The Importance of Land Divisions

The expression “land divisions” naturally seems to relate to subdivisions, but it’s a more complex range of issues than this term suggests. Land “division” also relates to a range of functional, title, and even compliance issues.

Core Definitions of Land Division

Land division includes:

• The natural division of types of land and terrain, which affect land use and/or access: These topographical divisions are commonly used in planning to determine and define land use.

• Setting aside land for conservation purposes: This type of land division may include local, regional and state environmental planning. Typically, land is defined by type and purpose for division. Wetlands, for example, are both clearly defined areas and conservation land.
• Strategic division of land for public purposes and private use through zoning: A parcel of land may be divided by planning authorities on these bases. (A road or a park is a typical public purpose.)

• Subdivision: The most common form of dividing land in Australia, subdivision is used to divide titles into separate parcels of land.

Why Land Division Is So Important

Land division is one of the most critical aspects of managing change in Australia. In rapidly evolving modern Australia, land division in some form is a daily event. From subdivisions for new homes to major developments, land division is changing and adapting the way we live.

Planning a Land Division: How it’s Done

Planning for land use is a formal process. The land is surveyed, mapped, and allocated for various purposes.

There is what land division planning might look like for an outer suburb of an Australian city:

• Land is allocated for residential purposes.
• The residential land can be subdivided or not, according to local market conditions, local government planning needs, and development potential.
• Land is allocated for commercial, agricultural or industrial areas through zoning. This is a good example of the interrelationship between land division and land management in practical terms.
• Land may be allocated for schools, hospitals, or public parks. These allocations may include parking, infrastructure, and similar needs.
• Services and local roads are factored in at the local council planning level.
• Main roads and critical infrastructure are factored in at both local and state levels. Typically, infrastructure provides clear structural divisions.
• Some land is set aside as required in compliance with Local Environmental Planes (LEPs), Regional Environmental Planning Policies (REPPs), or State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs).

Looking at a Major Land Division in Queensland?

 Arnold Development Consultants are experts in town planning, subdivision, and land management planning, policy, and practice. We can assist cities and councils with their strategic planning needs. Contact us online or call your local Arnold Development Consultants office to arrange a meeting.