Changes made to Planning Regulation for SFD pathway

Changes have been made to the Planning Regulation 2017 (Planning Regulation) to broaden the types of residential projects that can access the State Facilitated Development (SFD) pathway.

On 20 March 2026, the Planning Regulation was amended through the Planning (State Facilitated Development) Amendment Regulation 2026 (Amendment Regulation).

The eligibility criteria for SFD development specified in the Planning Regulation following the Amendment Regulation is:

• The development the subject of the relevant application must be for predominantly residential development and
• the application must comply with either of the following:
  • the premises the subject of the application are completely within a zone supporting residential development;
  • the premises the subject of the application are not within an environmental zone or a limited development zone, and the Minister is satisfied the premises are or can be readily serviced by infrastructure for the development.

Under the revised SFD pathway, the amended criteria broadens the type of projects that are eligible, opening the SFD pathway to consider all development predominantly for housing that meets zoning requirements, and are supported by the local government.

The new pathway can provide for a variety of dwellings, to help boost supply of all forms of housing and meet different household needs.

State agencies and local governments play a critical role in the declaration and assessment of development applications for SFD by providing advice to ensure that state and local government interests and priorities are integrated.

To ensure SFD proposals align with Local Government’s aspirations for the local area, the SFD pathway will only be available where the relevant Local Government has provided endorsement for the request seeking declaration for SFD by the Planning Minister.

The State Facilitated Development Applicant Supporting Information provides detailed information on the assessment pathway and timeframes and the expectations for SFD proposals.

The first step in the SFD process involves starting pre-lodgement discussions. Request for pre-lodgement meetings can now be made through the SFD Portal.

For further information visit State Facilitated Development or contact SFD@dsdip.qld.gov.au.