Environment and Sustainability, Passenger Rail, Research & Development

Queensland set to open EoIs for urban design panel

Ross River in Townsville, Queensland. Photo: Rabs003 / Creative Commons

Expressions of interest will soon be called for the newly-created Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel, which will assist state and local governments in the delivery of infrastructure, planning and urban projects.

Infrastructure, local government and planning minister Jackie Trad, who introduced new planning legislation to Parliament last week, said good design could enhance quality of life and provide social and economic benefits.

“The establishment of the Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel is another important step in the journey of Better Planning for Queensland, and recognises that good design is a critical ingredient in a globally competitive society and locally inclusive communities,” Trad explained.

The new panel will have an advisory role, she said, informing the government about the design of major infrastructure and urban development projects across the state, and providing expert advice across such fields as urban design, planning, architecture, sustainability and sub-tropical design.

“By promoting better design outcomes, we will be building on our already strong sense of place and attracting the interest of those who see this as an essential ingredient in their businesses or lifestyles.

“Queensland has more cities above 100,000 people than any other jurisdiction in Australia – and as we move towards a knowledge economy these urban centres will become increasingly central to productivity and economic growth and we need to ensure we can attract the best and brightest to Queensland to create jobs, to innovate and to invest.”

Trad made the announcement at the Internatoinal Urban Design Conference in Brisbane on Monday.

She said the panel will be chaired by the Queensland Government Architect, Malcolm Middleton.

“My department will soon be launching a nation-wide call for expressions of interest for membership of the panel,” Trad added.

“The Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel will build on the work of the former Board for Urban Places, which was ignored by the former government.

“I see the Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel picking up where the board left off some years ago, but I will be asking it to take a more holistic approach and champion best practice place making to ensure we make the most of the opportunity to maximise community and economic benefits through superior design.”


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