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Best practice environmental guidelines for developers

Brisbane City Council has developed practical, 'how to' guidelines to help developers minimise their impact on the environment. Following extensive consultation with the development industry and the public, Council has published four sets of Environmental Best Management Practices, covering Environmental Impact Assessment; Erosion and Sediment Control; Waterways and Wetlands; and Parks.

"With the rapid growth that is occurring in south east Queensland, there is a growing need to protect Brisbane's natural assets - its bushland, waterways, wetlands, hills and bay," said Cr Pat Vaughan, Chairperson of Council's Environment Management Committee.

"Through thorough environmental assessment and effective management of land development, we can become a City which has environmentally sound development. This will help ensure we maintain our livability which makes Brisbane so special." She said the documents were designed for use by planners, designers, consultants, contractors, site managers and Council officers evaluating development applications.

"They will benefit the developer, because they will make it easier for developers to provide a full and complete application the first time, enabling applications to be processed smoothly without the need for the Council to request that further information be supplied," she said. "This means swifter processing and lower costs for the developer, less work for the Council and a better environment."

The practices were developed in close consultation with the Urban Development Industry Association. Copies of the Best Practice documents can be purchased from Council Customer Service Centres at a cost of $120 over the counter or $128 by mail. An update service is available at an additional cost of $30.

For further information contact Bronwyn Johnson, telephone (07) 3403 4433.

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