In town and city planning, it's essential to have mechanisms in place to respond swiftly to changing circumstances and emerging issues. In Queensland, Temporary Local Planning Instruments (TLPIs) serve this crucial role.

What is a TLPI?

A Temporary Local Planning Instrument, or TLPI for short, is a statutory instrument established under the provisions of the Planning Act 2016 in Queensland. These instruments play a vital role in local planning by suspending or altering the operation of other planning instruments, such as the Brisbane City Plan 2014, for a maximum duration of two years from their effective date.

Key Characteristics of a TLPI:

• No Amendments or Repeals: TLPIs do not amend or repeal the existing planning instrument.

• Not a Superseded Planning Scheme: They do not create a superseded planning scheme.

• Not an Adverse Planning Change: TLPIs are not classified as adverse planning changes under the Planning Act 2016.

When are TLPIs Used?

Temporary Local Planning Instruments are typically deployed as interim measures in response to urgent or emergent circumstances. Here's when they come into play: 

• Urgent Protection: TLPIs are swiftly put in place to establish planning and development assessment policies, safeguarding all or part of a local government area from adverse impacts in urgent situations.

• ·Prevailing Over City Plan: During their duration, TLPIs prevail over the existing planning instrument (e.g., City Plan) to the extent of any inconsistency.

• Shaping Future Planning: TLPIs provide an opportunity to shape longer-term planning provisions while in effect. This is in contrast to the statutory process for amending a planning instrument, which can take over 18 months.

• Two-Year Lifespan: A TLPI remains effective for up to two years, providing a window to address immediate concerns.

• Repeal Possibility: Council’s have the authority to repeal a TLPI when the need for its provisions no longer exists.

Examples of TLPI Usage:

TLPIs are versatile instruments, and they can address various planning issues. Here are a couple of scenarios where TLPIs have been used:

1. Heritage Protection: TLPIs may be employed to protect a building with cultural heritage significance, especially when it's pending listing on a local heritage register.

2. Disaster Response: TLPIs can set requirements for development in areas recently affected by disasters, such as flooding. These requirements are in place until corresponding provisions can be included in the local planning scheme.

Accessing TLPIs:

If you're interested in viewing a TLPI, they are typically available on the local government's website or on the department's plan-making dashboard. This transparency ensures that residents and stakeholders can stay informed about the planning measures in their areas.

Planning Minister's Role:

In addition to local governments, the planning minister in Queensland also has the authority to create TLPIs under the Planning Act. These TLPIs are often crafted to protect or give effect to state interests.

Temporary Local Planning Instruments (TLPIs) play a crucial role in Queensland's urban planning landscape. They offer a means to address urgent planning concerns, protect heritage sites, and respond to disasters promptly. With their flexible nature and relatively short lifespan, TLPIs provide a valuable tool for shaping Queensland's future while ensuring the immediate needs of communities are met. For more information on specific TLPIs in Queensland, you can refer to the local government's resources or the department's plan-making dashboard.