The Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad announced recently that expressions of interest will soon be called for the newly created Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel to assist state and local governments deliver high-quality infrastructure, planning and urban projects.
Observing that good design can enhance quality of life and provide social and economic benefits, the Deputy Premier said the Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel is another important step in the journey of Better Planning for Queensland.
According to Trad, Queensland has more cities with population above 100,000 people than any other jurisdiction in Australia. As the country moves towards a knowledge economy, these urban centres will become increasingly central to productivity and economic growth; the Government, therefore, needs to ensure it can attract the best and brightest to Queensland to create jobs, to innovate and to invest.
Speaking at the 8th International Urban Design Conference in Brisbane, the Deputy Premier said the Panel would bring renewed prominence to the consideration of design. The Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel will be chaired by the Queensland Government Architect, Malcolm Middleton. A nationwide call for expressions of interest will soon be launched for panel membership.
Functioning in an advisory role, the Panel will inform the Government about the design of major infrastructure and urban development projects across the State, and provide expert advice across such fields as urban design, planning, architecture, sustainability and sub-tropical design.
Trad added that she will be asking the Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel to take a more holistic approach and champion best practice place making to ensure they can make the most of the opportunity to maximise community and economic benefits through superior design.
