The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has argued the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)’s criticism of its recent land supply review was unwarranted and returned fire suggesting the Institute lacked serious and independent research backing.

The LGAQ recently released a review of residential land supply and demand issues in South East Queensland.

The president of the PIA’s Queensland division allegedly commented that the LGAQ report had “too much of a preoccupation with land supply”. LGAQ executive director Greg Hallam said the argument was based on “sweeping generalisations”.

“The institute seems intent on depending on anecdotes, whereas the LGAQ is convinced a more valid approach is the long-term, empirical research, which we commission independently,” Mr Hallam said.

“Queensland councils believe that if the PIA is to be taken seriously in the land supply and housing affordability debate, it should involve itself in serious research, rather than depending on general criticisms of valid research.”

Mr Hallam said the LGAQ was also disappointed at the PIA’s activity of running a para-planning course.

“It’s something the LGAQ does, along with other initiatives aimed to alleviate the shortage of planners in local government.

“We are leading the way in research into housing affordability, land supply and development approval times in addition to sponsoring the Diploma of Planning (Local Government) and specially-designed planning courses for councillors,” he said. 

He urged the PIA to better represent professional planning consultants and council planners, devising solutions for the housing issues building on more serious and in-depth research. 

“We are out in the field, working on the problems – not sitting back commenting on other groups’ work,” Mr Hallam said.