The Queensland Deputy Premier, Jarrod Bleijie, has announced the appointment of the new State Planner.
Peta Harwood has been appointed to the role and will lead the important Planning Group within the Department of State Development Infrastructure and Planning, beginning on 28 January 2025.
Ms Harwood was most recently an Executive Director in the Planning Group where she led the State Government’s implementation of its 100 Day Plan to unlock church and charity owned land for the community housing sector.
Deputy Premier Bleijie said that he was delighted that Peta had been appointed to this role.
“I know Ms Harwood will play a critical role in helping us unlock more housing approvals for Queenslanders.
“Ms Harwood has been a powerhouse in Queensland’s planning community for over a decade.
“Prior to her recent work in the Queensland Government, Ms Harwood led the development assessment functions for Brisbane and a cohort of 300 officers for over four years, led the first Local Government Infrastructure Plan in Queensland for Brisbane, and oversaw the 2014 new City Plan for Brisbane including its six-month community engagement, new online e-plan and interactive mapping, firsts at the time.
“Peta is keenly aware of the importance of partnering with local governments and communities to plan well, and I look forward to seeing the results of that work in the near future.”
Ms Harwood is a Member of the Planning Institute of Australia and was the 2024 joint winner of Outstanding Woman Planner of the Year.