Peta Harwood | Deputy Director-General, State Planner
Queensland Government

As State Planner, Peta Harwood drives an improved planning system that facilitates responsible development and supports housing supply and economic development in Queensland. She’s committed to partnering with local government, industry and communities to plan for considered growth and get the best outcomes for Queenslanders.  Peta has been a leader in her field for more than a decade applying her deep understanding of managing end-to-end development assessment and facilitating partnerships with others. Most recently as the State Planner, she led the Planning team in the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning to develop and progress a complex and robust legislative package to delivery of the Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025. In her previous role as Executive Director of Policy & Statutory Planning, she led the implementation of the Queensland Government’s commitment to change planning regulations to unlock church and charity owned land for community housing. Her extensive public sector executive leadership experience includes heading the 300-strong development assessment function at Brisbane City Council and leading the first Local Government Infrastructure Plan in Queensland for Brisbane. Peta was also responsible for launching a new planning scheme, Brisbane City Plan 2014, including community engagement and pioneering work in e-plan technology and interactive mapping. She is a Member of the Planning Institute of Australia and was the 2024 joint winner of Outstanding Woman Planner of the Year.