Planning schemes, ecological sustainability, and The Integrated Planning Act 1997: an evaluation

Abstract

The Integrated Planning Act (1997) became law in the State of Queensland on March the 30ᵗʰ 1997. With it came a new focus in Town Planning - the need to achieve ecological sustainability. This occurred, as the purpose of IPA, is for all development to aim to achieve ecological sustainability. This is stated in s.1.2.1 of IPA. Ecological sustainability is defined in s.1.3.3. It consists of three broad elements encompassing many different aspects of development. Ecological sustainability must be advanced through six factors identified in s.1.2.3. While the ecological sustainability definition found in the Act covers many differing aspects, some say it is too broad, and does not focus enough attention to ecological processes - it is a legal definition rather than an environmentalist’s point of view. While not specifically stated, it is implied that Planning Schemes are required to implement the Act’s purpose. In order to achieve this, five requirements have been devised. Planning Schemes must include these elements.Although there are requirements for Planning Schemes, an evaluation needs to be undertaken to analyse how these requirements will contribute to the achievement of ecological sustainability. This is important to assess whether IPA Planning Schemes need to be modified, or if they are acceptable in their current form. Thus the following Thesis will aim to address the above mentioned problems by: 1. Providing a detailed definition of ecological sustainability.2. Highlighting the requirements of an IPA Planning Scheme.3. Examining a draft IPA Planning Scheme.4. Assessing how the requirements can meet ecological sustainability.5. In light of these examinations, strengths and weaknesses of the current requirements can be determined.