Planning

State Planning Policy 1/02

State planning policies outline the Queensland Government's position on planning and development matters and guide new development decisions. State planning policies are prepared and administered under the Integrated Planning Act 1997.

The most recent policy is state planning policy 1/02: Development in the vicinity of certain airports and aviation facilities. State planning policy 1/02 was introduced on 3 August, 2002 to replace state planning policy 2/92.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads is a concurrence agency under the Integrated Planning Act 1997. In this role, we are able to comment or recommend the imposition of conditions on, or refuse, particular development applications that may have a significantly adverse impact on land use and transport coordination. Further information on our role is available under the Integrated Development Assessment System in Integrated Transport Planning.

What is the scope of state planning policy 1/02?

The objective of the policy is to influence regional and local planning around state significant airports and aviation facilities.

There are 25 state significant airports identified in the policy. Protected aviation facilities include navigation, communication or surveillance installations that are used to assist the safe and efficient movement of aircraft.

Specifically, the policy will ensure:

state significant airports and aviation facilities are protected from incompatible uses or works that may adversely effect their long-term safety and operational efficiency
the protection of communities and their environments close to airports by promoting uses and works compatible with predicted long-term noise levels
uses and works proposed near the ends of runways are compatible with the public safety area requirements.

However, there are important limits on the scope of the state planning policy:

the state planning policy cannot resolve issues associated with established urban areas and existing developments
the state planning policy cannot address the location of flight paths at airports, these are matters for Airservices Australia, airport owners and air operators to resolve with local communities
the state planning policy does not apply within the boundaries of airports, it can only influence new development decisions outside these airports.

Points for consideration by local government in preparing a planning scheme:

Reference can be made to any airport master plan. Airport master plans are not mandatory, but are strongly encouraged for state significant airports.
Charts showing Australian Noise Exposure Forecast results that identify noise-affected areas, should be identified in the planning scheme.
Charts showing Obstacle Limitation Surfaces and Procedures for Air Navigation Services. Aircraft Operations Surfaces, which identify height affected areas should be identified in the planning scheme and height references for development should be scrutinised.
Department of Defence requirements, with particular reference to protection of operational airspace and the Defence (Areas Control) Regulations under the Defence Act 1903.
Requirements under the Commonwealth Airports Act 1996. A local government should recognise its responsibilities under the Commonwealth Airports Act 1996 in relation to these airports.
Public Safety Areas at runway ends, if applicable, should be included in the development of the planning scheme and identified on any maps.
Land use designation for state-significant airports, major airports and other aviation facilities should be consistent throughout the local government area.
Airport surrounding land use or works should be compatible with the safe and efficient operation of the airport or aviation facility and appropriate measures should be incorporated into any development controls in the planning scheme.

Last updated 18 February 2016