Community advocacy • Planning education • Practical support

Helping communities navigate Queensland’s planning system.

Community Planning Advocacy Queensland helps residents and community groups understand development applications, participate effectively in planning decisions, and organise informed community advocacy.

Queensland-wide support • Based in Cairns, Queensland

Community Planning Advocacy Queensland logo

Planning explained. Community voices strengthened.

Community Planning Advocacy Queensland was established to help everyday people understand and participate in planning and development decisions that affect their communities.

We provide practical guidance, education and advocacy support for residents, community groups and organisations navigating Queensland’s planning system.

Support across the planning process

Planning Guidance

Plain-English support to understand development applications, assessment pathways, planning schemes and key documents.

Submission Support

Assistance to identify relevant planning issues and prepare clear, structured community submissions.

Community Advocacy

Campaign planning, community updates, stakeholder communication, meeting preparation and practical organising support.

Appeal Support

Process guidance, document organisation, evidence preparation support and coordination with professional advisers.

Founded by Janine Hall

CPAQ was founded after Janine navigated a major Planning and Environment Court appeal as a self-represented community member. Through that experience, she recognised the need for practical, accessible support for residents and community groups participating in planning and development processes.

Planning guides and community advocacy resources

Helpful guides are currently under development. These resources will explain common planning processes in plain English.

Understanding development applications
How to make an effective submission
Code assessment vs impact assessment
Planning appeals explained

Need help understanding a planning matter?

Get in touch with Community Planning Advocacy Queensland.

Queensland-wide support • Based in Cairns, Queensland