The Property Council will host Assistant Minister for Planning Reform and industry ‘go-to’ person, Ian Walker MP, at a luncheon in Townsville on 16 August.
The Assistant Minister has been tasked by the Queensland Premier with delivering the most cost efficient, time effective planning framework in Australia, according to Queensland Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia, Kathy Mac Dermott.
“Appointed as the property industry ‘go-to’ person, the Assistant Minister is responsible for working with industry groups and local governments to establish the State Government’s planning reform agenda,” Ms Mac Dermott says.
“This is the first time the Assistant Minister has spoken at an event in Townsville in his official capacity, so we are keen to hear how the reform agenda will benefit the industry beyond the state’s south-east corner.”
“The Luncheon will also provide an opportunity for the guests to hear first-hand the changes made by the State Government since March, along with their plans for the property and construction sector looking ahead.”
According to Chair of the Property Council’s Townsville Committee, John Quinlan, this event will provide an opportunity for the Assistant Minister to hear how the planning system in North Queensland is impacting on the property industry.
“Along with taxation reform and investment in infrastructure, the key to unlocking the industry’s potential is a planning system that delivers certainty, efficiency and clarity for all stakeholders,” Mr Quinlan says.
“With Townsville City Council in the middle of developing its new planning scheme, this visit by the Assistant Minister could not come at a more opportune time.”
“All levels of government must work together to fix our State’s ailing planning system, in order to restore investment in the property industry in Queensland.”
For more information on the Townsville Luncheon, contact the Property Council on 07 3225 3000 or eoneill@propertyoz.com.au.
