The Queensland Government has released proposed amendments to QDC MP 4.1 – Sustainable Buildings and QDC MP 4.5 – Liveable Dwellings and Grading to Floor Wastes, with the changes proposed to commence on 14 August 2026.
The amendments largely focus on providing greater flexibility for builders and homeowners, particularly for small homes, raised-floor construction and compliance with liveable housing requirements.
QDC MP 4.1 – Sustainable Buildings
The proposed changes introduce alternative compliance pathways for certain dwelling types that can face challenges achieving current 7-star rating requirements.
Key changes include:
- Small homes (detached dwellings with a floor area up to 50m²) may achieve compliance with a 5-star NatHERS rating. When combined with a 1-star credit for a compliant outdoor living area and ceiling fan, a 4-star NatHERS rating can be utilised.
- Dwellings with at least 50% raised-floor construction may comply with a 5-star NatHERS rating when combined with a 1-star credit for a compliant outdoor living area and ceiling fan.
- A new compliance pathway is proposed for raised-floor homes in Climate Zone 5: including the Toowoomba, South Burnett and Southern Downs regions.
- Clarification that outdoor living areas larger than 25m² require more than one ceiling fan when claiming the 1-star credit.
QDC MP 4.5 – Liveable Dwellings
Several practical amendments have also been proposed to Queensland’s liveable housing provisions.
Key changes include:
- Extension of the narrow lot exemption to 30 September 2029 for lots created before 1 October 2023.
- Threshold ramps permitted at entry doors without a performance solution.
- Compliance with AS 1428.1 introduced as an additional option for step-free access pathways.
- No further changes proposed to floor waste grading requirements.
- Reduced wall reinforcement requirements behind WCs.
Queensland Housing Code
The Queensland Government has also proposed the commencement of the Queensland Housing Code (QHC) from 1 September 2026. However, the introduction of the QHC will not automatically replace the current QDC MP 1.1 and MP 1.2. These provisions will continue to apply until individual local governments elect to adopt the new Code, and it remains unclear which councils might implement the new Code and when those decisions will be made.
More than just a replacement for the existing siting provisions, the QHC represents a significant modernisation of Queensland’s housing siting framework. The current provisions have remained largely unchanged for decades and are often viewed as outdated and difficult to apply to contemporary housing designs and development outcomes.
A three-year transition period has been proposed following the commencement of the QHC to allow local governments to adopt the QHC and make any necessary amendments to their planning scheme.