Fact sheet
A communications strategy under the draft Minister’s Guidelines and Rules
Community engagement in the plan making process is fundamental to ensure Queenslanders are able to
meaningfully contribute to their local planning schemes.
This fact sheet sets out how and when a local government must prepare and implement a communications
strategy under the Planning Act 2016 and the Minister’s Guidelines and Rules (MGR). This fact sheet has
been developed for local government planning practitioners.
A tailored versus set process
Under the current planning legislation, local government must follow a set process for making or amending
local planning schemes, regardless of their size and circumstance. As Queensland has a diverse range of
local government areas, this ‘one size fits all’ approach has not proven successful.
To accommodate this diversity, section 18 of the Act provides for a ‘tailored’ process when making or
amending a planning scheme. Some local governments will continue to follow a set process when
amending a planning scheme, so this approach will still be available.
Planning scheme change
Options
Making a new planning scheme
Tailored process
Amending an existing planning scheme
Tailored process or set process
Communication strategy to support the plan making process
Regardless of which process a local government may select to progress, a communications strategy
will help a local government to ensure the community is consulted in the plan making process.
A tailored process
When amending or making a new scheme, the local government is required to provide a notice to the chief
executive, which includes details about the proposed planning scheme or amendment.
A communications strategy may be provided with this notice. While not mandatory, local government is
encouraged to include a communication strategy with their notice to promote collaboration between the
state and local government on the best way to engage the local community.
In response to the local government’s notice, under the draft MGR (chapter 1, part 1) the chief executive
must give a notice to the local government about the process for making or amending a planning scheme,
and what steps (including community engagement) must be followed.
This notice will be made available on the department’s website, so the public can see the process their local
planning scheme or amendment will follow and when community engagement will occur.
Fact sheet –
Communications strategy
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Fact sheet
A communications strategy under the draft Minister’s Guidelines and Rules
A set process
For planning scheme amendments under section 20 of the Act, the set amendment process for a qualified
state interest amendment (chapter 2, part 3) and a major amendment (chapter 2, part 4) require a local
government to prepare a communication strategy as part of the initial notice. The notice and
communications strategy is given to the chief executive for review.
What to include in a communications strategy
A communications strategy should include:
 the proposed geographical community or communities of interest to be consulted
 the relevant community groups, organisations and stakeholders
 how the proposed planning scheme or amendment is relevant to the community
 the proposed length of consultation
 the proposed methods of consultation – tools and activities
 any actions that are optional or contingent on other actions occurring in the process
 the timing of the process, including any milestone dates
 any supporting evidence for the proposed communication strategy.
What format should the communications strategy use?
The Act and the draft MGR do not specify the format a proposed communications strategy should take. It is
up to local government to consider the format to present this information to the chief executive.
What will the chief executive consider?
The draft MGR (chapter 1, part 1, section 5) prescribes the matters the chief executive must consider
with regards to a communications strategy (provided under section 18(5)(d) of the Act).
These include:
 the nature of the proposed planning scheme or proposed planning scheme amendment;
 the likely level of community interest and engagement for the proposed planning scheme or
proposed planning scheme amendment;
 if community engagement is proposed to be inclusive and appropriate, and undertaken in an open,
honest and meaningful way;
 if the proposed planning scheme or proposed planning scheme amendment may affect a person’s
rights under the Act; and
 if the proposed communication strategy complies with the consultation period requirements in
section 18(5)(b) of the Act.
These considerations will also be applied to amendments under the Act (section 20) where applicable.
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Communications strategy
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Fact sheet
A communications strategy under the draft Minister’s Guidelines and Rules
Supporting meaningful engagement
The Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning is committed to supporting enhanced
community engagement in the plan making process and will play an active role in assisting local
governments.
The department’s draft consultation toolkit aims to assist local government with a suite of practical theory,
tools and templates to enhance their engagement. Case study examples will be included to help councils
develop and refine their communication strategies.
The department will also provide advice and support to local government as they develop their
communication strategy. Officers are encouraged to collaborate with the department to determine the most
effective and meaningful way to engage with their local community in the plan making process.
For more information, visit www.betterplanning.qld.gov.au/planning-reform or email
bestplanning@dilgp.qld.gov.au.
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Communications strategy
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