The 2010 Property Council of Australia Advocacy Agenda for Queensland was formally launched at the Annual Downtown Premier’s Luncheon earlier this week.
Queensland Property Council President Wayne Rex said that the 2010 advocacy priorities for the property industry have been set following a collaborative process involving our yearly membership survey, extensive discussions in all of the Queensland Property Council Committees and the Queensland Divisional Council.
“Our first focus issue is infrastructure – where we are looking for increased spending on urban infrastructure, a reduction of infrastructure charges and improved Government planning, infrastructure coordination and delivery. It will be clear to all that Brisbane and South East Queensland generally, urgently needs urban planning solutions that drive economic growth and end the congestion choking our city and better coordination of land use and transport planning.
“Our second focus issue is planning for realistic outcomes. The Property Council is strongly advocating for simpler, clearer planning rules and realistic infill and greenfield targets – which would lead to increased and more affordable land supply. If we are to meet the targets set by the South East Queensland Regional Plan we need an industry aware government, and planning policies that help deliver good community outcomes.
“The third area of focus is closely linked with the second one: quicker development assessment. The property industry needs faster and more rational development assessments that provide greater certainty in time frames and approval outcomes. The roll-out of the Development Assessment Forum’s leading practice model, the introduction of development assessment panels and the roll out of RiskSmart across Queensland would be much welcomed by the property industry.
“Our fourth focus area is regional growth and diversity – where we recognise that stable economic growth and support for the property industry in regional areas is essential for a strong and vibrant Queensland economy. The regions are doing it tough at the moment, and greater government expenditure on infrastructure in regional areas, such as the Sunshine Coast Hospital and the Gold Coast Rapid transit projects, would provide much needed assistance.
“The fifth area of focus is to facilitate greater opportunity for sustainable outcomes. Retro greening of existing building stock, fast tracked ‘Green Door’ development assessments, bigger incentives for green developers and owners are some of the issues that the Property Council will focus on in 2010.
“And last but certainly not least is the issue of land tax and the valuation system. Further annual increases of 30% are simply unsustainable and will see investors choose interstate investment options. We have worked tirelessly throughout 2009 to detail the significant impacts of these ill-advised rises on Queensland property owners, and will continue to advocate in 2010 for lower land taxes and a consistent valuation system.
“And it will be on behalf of our 340 member companies in Queensland that the Property Council will actively engage with all levels of government, seeking a constructive political engagement to further the property industry’s interests”, Mr Rex concluded.
Please click below for a full version of the 2010 Property Council of Australia Advocacy Agenda for Queensland.
