Council introduces two incentives by reducing fees to zero for flood prone zones

• Goondiwindi Regional Council continues to deliver housing incentives to residents and investors to assist in the housing crisis
• Council have reduced the Cost Recovery Fee to zero within the flood overlay of the Goondiwindi Region
• This also assists in streamlining the planning and building process

In response to the ongoing housing crisis, Goondiwindi Regional Council is committed to supporting residents and investors by implementing key initiatives to encourage housing development and streamline the planning and building process.

One of the significant steps taken by Council is no fee for Material Change of Use (MCU) applications which have resulted from the Planning Scheme flood hazard overlay zones within the region, effectively saving residents $815.   

Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor, the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg, said that individuals and businesses shouldn't be discouraged from building dwellings due to some parts of the region being flood prone.

"We will still ensure that appropriate risk mitigation processes are in place as we assess the applications, but we believe residents and business owners should not be penalised for a force majeure, when there is nothing, they can do about it," Cr Springborg said.

The Flood Hazard Overlay Map is a valuable tool as it identifies sites at risk of flooding.

"With this map properties at risk of flooding are able to confirm that they have reasonable risk mitigation strategies in their designs, for example higher pads, through the assessment process," Cr Springborg explained.

Another incentive Goondiwindi Regional Council has introduced is no fee for Exemption Requests for non-habitable buildings, such as sheds, as a result of the Flood Hazard Overlay Map.

Council’s Exemption Request process also contributes to a more streamlined planning and building process, ensuring that individuals receive a responsive and cost-effective service delivery without unnecessary expenses.

“Council remains dedicated to addressing the housing crisis and facilitating responsible development in the region while prioritising the safety and well-being of its residents and investors,” Cr Springborg said.

Earlier this year, Council also temporarily removed cost barriers for multi-dwelling construction in an effort to relieve pressure on a tight rental market by introducing a rebate for all Council fees and charges associated with constructing new multi-dwelling buildings (applies to all Council planning, building, water and sewerage fees).

New multi- dwelling buildings includes duplexes, granny flats, units and townhouses, and must be built within areas within existing Council water and sewerage infrastructure in the Goondiwindi Region. To be eligible, the building application must be received and approved between 3 January - 31 December 2023, with construction completed and certified before 31 December 2025.

The rebate will not apply to stand alone houses, temporary multi-dwellings or short-term accommodation. 

Click here to view Flood Hazard Overlay maps for the region - https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/business/planning-development/planning-scheme/goondiwindi-regional-council