Queensland’s Planning (State Facilitated Development) Amendment Regulation 2026 commences today, resetting the eligibility criteria for projects that can access the State Facilitated Development (SFD) pathway.
The Queensland Government says the SFD “reset” represents a fundamental reform of a failed planning pathway that was designed by the previous Government “to steamroll local governments and strip councils of a meaningful role in decision making for local communities across Queensland”.
Under the reformed pathway, all types of development predominantly for housing and that meet zoning requirements, will be able to progress through the SFD process, where they are supported by local government.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the reforms will enable a broader mix of dwelling types.
“This reform restores respect for councils, strengthens local decision-making and demonstrates the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to working hand-in-glove with local governments to unlock land for housing,” said Mr Bleijie.
The changes respond directly to advocacy from the Local Government Association of Queensland and resolutions from its 2025 Annual Conference, which called for clearer criteria, stronger council involvement and a review of the SFD process. Under the new rules, developments cannot proceed without local government support.
The reforms deliver on the Queensland Productivity Commission’s Recommendation 26 to streamline approvals, remove unnecessary red tape and put downward pressure on development costs.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) CEO, Alison Smith said that since the introduction of the State Facilitated Development process in 2024, the LGAQ and Queensland councils had consistently called for improved council engagement and involvement in the assessment process.
“We are pleased to see changes to the State Facilitated Development process that now enable meaningful local government participation,” Ms Smith said.
“These amendments align with the Equal Partners in Government Agreement, and we welcome the continued cooperative and positive relationship between the Queensland Government and local governments.”
Queensland Property Council Executive Director, Jess Caire said quicker and clearer planning decisions meant more housing, more quickly.
“The Queensland Productivity Commission’s blueprint for the development sector identified significant opportunities to streamline approvals, particularly for major projects that are essential if we are to catch up and meaningfully boost housing supply,” Ms Caire said.
“This reform responds directly to that recommendation, and we welcome the government’s swift action to turn reform into homes on the ground, sooner, across all product types.”
Under the amended regulation, the eligibility criteria for declaring an application as a SFD has been expanded to:
- the development must be for predominantly residential development; and
- the premises the subject of the application are either of the following:
- completely within a zone supporting residential development.
- are not within an environmental zone or a limited development zone, and the Minister is satisfied the premises are or can be readily serviced by infrastructure for the development.
More information can be found via the guidance material here: State Facilitated Development | Planning.
