Correspondence from the Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations

I have declared the Bundaberg Regional Council rain and flooding recovery event as an applicable event under section 275E of the Planning Act 2016 (the Planning Act) to support recovery efforts and facilitate a speedy transition to business as usual.

The new applicable event will be in place from 12 March 2026 to 7 April 2026 (inclusive) and apply to the Bundaberg Regional Council Local Government Area.

An applicable event ensures that the State Government and Local Government is able to assist with continued recovery efforts, some of which are relevant to the supermarket sect.

As you may recall, declaring an applicable event also enlivens the Temporary Use Licence (TUL) provisions of the Planning Act.

Any person may now apply to the Chief Executive of the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (the Department) for a TUL to change or vary existing development approval conditions or other operating constraints which may prevent them from operating during the applicable event.

This provides an opportunity to support temporary solutions for businesses displaced or affected by flooding or temporary operations to support clean-up activities.

I have decided to declare shops, service stations, warehouses, food processing and transport depots directly necessary for the supply of goods to shops to be declared uses for the applicable event. This means these businesses may operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure essential goods are available for affected communities.

A copy of the applicable event notice and declaration of uses and information about TULs can be found on the Department’s website at: www.planning.qld.gov.au/planning-framework/legislation/ministers-powers/applicable-events