The Benchmark – October 2026
Market Insights
Welcome to The Benchmark, HWLE Lawyers’ Queensland Environment & Planning newsletter, for October 2026.
In this newsletter, we highlight recent developments and emerging issues across Queensland’s environment and planning landscape. We consider what these developments mean in practice and the key considerations for businesses navigating this changing environment.
Planning and environment tips for the Seller Disclosure Statement
A compliant Seller Disclosure Statement may still leave critical planning and environmental risks undisclosed. We share seven practical tips to help identify issues early and keep property transactions on track.
This article was written by Peter Bittner, Partner, and Flynn Rush, Senior Associate.
Click here to read more.
Time is running out to have your say to the Queensland Government’s positive approach to unlocking development potential – Draft State Planning Policy 2026
Public consultation on the Queensland Government’s draft State Planning Policy 2026 closed on Monday, 26 October 2026. The draft policy signals a significant reset of Queensland’s planning framework, with new strategic aspirations, restructured State interests and a stronger focus on unlocking the development of land for housing. We explore the key changes proposed by the draft policy and provide you with some key takeaways.
This article was written by Peter Bittner, Partner, Samuel Colley-King, Special Counsel, Chris Haywood, Senior Associate, Kristen Burey, Associate, and Will Treacy, Solicitor.
Click here to read more.
Local Governments can levy an infrastructure charge for approved development involving accepted development
Amendments to the Planning Act 2016 ensure that local governments can levy an infrastructure charge for approved development associated with accepted development where the development generates extra demand on trunk infrastructure. We explore the context of these amendments and outline the key statutory provisions in relation to the issuing of an infrastructure charges notice.
This article was written by Shaun Pryor, Special Counsel, Chris Haywood, Senior Associate and Reuben Amdur-Webb, Solicitor.
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