On 6 June 2011, the Queensland State Government introduced an amendment to the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, for the purpose of setting maximum standard infrastructure charges for local governments throughout Queensland. This was achieved with the establishment of the State Planning Regulatory Provision (adopted charges) on 30 June 2011.
The ‘adopted charges’ prevents Council from levying charges under other planning instruments, including the Planning Scheme Policies and a Priority Infrastructure Plan. Council was required to establish an ‘Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution’ that allows Council to levy charges on developers, to recoup the cost of infrastructure to service new developments provided the charge is no greater than the maximum charge set by the Queensland State Government.
On 26 July 2011, Council resolved to make an ‘Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution, (Version No. 2)’ which sets out the parameters of infrastructure charging within the local government area for the next 3 years.
On 25 October, 2011, Council resolved to introduce Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution, (Version No.3) which supersedes Version No. 2.
Version No.3 include a policy which discounts infrastructure charges for small residential developments when located outside the priority infrastructure area, amends table 1 by categorising cottage tourist, tourist business and tourist facility use types as a commercial (retail) class, and simplifies table 3 for ease of application.
Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution (Version No.3)
In summary the ‘Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution’:
- Is attached to the Beaudesert Shire Planning Scheme (2007), Boonah Shire Planning Scheme (2006) and Ipswich Planning Scheme (2006).
- Is applicable to the entire Local Government area.
- Identifies the type of development that may trigger the issuing of an adopted infrastructure charge being a:
o reconfiguration of a lot;
o material change of use; or
o carrying out of building work. - Prescribes the ‘adopted charge’ for various residential and non-residential land uses.
- Prescribes the proportional split of the ‘adopted charge’ between Council and the Water Retailer-Distributor.
- Identifies the ‘desired standards of service’ for the roads and transport, parks, stormwater, water and sewerage infrastructure networks.
- Calculates the establishment costs of the future trunk infrastructure.
- Details an indicative 10 year capital works plan which delivers the trunk infrastructure necessary to support the growth of the local government area.
- Presents the Council policy on infrastructure discounts and credits.
- Identifies the Priority Infrastructure Areas within the local government area.
The ‘Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution’ is effective from Wednesday 3 August 2011.
The Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution (Version No.3) is effective from 7 December 2011
Infrastructure charges imposed prior to the commencement of the State Planning Regulatory Provision (adopted charges) will remain valid and binding.
