City moves on infrastructure fee relief
3/11/2009
Gold Coast City Council is stepping up efforts to support the local development industry, with a formal working party set to begin meetings and temporary infrastructure relief beginning this month.
Council's temporary relief measure on infrastructure charges is expected to commence on November 17.
The council moved in August to fast-track development of a temporary planning instrument (TLPI) which would mean developers pay charges only for what they build and not for what could ultimately be constructed on site.
The TLPI has now been endorsed by the State Government and was presented to today's (3/11) Sustainable City Future Committee meeting for consideration.
Committee Chairperson, Councillor Peter Young, said the measure now required Council endorsement on Monday (9/11) before it could be enacted.
"It is expected to begin operating on 17 November and will be in place for 12 months," Cr Young said.
"This is the maximum time which the legislation allows us to apply the temporary planning instrument, but if necessary we might be able to seek the consent of the State to extend this period."
He said Council had acted quickly on calls from the industry to respond to the recent economic downturn.
The committee also moved today to formalise an industry and Council working group to discuss other suggested relief measures.
Cr Young said the latest Council initiatives came on top of a $90 million economic stimulus package provided to the local economy in June, as well as a four-year $110 million social infrastructure program, providing direct local benefits, particularly to the construction industry.
"Now, as we appear to be entering the early economic recovery phase, the TLPI should provide an additional incentive for the development industry.
"We hope this measure will help encourage and energise the industry, as well as provide relief to the smaller mum and dad developers, at this time."
Council will consider possible further assistance measures in December.
