At Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), we are committed to building strong relationships with our community and stakeholders. Our strategic engagement efforts aim to foster trust and collaboration and help inform how we develop Priority Development Areas (PDAs), shape planning frameworks and deliver successful and sustainable projects.
What is stakeholder engagement?
Stakeholder engagement is the process of involving stakeholders in planning outcomes which are of interest or affect them. For us, this means providing forums and platforms for conversations, questions and feedback, and then integrating stakeholder insights into fit-for-purpose planning frameworks.
Why we engage
We are committed to providing stakeholders —residents, community groups, industry, local governments, and peak bodies to name a few—with the opportunity to have their say in areas that matter to them. Doing so allows us to connect with a range of stakeholders to better understand their diverse, and at times competing, needs, interests and preferences. Stakeholder insights inform EDQ’s planning, ensuring balanced and sustainable development outcomes.
How we engage
EDQ is required to provide a minimum of 30 business days for public comment on a PDA’s proposed Development Scheme and supporting documents. To ensure everyone is provided with the opportunity to have their say, we tailor our stakeholder engagement plans to reflect local dynamics. This means utilising hybrid methods—combining in-person meetings with online platforms to accommodate varying preferences. Whether through virtual webinars, accessible development plans, or ’meet a planner‘ sessions, we aim to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
For example, in developing the proposed planning framework for the Woolloongabba PDA, EDQ undertook early engagement prior to formal public notification of the proposed Development Scheme to better understand community priorities early. Engagement activities included inviting stakeholders to complete an online survey and undertaking social research focused on the diverse demographic groups living in Woolloongabba.
The community priorities identified in the early engagement process are summarised in The Woollongabba Community Priorities Report. They included:
- making the area more people friendly
- increasing open space and greenery
- making it easier to walk and cycle
- providing more affordable and greater diversity of housing options, and
- promoting a way of life that was good for the environment.
These insights informed the development of the Woolloongabba PDA’s Development Scheme (The Wooloongabba Plan) and Public Realm Guideline prior to their formal release for public comment from May – July 2024.
During the public notification phase, EDQ received over 200 submissions from a range of stakeholders, including members of the community, advocacy groups and industry. These submissions, whether in support, opposition, or advocating for change, provided EDQ with critical feedback and led to adjustments to the proposed Development Scheme.
For instance, one submission theme which came through strongly related to transitions between lower and higher density areas. Upon consideration, EDQ adjusted the proposed Development Scheme to include provisions to more effectively manage development transitions and development interfaces. Adjustments were also made to the quantity and diversity of open space and public realm, park type and design, traffic infrastructure and tree species selection, demonstrating the role engagement plays in shaping PDA planning. Further detail can be found in the Woolloongabba PDA submissions report.
Why it matters
The importance of stakeholder engagement extends beyond compliance; it’s about achieving meaningful social, environmental, and economic outcomes.
- Social impact:Â By involving the community in the planning process, we build trust and connection. Communities that feel heard are more cohesive and resilient, leading to a stronger sense of belonging.
- Environmental stewardship:Â Engagement helps identify local environmental concerns, allowing us to incorporate sustainability measures that protect natural assets while accommodating growth.
- Economic benefits:Â Effective engagement can unlock economic opportunities. When developments align with stakeholder needs, they attract investment and create jobs that are relevant to and benefit residents.
At EDQ, we are committed to authentic, meaningful engagement with a range of stakeholders. By valuing input and working collaboratively, we drive outcomes that enhance the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of Queenslanders. Together, we can build places where people truly want to live, work and thrive.
Learn more about how we engage with our stakeholders here.
