Regulations to improve the accessibility and transparency of Infrastructure Charges are long overdue, according to UDIA Queensland.

The Institute has long called for transparency of Infrastructure Charges paid by developers to councils having first recommended the step to the State Government in September 2017.

Institute CEO Kirsty Chessher-Brown said that transparency of these charges was a key step in providing the community with a well-rounded view of the positive contribution and benefits of development.

At a glance:

• UDIA says recent regulations introduced into Queensland relating to the transparency of Infrastructure Charges long-overdue
• Most people unaware that developers pay such charges, according to UDIA research
• Community needs to understand that contribution and how the funds are spent to avoid lop-sided debate around accommodating population growth

She said that UDIA research had revealed that the broader community was almost wholly unaware that developers pay Infrastructure Charges, resulting in a lopsided debate over development.

“Understandably if the community does not realise these charges are collected, or how they are spent locally, they will feel there is little to offset the pressures associated with accommodating a growing population,” said Chessher-Brown.

“This initiative has the potential to significantly change the conversation we all have when engaging as a community.

“Ultimately transparency in these charges is better for developers and better for the community. 

“We have been working closely with the State Government since 2017 to work toward this moment and we are proud to see the voice of community and industry heard."

A key role of the Institute is to facilitate the progression of the industry by providing members with the opportunity and information required to make decisions based on evidence.

In 2014 the Institute launched its Research Foundation, which delivers an ongoing program of both new and recurring research to provide members and government with industry insights across Queensland.

In 2017, the research delved into the how the community consultation process currently works with residents, ratepayers, and government across the South East Queensland corner.

As part of this work, the UDIA uncovered insights regarding Infrastructure Charges that have led to the amendments announced recently in Queensland.

The UDIA Queensland is the peak body for Queensland’s property development industry.

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