Planning exemption for Rooming accommodation ending 2 December 2025

Builders working on Rooming Accommodation projects should be aware that the current Planning Regulation 2017 Schedule 6 exemption will end on 2 December 2025.

This exemption, introduced in 2022, was designed to simplify approvals for certain rooming accommodation developments, and came with a three-year sunset clause. There is no indication from the QLD State Government that this is likely to be extended.

It’s important to note that the exemption only applies to developments that were approved before the deadline. Having an application lodged does not mean the exemption still applies.

If your project hasn’t received formal approval by 2 December 2025, it will need to be reassessed under your local council’s planning scheme, which may trigger additional development approvals.

What builders should do now:

• If you have any current unapproved applications, check the status of the projects and see what is required to approve them and if they can be completed in time;
• Discuss with your clients where they cannot be approved prior to the deadline, the implications of this and impacts to the project; or
• Factor potential reassessment time and costs into project schedules.

For developments that are already approved, but not yet completed, it is our understanding that the Government intends to amend the regulation, so all these applications should still receive the exemption and therefore there should be no change to these projects. We will advise further when these amendments become available.