The legislation would allow the State to acquire land or purchase land or create an easement for critical infrastructure to unlock development. That would include water infrastructure, transport infrastructure, parks and community facilities.

The Government would also be given a new assessment criteria, or a state facilitated application, to speed up priority development. This could be used to unlock infill development which has a particular relevance to Brisbane where there are few greenfield development sites left.

Businesses would also be protected from “nuisance complaints” stemming from air, light and noise emissions from nearby residential properties if the business was complying with its approvals.

This would allow councils to support increased residential density to urban areas.

The legislation comes as councils were submitting their responses to the draft SEQ plan. Several have identified major issues with the draft document.

Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles said the need for more housing was an issue being felt across our entire state and the nation.

“As the fastest growing state, we need to be able to pull new levers in the planning and development system to deliver more homes, faster,” he said.

“This Bill will support the implementation of ShapingSEQ 2023 – our blueprint for delivering 900,000 new homes needed in the south-east corner by 2046 to accommodate 2.2 million new residents.

“To address housing supply constraints, the new laws will give the State powers to manage fragmented land holdings, approve affordable developments and take control of easements for water, power and sewerage.

“It will help Queensland to reach our share of the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new well-located homes over five years.

“And ensure Queensland is leading the way in response to the National Planning Reform Blueprint, so we are at the table to receive our fair share of this new federal funding to support growth.

“At the housing summit, we committed to introducing legislative changes to remove barriers to housing development.

“This Bill delivers on that promise, providing a comprehensive response to the key challenges impacting the delivery of housing across our state.

“These changes mean more homes and more jobs for Queenslanders.”

Councils have yet to see the detail of the legislation but have been approached for a response.

The Government also announced that the Albanese Government’s social housing funding would allow mean 600 homes in Queensland.