People living in communities affected by a natural disaster will no longer have to wait for planning approvals to access emergency housing.

The changes taking effect immediately come as the Palaszczuk Government moves to alleviate pressure on Queensland housing stocks, while bracing for more heavy rain over summer.

Temporary emergency housing will be able to be delivered in response to an event – such as a flood emergency – without requiring a planning approval.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Steven Miles said the changes would help avoid the outcome from floods in parts of south-eastern Queensland in February and March, which left thousands of people without a suitable roof over their heads.

“These changes will give faster access to emergency accommodation during a crisis such as that,” he said.

“The recent forecast from the weather experts that the coming summer will be much the same as the last – which saw large areas of the state devastated by wild weather – makes this an important, timely change,” Mr Miles said.

Miles said state and local government could plan ahead sites where demountable housing could be put in – like showgrounds – to give people who have lost their homes in a flood an immediate, temporary housing solution.

“The amendments will mean there will be more locations where emergency accommodation can be installed quickly, allowing local and state governments to support affected communities with temporary housing until permanent housing options are secured,” Miles said.

“Importantly the amendments will also encourage councils to proactively identify suitable land within their local government area for emergency housing – so they can support their communities.”