Local Government red tape reduction taskforce

In January 2025, the Queensland Government established the Local Government Red Tape Reduction Taskforce to provide advice to government about reducing red tape for Queensland councils.

The Taskforce was led by Mr Andrew Chesterman, who has significant experience both in the state government and the Queensland local government sector, including as the former CEO of Redland City Council.

The main objectives of the Taskforce were to identify opportunities to streamline approvals and remove barriers for local government projects that:

• reduce costs for council, ratepayers and other stakeholders
• improve the efficiency of local governments through the identification of unnecessary and/or inefficient laws and regulation
• enhance the long-term sustainability of Queensland’s local governments.

The Taskforce was active for 6 months, starting in January 2025 and finishing in June of 2025. As a formal group, it has set terms of reference ( 139.7 KB) which guide its activity and set out its purpose, activity, authority and expectations.

The Taskforce delivered its final report including recommendations to the Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers on 25 June 2025.

The Queensland Government is now considering its response to the final report and recommendations.

More information

Email lgrtr@localgovernment.qld.gov.au for more information.