Change the Game, Not the Rules: How People Can Improve the Productivity of the Development Process

There are practical interventions that cost nothing and can be implemented now. The most powerful of these lie not in the rules themselves but in how the development process is administered by people.

Collaboration Delivers Measurable Results

A recent example demonstrates how a more partnership-focused approach can improve outcomes without compromising assessment rigor. A community of approximately 1,800 dwellings was delivered using a more collaborative working model between council and consultants. All approvals were completed prior to settlement, and the development was largely delivered within six to seven years.

In addition to timely delivery, the process built capability and confidence across all participants. Planners had greater capacity to focus on planning. Engineers could apply technical experience where it added most value. The result was improved relationships, more certainty and better outcomes for the future community.

The Human Factor in the Development System

Planning frameworks, guidelines and legislation are essential. At the same time, the productivity of the system depends heavily on people and how they work within those frameworks.

Key questions worth asking include:

• Are we supporting outcomes that improve supply, or unintentionally slowing them

• Is decision-making driven by evidence or by risk avoidance

• Are there practical alternative pathways when the standard approach does not serve the public interest

  
  

These questions apply equally to government, developers and consultants.

A Practical Path Forward

Many productivity gains are already within reach:

• Earlier and clearer communication between stakeholders

• Shared expectations regarding evidence requirements

• Agreement on reasonable timeframes and decision pathways

• A commitment to continuous improvement rather than protecting precedent

  
  

Cultural and organisational change in the development process is not dependent on legislative reform. It can begin through leadership, collaboration and professional trust.

Infinitum Partners continues to work closely with councils and project teams across Queensland to improve capability, streamline decision-making and support better outcomes for communities. With continued collaboration, the development industry has the ability to improve housing supply and affordability within the frameworks that already exist.