Peta Harwood has been appointed Queensland’s new State Planner, announced today by Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie.
Ms Harwood, who will officially take on the role on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, brings over a decade of leadership in planning with experience in both the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council.
Most recently, Ms Harwood served as Executive Director in the Planning Group, where she led efforts to unlock church and charity-owned land for the community housing sector, a key initiative in the Crisafulli Government’s 100 Day Plan.
Her appointment comes at a critical time, as Queensland faces a housing crisis marked by low rental vacancy rates and high homelessness, partly due to declining housing approvals under the previous government.
The Crisafulli Government has committed to unlocking one million homes in the next 20 years to address the housing shortage.
Deputy Premier Bleijie expressed confidence in Ms Harwood’s ability to lead the Planning Group in driving housing approvals across the state.
“Peta’s extensive experience in planning and collaboration with local governments will be key to unlocking more housing for Queenslanders,” he said.
Ms Harwood’s background includes leadership of Brisbane’s development assessment functions and the implementation of significant planning initiatives, including the 2014 City Plan for Brisbane.
She is also a Member of the Planning Institute of Australia and was named joint winner of the 2024 Outstanding Woman Planner of the Year.