The Iconic Queensland Places Act 2008 (IQPA) protects places with characteristics or qualities in their natural or built environment that reflect or contribute in a substantial way to Queensland’s character. The IQPA applies to places that have been declared as iconic. IQPA establishes two ‘iconic places’—the former Noosa Shire and Douglas Shire areas. The Act also provides for other places to be declared as iconic before 30 June 2008 if the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning is satisfied that certain criteria have been met (section 6 (3) of the legislation). IQPA is part of a Queensland Government commitment to protect the state’s nationally and internationally recognised icons. The Act was formed to be consistent with the Integrated Planning Act 1997. It doesn’t replace, add to or remove anything that is already in the planning scheme. An iconic place declaration identifies: the characteristics or qualities of the place’s natural or built environment that the Minister is satisfied reflect or contribute in a substantial way to Queensland’s character (the place’s iconic values); any provisions (each a protected planning provision) of the local planning instruments of each relevant local government that the Minister is satisfied protect the place’s iconic values; any local laws of each relevant local government that the Minister is satisfied protect the place’s iconic values. The major protection components relate to planning schemes, development assessment and local laws. The protection provided by The IQPA does not affect the development rights of property owners. Any development that is allowed under planning schemes can still occur and any development that is not allowed under the planning schemes is still not allowed. The IQPA merely provides an independent assessment body when considering development applications that may impact on the iconic values of a place.
Australie · 2008-03-06