The Property Council of Australia has congratulated the State Government on its announcement today that it will establish a new Office of Urban Management and Infrastructure Coordination in Southeast Queensland to monitor Australia’s fastest-growing region.
Property Council of Australia Queensland executive director Robert Walker said the industry was pleased to finally see State Government taking responsibility for the issues Queensland is facing under the pressure of its rapidly-expanding population.
"I commend Premier Beattie on this initiative," Mr Walker said.
"The Property Council has long been advocating this for this level of commitment and it is very encouraging to see both urban growth and infrastructure being given the priority in government they deserve.
"Finally, the government has realised that planning matters."
The new office – that will have a particular responsibility to identify the region’s infrastructure needs for the next 20 years – will, under the direction of Deputy Premier and Treasurer Terry Mackenroth, establish a new Office of Urban Management and Infrastructure Coordination in Southeast Queensland.
"The key issue is that the new office will have a direct link to Queensland Treasury and be able to inform the budget process of infrastructure requirements reflects the Property Council’s recommendations in its submission last year on the SEQ2021 process.
"We are pleased with Premier Beattie’s intent to undertake a major review of the SEQ2021 process to ensure state resources are allocated in the most efficient way."
Mr Walker also commended the government for implementing measures to increase the level of accountability within governmental processes state-wide by requiring state agencies and councils to take proper account of the regional plan in their infrastructure programs and planning schemes.
"Ensuring local plans complement the wider state vision will deliver benefits for everyone.
"With this announcement, we can be assured of better planning and a better outcome for southeast Queensland," he said.
