Parliament extends deadline for LGIP’s

The Queensland Parliament has passed the Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No.2), extending the deadline for the completion of Local Government Infrastructure Plans (LGIPs).

The statutory deadline for LGIPs has been extended by two years to 1 July 2018, providing councils with close to four years to prepare and adopt a plan.

Citing the importance of developing and adopting LGIPs as quickly as possible, the Property Council had called for only a twelve month extension to the deadline.

In order to receive an extension of time, local governments are required to apply to the Minister with a project plan outlining the steps they will take to complete the plan. The Property Council raised concern with the proposed 20 day timeframe for the Minister to respond to applications, as where this timeframe is not met, an automatic two year extension is granted. A preferable approach would allow the Minister a 60 day period in which to respond, followed by a one year extension to the deadline.

 

The Bill also includes an amendment to allow the person receiving an Infrastructure Charge Notice from Council to advise the local government that they are prepared to receive information about an offset or refund at a later time, to allow for a decision notice to be issued without delay.

Although the Property Council provided in-principle support for the amendment, concerns were raised about the loss of appeal rights if there are any errors with the offset or refund, as an appeal must be started within 20 business days after the day the recipient is provided the Infrastructure Charge Notice.

Further information on the Bill can be found here.