Institute responds to new unnecessary fee
The Institute’s concern over a new unnecessary fee has formed the basis of a new submission to Rockhampton Regional Council.
As part of its 2020/2021 budget council has opted to include a new $1,000 development application fee for approval change representations. Making change representations allows for applicants to correct planning approvals and negotiate conditions.
Our submission outlined our concern that the new fee is not required by the Planning Act and will only add to the cost of new housing for local home buyers at a time when they can least afford it.
The Institute also suggested that the cost of the approval change process should be covered under the application’s original fee.
A copy of the submission is available here for members to view. The Institute will investigate this further for members within the Central Queensland branch and will update accordingly.
If you have any questions, please contact the Policy Team via email or on (07) 3229 1589.