structured policy presentations and discussions with full Council

Image credit: Aerometrex/ Shutterstock.com

Peer review - Toowoomba planning scheme amendments

2017
This peer review of proposed amendments to deliver better medium density development outcomes included a top to bottom review of all sections of the plan from the strategic framework to particular acceptable outcomes in relevant codes. This review was supported by case study analysis of completed and approved developments.

Client
Toowoomba Regional Council

Key issues
> Effectiveness of assessment benchmarks
> Delivery of desired streetscape and built form outcomes

Southbank neighbourhood plan

Project
GPC was engaged by Brisbane City Council to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan for South Bank, following the Economic Development Act 2012 which handed back planning responsibilities from the South Bank Corporation to Brisbane City Council.

The preparation of the new South Bank Neighbourhood Plan relied on simplifying the complex South Bank Approved Development Plan, which requires considerable expertise to set the new Neighbourhood Plan in the Brisbane City Plan 2014 context.

Client
Brisbane City Council

Key issues
> Master Planning
> Preparing the Neighbourhood Plan within City Plan 2104

Planning scheme alignment amendments

2017
GPC prepared amendments to a range of planning schemes to align them to the new statutory framework contained in the Planning Act 2016. This included a detailed review of each planning scheme and identifying and preparing amendments to ready the planning schemes for the new terms, processes and parameters contained in the Planning Act 2016. The planning schemes where amendments were drafted included Tablelands Region, and Etheridge, Croydon, and Murweh Shires.

Client      
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning           

Key issues
> Effectiveness of assessment benchmarks
> Delivery of desired streetscape and built form outcomes