The State Government has unveiled landmark reforms to revolutionise Queensland’s planning processes. The new policy provides greater clarity for local governments by consolidating in one document, the state interests and policies that councils must consider when preparing or amending local planning schemes, or assessing development applications. Developers now also have a clear guide to…
DetailsVoting will be revolutionised at the next state election under electoral reforms recently introduced in Parliament. Queensland’s electoral system will be modernised and simplified but also better protected, with proof of identity to be required on polling days to prevent voter impersonation. Electronic voting will be made available for people with disabilities and blind…
DetailsVital information on natural disasters and emergencies are now available online at www.qld.gov.au/emergency. This One-Stop Shop approach will provide Queenslanders with easy to access, up to date, consistent information online via a smart phone, tablet or PC, or by calling or visiting a government services counter in their local community. In this case people…
DetailsThe creation of the Queensland’s new building industry watchdog, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) heralds the start of the most significant reform of the construction industry regulations in more than 20 years. The QBCC will replace the controversial Building Services Authority (BSA) and will be tasked with implementing the Government’s 10 point action plan…
DetailsQueensland school leavers will be given fee-free training in core skills areas from next year in a bid to boost frontIine services and build the state’s economy. 11 high-priority qualifications would be available fee-free under the Certificate III Guarantee if students started their training in the calendar year after completing Year 12. Year 12 graduates…
DetailsSafety engineers will review 100 Queensland roads from next month to determine whether speed limits should be raised, lowered or kept consistent. Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said this was the first major review that has been conducted since 1997 and was part of the Newman Government’s commitment to improve safety on our roads.…
DetailsMore than 1,400 matters have been heard since the Newman Government’s JP QCAT Trial commenced six months ago saving taxpayers money and valuable Queensland court time. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie today marked the six month milestone of the trial in Townsville speaking to hundreds of hard working JPs in the local community.…
DetailsThe Newman Government has delivered on its promise to empower local councils to manage problem flying-fox roosts in the best interests of their communities. Environment Minister Andrew Powell said the new framework gave local councils an ‘as-of-right’ authority to manage roosts in designated urban areas, subject to a code of practice, without the need for…
DetailsThe Newman Government has taken another step towards paying down Labor’s legacy of debt, taking advantage of favourable market conditions to further reduce the State’s shareholding in Aurizon. Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the Newman Government was continuing its measured and methodical plan to turn Queensland’s finances around, last night raising $350 million for debt reduction.…
DetailsThe State Government has moved to tighten up generous public housing rules that left properties vacant for up to a year while tenants took extended holidays or served prison terms. Housing Minister Tim Mander said under Labor’s old rules, tenants could take getaways of up to 12 months without putting their tenancies at risk. “These houses…
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