Council supports developers through pandemic recovery

Lockyer Valley Regional Council has provided additional incentive measures for development throughout the region in a move to support private investment in the local economy.

Planning and Development Portfolio Councillor Rick Vela said the adoption of the updated Development Incentives - Infrastructure Charges Policy at the Ordinary Council Meeting will see Council provide additional discounts, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, for infrastructure charges for Material Change of Use developments that are approved in the next six months.

A discount of 25 per cent will be applicable under the COVID-19 clause and complements those discounts already provided for under the Policy. To obtain the discount the development will need to meet certain eligibility criteria, including commencing the use within two years of the date of approval.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it. Its impact on the world economy will continue to be felt for years to come and, as an organisation, we are committed to doing all we can to ease that burden for the ratepayers of the Lockyer Valley while maintaining Council's financial stability.

This has presented economic challenges to the development industry within the Lockyer Valley, and we will do what we can to assist development that complements our region.

We want to see the Lockyer Valley continue to grow and we welcome suitable developments that will only add to the long-term future and wellbeing of our region.

While the Federal and State governments have announced a range of stimulus packages to support businesses in managing cash flow, business investment and keeping people employed, we are determined to play our part as a Local Government, Cr Vela said.

Council will review the development incentives after six months, along with the status of the COVID-19 pandemic at that time, the development industry within the Lockyer Valley region and the local economy.

The Policy has been in place since February 2016 and is designed to recognise the lower returns on investment in the Lockyer Valley relative to major urban centres and provides discounts for infrastructure charges to residential, community, commercial and industrial development, Cr Vela said.

For further information, contact Council on 1300 005 872.