JFP Urban Consultants Pty Ltd

24/09/2026

Brisbane City Plan v37 is now in effect!
Key amendments include:
More Homes, Sooner – changes to the Low-medium Density Residential (LMR) zone covering building heights, lot sizes, housing typologies and built form requirements. In the 3 or 4 storey mix precinct, the changes support small lot housing down to a minimum 120m² lot size, where relevant design and built form criteria are met.
More opportunities for 300m² lots in Low-density Residential Zone – the area in which 300m² lots can be created has been expanded from 200m to 300m walking distance from relevant centres, increasing opportunities for small residential lots in well-located areas.
Mt Gravatt Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct – changes to the Mt Gravatt corridor neighbourhood plan supporting additional housing, employment and renewal around Logan Road and key transport and activity areas.
Industry mapping – updates to General industry zones across Brisbane’s major industrial areas, including provisions relating to separation from sensitive land uses.
Mapping and administrative updates – changes to overlays and other provisions to reflect development approvals, site-specific circumstances and current legislative requirements.
For landowners and developers, v37 may create new opportunities for subdivision and a broader range of housing products, particularly within Brisbane’s Low-medium Density areas and sites located close to centres.
If you would like to understand what the new City Plan provisions mean for your property or development opportunity, JFP’s Planning team can assist with site-specific advice and development potential assessments.
Brisbane MoreHomesSooner

18/09/2026

16/09/2026

Our Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Central Queensland teams have recently taken some time out to catch up, bringing colleagues together away from the day-to-day.

For our Brisbane team, the setting was particularly special, enjoying lunch in the Epicurious Garden at South Bank Parklands, proudly designed by JFP Landscape Architects.

Whether across disciplines or offices, these catch-ups are a great opportunity to step away from the desk, share a meal delicious food and enjoy some quality time together as a team.

15/09/2026

PROJECT APPROVAL | 10 Poole Way, Bushland Beach

JFP Urban Consultants is pleased to have secured development approval from Townsville City Council for 20 three-bedroom multiple dwellings at Bushland Beach.

Despite the site’s Low Density Residential zoning, the approval recognises the suitability of a more diverse housing outcome in this well-serviced location, close to existing retail, recreation and community facilities.

This result reflects strong collaboration across JFP’s town planning, civil engineering, stormwater and water engineering, and landscape architecture teams—bringing together multiple disciplines to deliver a coordinated and successful outcome for our client.

It is another example of JFP’s commitment to supporting quality development across Queensland’s regional communities.

10/09/2026

R U OK? Day is our National Day of Action and an important reminder that checking in with the people around us shouldn’t be limited to just one day.

Life happens every day and sometimes a simple, genuine conversation can make a real difference.

This morning, our teams took the opportunity to tools down, share a coffee and catch up with colleagues across our offices.

While today gives us a reason to come together, the message is one worth carrying with us throughout the year - notice the people around you, trust your instincts, check in and take the time to really listen.

Ask R U OK? Any Day. Because a conversation could change a life. 💛

💛🖤

31/08/2026

📍 A surveyor’s landmark worth knowing

Brisbane Surveyor Paul Holdom recently came across the Moura Meridian Marker while travelling to support our Central Queensland team - and naturally, it caught his surveying eye.

Located just outside Moura, Queensland, the marker sits on the 150th meridian east - a line of longitude with particular significance for both surveying and timekeeping in Australia.

The 150th meridian marks the boundary between Map Grid of Australia (MGA) Zones 55 and 56 and is also the standard meridian associated with Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

For most, it might simply look like another marker on the landscape. For a surveyor, it represents the coordinate systems, positioning and geographic reference framework that underpin so much of the work we do every day.

A small landmark with a pretty significant place on the map. 📐🌏

28/08/2026

Brisbane City Council has released the draft Upper Mt Gravatt Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan, with community consultation now open until 11.59pm, Sunday 20 September 2026.
Focused on the Upper Mt Gravatt Centre and Logan Road precincts, the draft plan proposes a long-term framework to support growth and renewal in this key southside centre, including:
More housing choice close to jobs, services and businesses
Better connections to the Upper Mt Gravatt Busway, Brisbane Metro and V1 Veloway
Subtropical design outcomes, with greater emphasis on landscaping, shade and climate-responsive buildings
Expanded economic opportunities through an appropriate mix of business, retail and community uses
The draft precinct plan has the potential to influence future development opportunities, built form and land use outcomes across the area. A key consideration will be how the market responds to the proposed increase in housing choice and whether it drives new approaches to site consolidation and development.

Own property or considering development within the precinct? JFP’s Planning team can help you understand how the proposed changes may affect your site and assist with preparing a submission to Council before consultation closes.
PropertyDevelopment

19/08/2026

Important changes are coming to Queensland’s housing and building framework, with amendments to the Modern Homes Standards proposed to commence from 14 August 2026, alongside the release of the new Queensland Housing Code (QHC).

Key Modern Homes Standards changes include:
* Extension of the narrow-lot exemption from liveable housing requirements to 30 September 2029
* 5-star energy efficiency for homes under 50m²
* 6-star energy efficiency for raised-floor homes, including traditional Queenslander-style construction
* A new “ramp-ready” option for elevated homes
* Greater flexibility for accessible bathroom design
* Practical compliance solutions for step-free entry, weatherproofing and termite management

The new QHC provides a consistent base framework for detached houses and secondary dwellings, covering building height, setbacks, visual privacy, car parking, site cover and private open space.

However, implementation will occur council by council. Existing design and siting provisions will continue to apply until each council amends its planning scheme to adopt the QHC. Councils have a three-year transition period and may also retain local variations.

The key takeaway? During the transition, applicants, developers and consultants will need to check the provisions that apply in each local government area. Not sure what requirements apply to your property or project? Get in touch with the JFP Planning Team and we can help you navigate the applicable local requirements.

PlanningPolicy PropertyDevelopment

18/08/2026

Archers Way is a 148 Lot residential development in D’Aguilar currently being delivered across five stages.

JFP Urban Consultants has assisted the client in providing town planning, urban design, surveying, civil and water engineering, landscape architecture, arboriculture and digital solutions throughout the project.

The development required the coordination of a range of site and infrastructure matters, including stormwater management, trunk infrastructure, intersection upgrades, bushfire constraints and the rehabilitation of the existing vegetation corridor.

The project is now largely complete, with JFP continuing to support the final stages of construction.

Take a look at Archers Way and more of our recent work on the Projects page of our website.

10/08/2026

Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area

Consultation is now open for the proposed Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area (PDA) Development Scheme and Development Charges and Offset Plan (DCOP).

This marks a significant milestone in shaping one of South East Queensland's key future growth areas. The proposed framework will guide the development of the 890-hectare PDA, including approximately 8,000 new homes, employment land, district and local centres, three new schools, parks, open space and supporting infrastructure.

The consultation period is open from 3 August to 15 September 2026, providing landowners, developers and the community with the opportunity to review the proposed scheme and make a submission.

If you have an interest in the Southern Thornlands PDA, now is the time to understand how the proposed Development Scheme may influence future planning and development opportunities.

JFP Urban Consultants is available to assist with planning advice, due diligence and submission preparation throughout the consultation period. Submissions are due on 15 September 2026.