Tropical Cyclone Alfred Declared an Applicable Event Under the Planning Act 2016
In an important announcement on 4 March 2025, the Honourable Jarrod Bleijie MP, Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Industrial Relations, declared Tropical Cyclone Alfred in South East Queensland to be an applicable event under the Planning Act 2016. The period for this applicable event spans from 5 March to 19 March 2025 (inclusive). The declaration applies to all Council areas where InsiteSJC operate.
What is an Applicable Event?
An “applicable event” under the Planning Act 2016 is a declaration made by the Planning Minister when an event, such as a natural disaster or public health emergency, is likely to affect state interests. This declaration allows the state government to make advance preparations or respond to emerging circumstances effectively.
When an applicable event is declared, three key powers become available:
- Extension or Suspension of Planning Framework Periods: The Planning Minister can extend or suspend statutory timeframes to ensure that actions, such as those in development assessment, can still be undertaken in a timely manner.
- Declarations of Uses and Classes of Uses: The Planning Minister can declare certain essential businesses to operate 24/7 to deliver vital goods and services to the community.
- Temporary Use Licences (TULs): Individuals can apply for TULs to change or vary existing development approval conditions or other operating constraints that may prevent them from operating during the applicable event.
Ensuring Availability of Essential Goods
To ensure the availability of essential goods during this critical period, the Deputy Premier has issued a declaration of uses. This means businesses such as supermarkets, warehouses, transport depots, healthcare services, and hardware and trade supplies may operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to re-stock essential items. It’s important to note that this does not alter trading hours regulated under other legislation.
Enabling Community Preparedness
This precautionary approach is designed to help businesses maintain adequate stock levels and enable communities to prepare effectively for Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Additionally, the declaration allows individuals to apply for temporary use licences (TULs) if there is a need to modify existing development approval conditions or other operating constraints during the applicable event.
How InsiteSJC Can Assist
InsiteSJC is a highly regarded authority in Town Planning, Surveying, and Development Projects, with a widespread presence in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Gympie, and the greater Wide Bay Region. InsiteSJC can provide valuable assistance during this applicable event by offering expert advice and services in the following areas:
- Development Advice: Providing guidance on how to navigate the planning framework during the applicable event.
- Town Planning Applications: Assisting with the preparation and submission of town planning applications, including temporary use licences (TULs).
- Surveying Services: Offering a range of surveying services, including construction control surveys, detail and level surveys, and identification surveys.
- Project Management: Managing development projects to ensure compliance with the applicable event declaration and other regulatory requirements.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe.
Curtis Purvey – Town Planner