Neighbourhood Planning Glossary
October 2011
Neighbourhood Planning Glossary
Note: This document is for general information and is intended for use as a guide only. Definitions have
been simplified for easy interpretation. Where definitions may differ from those in statutory or draft
statutory documents, definitions in the latter prevail. For full details on the provisions of area
classifications, please refer to Brisbane City Council’s City Plan 2000.
Abutting
Property that shares a boundary with, touches or is adjacent to another property.
Active Frontages/ Edges
Ground floor uses which accommodate activities and provide a level of
interaction between pedestrians and the building uses including
cafes/restaurants, shops, library etc. It may include features such as large
windows that look out onto the footpath bringing the indoors closer to the
outdoors. Active frontages/edges increase casual surveillance and improve the
interest, vitality and safety of an area.
Active Frontage – Little Stanley St
Active Transport
Any form of transport that involves some kind of physical activity such as cycling and walking.
Affordable Housing
Accommodation for the needs of a range of low and moderate-income households and priced so that households
are able to meet other essential basic living costs.
Amenity
The overall quality of the built form and natural environment impacting on the level of human enjoyment including
on-site and off-site, and public and private spaces. Other elements of amenity include landscape amenity (features
such as trees, planting and lawn that add to the quality of the landscape in a city environment), level of noise, air
quality and sunlight. The word ‘amenity’ is often used to describe a pleasing or agreeable environment.
Area Classification (land use/zoning)
Land zoning in Brisbane as identified by Brisbane City Plan 2000, determines how land can be used – for living on,
working on, industry, recreation or something else. Adjacent lots can be in different zones.
Biodiversity
The number and variety of plants, animals and micro-organisms that in combination comprise a community, found
in a particular geographic area.
Brisbane Streetscape Design Guidelines
The Brisbane Streetscape Design Guidelines are a proposed revision of the Centres Detail Design Manual. The
standards in the Brisbane Streetscape Design Guidelines are designed to deliver footways which:
 Reflect the adjacent land use and the likely pedestrian traffic;
 Provide vegetation for shade and add to the city’s subtropical image; and
 Are constructed and maintained to a consistent standard.
Brisbane Urban Growth (BUG) Model
Brisbane Urban Growth Model is an advanced spatial database that allows Council to forecast future growth and
development in Brisbane using various datasets and information from the property database, City Plan,
neighbourhood plans and development applications etc.
Brisbane City Plan 2000 (City Plan)
City Plan is Brisbane City Council’s town planning scheme. It describes Council’s intentions for Brisbane’s future
development and identifies the type of development that is permitted and the form it should take.
Brisbane CityShape 2026 (CityShape 2026)
A Brisbane City Council initiative to engage the community through workshops, fairs and the CityShape conference
to deliver CityShape 2026. It is a draft strategic document that outlines where future growth in Brisbane could
occur.
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Buffer
A physical separation such as an area of land or constructed divide that separates certain types of development
from adjoining sensitive land uses to minimise negative impacts.
Building Setbacks
The distance between the building and the property boundary. Setbacks may apply to the front, side and rear of the
property.
Built Form
Building design including height, distance from property lines, awnings, podium etc. Ideally the built form is
sensitive to its surroundings.
Centre Concept Plan
A comprehensive plan that describes and maps the overall development concept for an activity centre, such as a
shopping centre, including present and future land use, detailed urban design, landscaping, built form and links to
surrounding development. It also shows how impacts on surrounding areas will be managed.
Centres Detail Design Manual (CDDM)
The CDDM is a Planning Scheme Policy (see Planning Scheme Policy). This manual is a guideline for Brisbane’s
streetscape treatments – dealing with design matters for the public domain including:
 Footways (the land between the kerb and the private property alignment) – the pavement, kerb, planting
and furniture;
 Lanes, cross block links, corner land dedications and buildouts; and
 Public art contributions.
Character Housing
Housing that reflects Brisbane’s traditional architectural styles, particularly those houses built prior to 1946. ‘Timber
and tin’ is one of the more typical housing styles in older areas of Brisbane, but other less common styles such as
masonry are also important.
Clean Industries
Industries that manufacture, assemble, clean, service or repair without causing environmental or health risks. For
example, a jewellery workshop.
Codes
Contained within City Plan and Statutory Neighbourhood Plans, codes set out rules about land use, building height,
design, landscaping and many other issues. Proposed new developments must show how they satisfy code
requirements or how they achieve the intent of the code provisions.
Community Planning Team (CPT)
A community reference group comprised of people, who live, work or own a business or a property in the plan area,
who work with Council to provide local knowledge, input and feedback when undertaking neighbourhood planning.
Community Use (CU)
Sites or buildings where community activities are undertaken. These sites are important in developing and
maintaining community networks, services, health and wellbeing.
Connectivity
Connectivity describes the ability for people to access goods, services and recreation in their local area easily,
safely and without being hindered by barriers (e.g. roads with no crossings and unlit parks at night).
Consequential amendments
Amendments to the planning scheme (including area classification changes) that result from the changes proposed
in the new neighbourhood plan.
Conservation Area
A Conservation Area is the City Plan classification for areas of land where the conservation assets of habitat
systems (e.g. vegetation, fauna, watercourses and/or geology) dominate and are proposed to be retained into the
future.
Convenience Centres (MP4)
MP4’s are smaller multi-purpose centres providing local services within walking distance of residents and generally
up to two storeys.
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Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED – pronounced ‘sep ted’) All
elements of design, including buildings and landscaping, at the street level maximise safety
for pedestrians and cyclists by ensuring people can see and be seen (called casual
surveillance). This can be achieved through footpath dining, community events, balconies
and avoiding hidden places.
Cross Block Link
A cross block link is a pedestrian laneway located through a block/s of land
rather than following the street grid. It is located between buildings and
generally connects streets. It is often used to break up large blocks and
improves pedestrian connectivity and accessibility by allowing people to
access adjoining streets rather than walking around the block. These
connections can be in public or private ownership.
Demolition Control Precinct
Demolition Control Precincts generally apply to areas with groups of original houses built before 1946. Demolition
Control Precincts are intended to maintain the character of traditional pre-war streetscapes by limiting demolition,
while allowing renovations and extensions and the construction of new buildings that are compatible in appearance
with character buildings.
Density
The average number of residents, households or dwellings (i.e. houses, units, apartments) in a given area, usually
expressed as dwellings or people per hectare.
Detached Dwelling/ House
A residential dwelling that stands alone, without shared walls i.e. not a terrace house or apartment.
Development Application
Many development changes or new developments, such as subdivisions, townhouses or office buildings require
Council approval. Developers request approval by making an application. Council assesses development
applications against the Brisbane City Plan 2000 and other legislation.
Draft Plan
A yet to be adopted neighbourhood plan (see neighbourhood plan). This document includes draft planning
principles specific to a local area, level of assessment tables, codes provisions to guide new development and is
generally produced after a more informal strategy for a plan area outlining strategic intents for a local area.
Ecological Values
The value attached to natural landscapes and plant and animal communities.
Emerging Community Area
Land classified as an emerging community area is usually un-serviced and considered generally suitable for urban
and suburban uses in the future (some parts may be unsuitable because of scenic or environmental constraints).
Employment Precinct (hub)
An area within which a large number of people go to work; can include shops, offices, a university or hospital.
Endangered Regional Ecosystem
A remnant vegetation (see definition for remnant vegetation) community that has been impacted by severe and
systemic degradation of pre-settlement vegetation and habitat (from clearing, urban development and rural
production etc.) or another form of biodiversity loss such that it is considered at risk of extinction.
Environmental Protection Area
Usually private land holdings in large allotments where important conservation elements (e.g. waterways, habitat
areas etc.) have been identified and preserved by City Plan. Normally, some low-intensity uses, such as a single
dwelling and some rural-based activities are allowed in these areas.
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First State Interest Review
See ‘State Interest Review’
Footpath
Is defined by the area between the kerb and the property boundary used to support pedestrian movement along
the street. Footpaths in some locations can support activities such as footpath dining. Wider footpaths improve
pedestrian amenities, ease of movement and connectivity by allowing the provision of street furniture, shade trees
and landscaping.
Future Industry Area
Land set aside for future development and use for industrial activities. Generally, land zoned future industry
requires extensive investigation and investment (such as new infrastructure) before it can be developed.
Gazettal
When Queensland legislation is passed and becomes law, it is published in the Queensland Government Gazette,
or 'gazetted'.
General Industry (GI)
The general industry area features a wide range of industries and complementary activities that meet high
standards of amenity and environmental standards.
Green/Active Spaces
Areas of land, with either public or private ownership, where the main function of the land is to provide people with
the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and take a break from urban environments. Green spaces are usually free
from intensive traffic and large buildings. New Farm Park and riverfront boardwalks are examples of green spaces.
Gross Floor Area (GFA)
Refers to the total area of all floor levels in a building. City Plan often specifies a maximum GFA allowed in
particular areas as a way of limiting the scale of development on a site.
Ground Floor Plane
The part of the streetscape at ground floor including footpaths, road space,
cycle lanes, landscaping, building frontages (shops, restaurants, cafes,
offices, residential buildings), footpath dining, car parking, stormwater
devices. The ground floor plane is the most important part of the built
environment as it has the most users and affects the entire experience of
an area. See also ‘streetscape’, ‘built form’ and ‘building setbacks’.
Habitat Area
The terrestrial and/or aquatic environment an organism or group of organisms inhabits throughout its lifecycle
including growing, feeding, nesting or roosting.
Heritage Place
A heritage place can be anything from a building to a monument, natural area, landmark, or viewpoint that has
special cultural, indigenous culture or natural heritage significance. Heritage places can be identified at a Local,
State, Federal or World level.
High Density Development
Generally refers to large-scale development such as office/ commercial buildings or residential apartment buildings.
Heights are generally between five and ten storeys, except in major centres.
High Density Residential Area (HR)
High density residential areas are located close to the City and major centres with very good access to public
transport and facilities. Development will be generally up to ten storeys.
Hydrology
The properties and effects of water on the earth’s surface, in soil and rocks and in the atmosphere. It refers to both
natural effects (i.e. rainfall) and the effects of human influence (i.e. drainage structures, water storage and
recycling).
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Industry
A use of premises that, in the course of any trade or business, involves:
 the manufacture, production, processing, repair, alteration, dry cleaning or laundering (not including
laundromats), recycling, storage or transfer of any article, material or thing whether solid, liquid or gaseous
 scientific or technological research, investigation or testing
 the disposal of waste
This includes any ancillary office space for administration, staff amenities or storage of articles used in connection
with, or resulting from that activity.
Infill Development
The redevelopment of under-utilised sites in existing areas.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure refers to the basic systems, facilities or framework that supports a community’s population, including
roads, utilities, water, sewage etc.
Infrastructure Contributions
Contributions made by developers to Council for infrastructure that an area will need to support future growth.
Infrastructure contributions must benefit new home or business owners in proposed developments (not just remedy
existing local problems) and apply as regulated charges. Standard infrastructure charges for different types of
development now apply under amendments of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009. (See “Priority Infrastructure
Plan’)
Integrated Planning Act 1997 (IPA)
IPA was Queensland’s principal planning legislation that coordinated planning at local, regional and state levels.
This legislation was replaced by the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 but still applies to plans and development
approvals started prior to 2009.
Integrated Water Cycle Management
Integrating the collection, use, re-use and management of water at all stages of the water cycle (i.e. as rainwater,
stormwater, potable water, wastewater, groundwater and within waterways) to protect water quality and conserve
water supplies.
Land Uses
The way land is developed and used in terms of the types of activities allowed (agriculture, residential, commercial,
industries, etc.) and the size of buildings and structures permitted. See also ‘mixed-use development’.
Landscape Amenity
See Amenity
Legible
The layout of an area is easy for people to understand, navigate and use.
Level of Assessment
Development applications lodged with Brisbane City Council are subject to a range of assessment ‘levels’,
including self-assessment, code and impact assessment. City Plan does not prohibit any form of development;
however, the higher the level of assessment, the more detailed the analysis that Council will undertake before
approving a development proposal.
Light Industry
The light Industry Area features a range of light industries and warehousing that have low environmental impact.
Local Plan
See ‘neighbourhood plan’.
Low Density Development
Small-scale development, generally consisting of detached housing no higher than two storeys.
Low Density Residential Area (LR)
The predominant form of development is detached houses, one or two storeys in height. These areas are also
considered suitable for aged persons’ homes and, on larger sites, multi–unit dwellings.
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Low Medium Density Residential Area (LMR)
Low medium density areas comprise houses and multi–unit developments at a house–compatible scale, generally
two to three storeys. LMR land is typically located near multi–purpose centres, near public transport and along
arterial roads.
Major Centres (MP2)
Major centres provide significant locations for shop, office, entertainment, cultural, tourist and residential
accommodation outside the City Centre. Developments generally up to ten storeys.
Master Plan
A comprehensive plan that describes and maps the overall development concept for an area or precinct, including
present and future land use, landscaping, built form, infrastructure and service provision.
Master Planning Workshop
A master planning workshop is a development options workshop, discussion forum or planning day
Material Change of Use
A material change of use generally means the start of a new use of the premises; or the re-establishment on the
premises of a use that has been abandoned; or a material increase in the intensity or scale of the use of the
premises.
Medium Density Development
Development generally greater than two storeys in height, but no more than five storeys; can include townhouses,
units and commercial/retail development.
Medium Density Residential Area (MR)
Medium density residential areas are located in near City locations with good access to public transport and
centres. Medium Density Residential Areas will accommodate single unit dwellings and multi–unit developments
generally up to five storeys.
Mixed-use Development
A development that has a range of uses within the same building or site.
As an example, mixed use development can have shops on the ground
floor with residential apartments above (vertical mix) or an office next to a
residential apartment building within the same development (horizontal
mix).
Mixed use – Ground Floor Retail/Commercial and
Residential above
Multi-Unit Dwelling
More than one residence on a site, such as a unit, townhouse or retirement village.
Natural Assets Local Law (NALL)
The NALL protects Brisbane’s natural assets, including bushland areas, wetlands, waterway corridors and trees in
urban areas. Property owners must seek Council’s permission to clear vegetation protected by the NALL. The
NALL does not prohibit development.
Neighbourhood Plan (local plan)
Legally guides development in a specific local area to ensure the area retains and enhances its own special
character and qualities. A plan recognises the differing characteristics and issues within a local area and includes
more locally focused desired land use and built form outcomes for the plan areas. The provisions in the
neighbourhood plan provide more detail and exceptions to Brisbane City Plan 2000.
Neighbourhood Planning/Urban Renewal Planning Process
Neighbourhood planning is focussed on local areas and involves planning for the delivery of locally specific natural
or built environment outcomes and protection of unique features. This planning process provides communities with
the opportunity to get involved in the future plans for their neighbourhoods. The neighbourhood planning process
makes sure that everyone who lives, works or owns a property in an area can have their say about the future of
that area.
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Neighbourhood Strategy
A neighbourhood strategy document is the culmination of master planning work that has been undertaken. It is
a high level document that will allow stakeholders to review work to date and guide the drafting of the
neighbourhood plan.
Obsolete site
A site or building where the previous use has finished.
Open Space
Areas that are not built on, both natural areas and urban open space, including:
 parks and bushland
 creeks, the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay
 private backyards and gardens, courtyards, balconies and community gardens
 plazas and entrances to shopping centres
 sports fields, bikeways and paths
 civic spaces around libraries and art galleries.
Overland flow path
An overland flow path can occur in situations where there is both piped drainage, and where there is no piped
drainage (including where there are no defined watercourses or gullies with well defined banks). Where there is
piped drainage, the overland flow path is the path that excess water takes when the drainage system overflows.
Where there is no piped drainage the overland flow path is the path taken by surface run-off from higher parts of
the catchment.
Overlooking
The effect of a development or building reducing the amount of privacy presently enjoyed by a neighbouring
property, resulting in a balcony or other recreation space overlooking the recreation space of a neighbouring
property.
Overshadowing
The effect of a development or building reducing the amount of natural light presently enjoyed by a neighbouring
property, resulting in a shadow being cast over the neighbouring property.
Park
Parkland areas are for informal open air recreation and outdoor cultural and educational activities, and may provide
opportunities for informal sports or other events on a casual basis. Activities requiring permanent facilities, such as
youth clubs may also be accommodated in this area if suitable. Land is generally publicly owned.
Pedestrian Scale (Human Scale)
Pedestrian scale/ human scale relates to buildings (generally the ground floor/ lower façade of buildings) and
elements in the public realm that pedestrians interact with and see whilst walking along the footpath. It is important
to ensure that there is visual and functional appeal at ground level (three to three and half metres) when
considering building architecture and public space design.
Permeable
Able to be accessed, passed or seen through (e.g. refers to landscape elements such as screening trees or
planning concepts such as ‘walkable centres’ that contain a number of alternative connecting routes for pedestrians
through the site).
Plan adoption
When the plan is incorporated formally into Brisbane City Plan 2000 and becomes effective.
Plot Ratio
Ratio of the gross floor area of the building/s on the site in relation to the area of the site.
Podium
Represents the lower part (generally up to a few storeys) of a high rise building.
Podiums are typically built up to the edges of the property boundaries, when the
high rise above podium level must observe larger setbacks. As the form suggests
podium is often used for activities more connected to the street such as shops and
public offices, whereas the tower above will be more for residential or commercial
offices.
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Precinct
A small geographical area that has a number of characteristics that distinguish it from another area.
Neighbourhood planning often takes a precinct-based approach to planning.
Precinct Plan
A plan, developed for a distinct generally small geographical area with a greater plan boundary, that shows where
major roads, pedestrian paths and bikeways should go and areas that will be set aside as parkland.
Priority Infrastructure Plan (PIP)
The draft Priority Infrastructure Plan is based on the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 framework and is a long-term
plan for infrastructure that aligns with land use planning. It provides a clear and reliable method for calculating and
levying infrastructure charges, ensuring that developers and ratepayers contribute an equitable share of
infrastructure costs.
Private Open Space
Refers to an open area or place that is privately owned and maintained. Some can be accessible to the public
(footpath) and some are not accessible to the general public (business courtyard).
Public Art
Permanent or temporary physical works of art visible to the general public, whether part of a building or freestanding. For example, sculpture, lighting effects, street furniture, paving, railings and signs.
Public Notification
Under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, any amendment to the Brisbane City Plan 2000, (including a new
neighbourhood plan) must be advertised for 30 business days – the public notification period. During this period of
time the draft planning scheme amendment is made available to the public for review and provides an opportunity
to lodge a submission.
Public Realm (Public/Open Space)
Are general terms referring to an open area or place that is for public use, owned
and maintained by Council. Examples include footpath, terrace, park, squares.
Reconfiguring a Lot
Changing the boundaries of a property, such as subdividing or amalgamating
lots, dividing the property into parts or creating an easement.
Remnant Vegetation
Native vegetation that has not been degraded from clearing, urban development, rural production or other activities
and forms part of a regional ecosystem. Remnant vegetation contributes to Brisbane’s biodiversity and water
quality.
Renewable Energy
Energy gained from the sun, wind, water and earth that does not deplete natural resources, but is renewable.
Reuse
Refers to the change of use of an existing building or structure.
Riparian
Relating to, or situated on, the banks of a river. A riparian zone is the area where a flowing body of water meets
with the land. Plant communities along the river margins are called riparian vegetation.
Road hierarchy
The Road Hierarchy of Brisbane is the way Council has classified its roads so that a convenient, accessible and
safe road network for the residents and visitors of Brisbane can be provided. The road hierarchy discourages the
use of neighbourhood and local access roads by through traffic, but allows for interconnectivity between
neighbourhoods for locally generated trips. The type of roads that make up the road hierarchy include:
 Motorway;
 Arterial Route;
 Suburban Route;
 District Access;
 Neighbourhood Access; and
 Local Access.
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Second State Interest Review
See ‘State Interest Review’
Sensitive Receiving Environment
Any part of land in a residential area or an emerging community area, or a site used for education purposes, a
hospital, aged care accommodation, a house, a multi–unit dwelling or a caravan park.
Site Cover
The area of the ground covered by buildings usually expressed as a percentage.
South East Queensland Principal Cycle Network Plan
A plan developed by the Queensland Government, which will guide the development of a connected and cohesive
cycle network in South East Queensland.
South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009 - 2031 (Regional Plan)
The Queensland Government’s regional planning strategy (a statutory document) that guides growth and
development in South East Queensland for the next 20 years.
Special Purpose Centre
A special purpose centre is Brisbane City Plan 2000 area classification used for an area that is designated for a
very specific purpose. Some examples of special purpose centres include (but are not limited to) a/an:
 Major hospital and medical facility;
 Major educational and research facility;
 Major defence and communications facility;
 Major sporting stadium;
 Entertainment centre;
 Airport;
 Port;
Sport and Recreation Areas (SR)
Sport and recreation areas accommodate a wide range of organised sporting, recreational, community and cultural
activities at local, district and city-wide levels whether they are on publicly or privately owned land/ facilities.
State Interest Review (First and Second)
A state interest review is carried out by the Minister of the Department of the Local Government and Planning.
At the first state interest review the Minister must review the draft neighbourhood plan and consider whether state
interests would be adversely affected by the new plan. After carrying out the review the Minister must advise the
local government in writing that it may:
a) notify the proposed neighbourhood plan (undertake public notification); or
b) notify the proposed neighbourhood plan subject to complying with conditions imposed by the Minister; or
c) not proceed further with the proposed neighbourhood plan.
Depending on whether there are changes to the neighbourhood plan, following public notification, and how
extensive those changes are, the neighbourhood plan may be required to go through second state interest review.
Generally this would only occur where there are significant changes to the neighbourhood plan that was available
for public notification. If the minister decides that a second state interest review is required, the minister must again
consider whether state interests would be adversely affected by the new plan.
The matters that are to be considered by the minister in the second state interest review are limited to:
a) matters which have already been identified by the Minister as a state interest in the first state interest
review; and
b) potential adverse impacts on state interests as a result of changes made to the proposed planning scheme
since the first state interest review; and
c) any new state interests which have come into effect since the first state interest review.
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State Planning Policy
State planning policies are Queensland Government planning documents that identify things that need to be
protected, that are of interest to the Queensland Government.
These things may include:
 agricultural land;
 separating agricultural land from residential land;
 development within close proximity to airport land; and
 protecting development from adverse affects of bushfire, floods and landslides.
Neighbourhood plans must reflect the elements of state planning policies.
Statutory Document
A document that has been created in accordance with a government act or other government instrument.
Strategic Plan
A long term integration proposal that outlines the broad overarching principles to guide the development of
Brisbane. It expresses the overarching vision for Brisbane’s physical growth as a city. The ideas and concepts
presented in the Strategic Plan will eventually be translated into the practical rules and regulations contained in City
Plan 2012.
Street Furniture
Is a collective term for the various elements installed on streets and roads. It includes benches, bollards,
streetlamps, street lighting, bus shelters, fountains, signage, etc.
Streetscape
The visible street components including: buildings, garages, fencing, landscaping, driveway and street surfaces,
utility services, lighting, signs, bus shelters.
Streetscape hierarchy
The streetscape hierarchy identifies the purpose of individual streets according to the pedestrian function and
relationship with the adjoining land use and built form. Council does this to create a safe and convenient
pedestrian network that integrates usable public spaces. Street types include:
 Subtropical Boulevards;
 City Streets;
 Neighbourhood Streets;
 Locality Streets;
 Lanes;
 Cross-block Links; and
 Corner Land Dedications.
The neighbourhood plan may identify some streets within a plan area as a particular street type. Streetscape
hierarchy relates to, but is not the same as the road hierarchy. The road type may influence the type of streetscape
and streetscape treatment.
Streetscape Treatments
See ‘Centres Detail Design manual’.
Structure Plan
A structure plan is an integrated land use plan which is intended to set the strategic and broad development
framework for future development. It establishes the strategic intent, conceptual development patterns, land use
constraints and opportunities and conceptual infrastructure requirements.
Submission
Generally a submission is a letter or document outlining support for, or objection to a proposed plan or new
development. A submission must be received in writing, and be signed by each person who made the submission.
It must also be received during the public notification period and state the name and residential or business
address of each person who made the submission.
Subtropical Boulevard
Subtropical boulevards will be created as Brisbane’s major roads are transformed with subtropical landscaping,
suited to our climate, and large shady trees. These roads will not only look beautiful, but they will also be
comfortable for pedestrians with plenty of shade as well as street furniture.
Subtropical Design
Building design that responds to a subtropical climate.
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Suburban Centres (MP3)
Provide a variety of services. They may be characterised by small tenancies within a limited area or lower density
larger tenancies over a broader area. Allows for development generally up to three storeys.
Sustainability
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainability generally considers environmental, social and economic aspects.
Sustainable Planning Act 2009
The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 replaces the Integrated Planning Act 1997 as the principal legislation guiding
planning in Queensland from strategic planning to development assessment detail and process, to appeals and
principles.
Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI)
A temporary local planning instrument is a statutory document that can suspend or alter the effect of the current
planning scheme. For example, the Temporary Local Planning Instrument for interim flood levels allowed Council to
move quickly to put in place interim flood levels and standards for flood-affected suburbs after the January 2011
Brisbane River flood.
Timber and Tin
A common Queensland housing style, particularly for pre-1946 homes where timber weatherboard exterior walls
and corrugated tin roofing material was commonly used. This style of house is often referred to as ‘Queenslander’
and contributes significantly to Brisbane’s unique character.
TransLink Transit Authority (TransLink)
The Queensland Government authority responsible for delivering public transport in South East Queensland.
TransLink coordinates and schedules all bus, train and ferry services and is responsible for fares and ticketing.
Transport Node
The point where different types of transport routes and services intersect. A transport node can be large in size and
function, such as the Brisbane Airport, or it can be smaller and more local in its focus, such as Elizabeth Street
shops.
Transport-Oriented Development (TOD)
Mixed-use residential and employment areas designed to maximise the efficient use of land through access to high
frequency public transport (generally within 400 – 800 walk).
Urban Common
An area of public open space within a very built-up area. Urban commons provide a place for people to meet and
relax but are different from parks as they usually don’t include grassy areas and recreational facilities. They are
often associated with a shopping centre or a transport/ busway station.
Uses
The types of activities undertaken within buildings or on a site. For example, land zoned for recreational use could
become a park but could not become an office block. Centre uses include shops and offices.
Vegetation Protection Order (VPO)
Identifies individual trees or areas of bushland that are significant. A Council permit is required to remove and/ or
prune vegetation that is protected by a VPO.
Views & Vistas
Are visual aspects within the landscape/ urban landscape that typically provide some visual amenity. The
importance of the view typically relates to the level of amenity the view provides. An example is the view from a
local area to the Brisbane River. A vista is a corridor view usually framed by an avenue of trees or buildings.
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)
A set of design elements and on-ground solutions that aim to minimise impacts on the water cycle from our built
environment and enhance our city’s livability. It uses a number of different approaches to:
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protect waterway health by improving stormwater quality and reducing runoff
minimise effluent discharge
maximise recycling opportunities
Neighbourhood Planning Glossary
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reduce water demand and supplement with alternative sources.
Waterway Corridor
A waterway corridor refers to the passage where water flows and a buffer of land on either side that allows it to
function as a waterway. It can be either natural or modified (e.g. a concrete drain). City Plan restricts development
from occurring within waterway corridors to protect biodiversity and manage flooding.
Wildlife Corridor
A corridor of land and/ or water that provides refuge and habitat for fauna and facilitates movement between
different habitat areas. Wildlife corridors can be fully vegetated or contain only a small number of large trees.
Zoning
Refer to ‘Area Classification’.
Neighbourhood Planning Glossary
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