How a neighbourhood plan is created

Creating a Neighbourhood Plan follows an established process. If Brisbane City Council intends on creating a Neighbourhood Plan for your area, you will be sent a letter or a newsletter in the mail, and Council will place advertisements in the local paper.

The way Neighbourhood Plans can influence what happens in local communities is to modify the rules contained in the City Plan. For example, zones can be altered or extra rules about development added through the codes. If the rules over your property are changed such as your zoning, it doesn't mean you will be forced to move out. It just means that anything you want to do on your property in future will have to comply with the new rules.

Any proposed changes have to be weighed up by Council, together with the local community. Changes have benefits, but they can also bring upheaval. These potential costs need to be considered carefully by the entire community.

Creating a Neighbourhood Plan can be a lengthy process. Once the plan has been drafted, it only becomes law (and is incorporated into the City Plan) after it has been reviewed by the community, Council, and Queensland Government, and amended if necessary. From start to finish, the whole process can take up to two years.