CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
The Juggling Act 2025 (QELA)
Join us at QELA’s annual conference for 2025, where we will explore the perpetual "juggling act" required to balance rapid population growth, environmental responsibility, and economic ambitions. The Juggling Act 2025 (QELA), set against the backdrop of Noosa’s natural beauty, will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, experts, and innovators for an immersive dive into the complexities and competing priorities within the planning and environmental framework.
Through interactive sessions, thought-provoking panels, and networking opportunities, we will examine how legislation and policy shape our ability to meet societal and environmental goals while promoting sustainable development. Together, we’ll tackle pressing questions: How do we balance the needs of a growing population without compromising the environmental values of our communities? What frameworks can guide responsible development in this era of change? What actions do we need to take today to ensure a positive legacy for future generations?
Purchase Information
- All prices displayed below exclude GST. GST is added during the payment process.
- All Conference registrations and refunds are subject to the QELA Event Terms and Conditions, available here.
- If you cannot see the discounted amounts or the member rates for the Conference, please log in to the QELA website at the top right of the screen.
2025 CONFERENCE PROGRAM
The 2025 Conference program will be released soon.
The 2025 Conference will commence at 7pm Wednesday evening with a Welcome Function at the Resort pool area.
REGISTRATION COSTS - MEMBER RATES
Prices below include GST. Prices in the registration booking table do not include GST - this is added during the payment process so that the final amount matches the below prices.
Full 2 Day Conference Registration
Registration includes:
- Attendance to all Conference proceedings, Thursday, 15 May 2025 to Friday, 16 May 2025;
- Catering for morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea during Conference days;
- Attendance to the Coastal Cocktails Function on Thursday, 15 May 2025
- Conference Satchel bag; and
- Electronic Conference Proceedings and Papers.
|
Metro and Sunshine Coast (Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Redland, Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast council regions) |
$1,243.00 |
| Regional Members | $1,067.00 |
| Local and State Government / NFP Members | $1,067.00 |
Day Only Registrations
Registration includes:
- Attendance to all Conference proceedings of the day registered.
- Catering for morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea during day registered.
- If registered for Thursday, 15 May 2025, registration includes attendance to the Coastal Cocktails Function on Thursday, 15 May 2025.
- Conference Satchel bag.
- Electronic Conference Proceedings and Papers.
| Metro - Thursday, 15 May 2025 (9am - 5pm), and Coastal Cocktails Function (6.30pm - 11.30pm) | $781.00 |
| Metro - Friday, 16 May 2025 (9am - 3.30pm) | $473.00 |
CONFERENCE VENUE
The 2025 QELA Conference will be held at the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, Noosa Heads
The Conference Welcome Function and proceedings will be held onsite at the Resort. The Coastal Cocktails function will be held at Bistro C on Thursday evening. Bistro C is a short stroll from the Resort.
ACCOMMODATION
Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort welcomes QELA Conference delegates to stay at the venue and has provided QELA with a discounted group booking rate.
Group booking rates detailed below are available for bookings made for Wednesday 14th May to Friday 16th May 2025.
| Superior Room | $449.00 |
| Superior Room incl breakfast for 1 person | $484.00 |
How to Book
Accommodation is booked direct with Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort. Please click here.
Our thanks to the 2025 Conference Sponsors for their ongoing support.
The support from our sponsors assists QELA to provide affordable conference registration to all members, especially regional members and those who work for local and state government.
QELA invites entries to the 2025 Conference Student Paper Competition. Entry is open to university students undertaking full time (75% load) study and who work less than 3 days per week in the planning and environment sector.
The winning student will receive the following:
- 10 minute presentation opportunity at the 2025 QELA Conference (optional although highly encouraged!);
- complimentary registration for the full 2 day 2025 QELA Conference;
- complimentary accommodation in Noosa on the night of Thursday 15 May 2025; and
- student membership until 30 June 2026.
PAPER REQUIREMENTS
Entrants are required to provide a paper of 1000 - 1500 words on a topic that aligns with the 2025 Conference theme, The Juggling Act 2025 (QELA). Suggested topics are outlined on the information and entry page.
The winning entrant will be provided with a 10min presentation slot at the QELA Conference (optional).
A final paper or the presentation slides will be included in the Conference Proceedings.
A final paper may be up to 1500 words and is required as part of the submission process.
ABOUT THE QELA CONFERENCE
The annual QELA Conference provides a diverse program of built and natural environment topics related to planning and environmental law in Queensland.
The 2025 Conference program will commence with Welcome Drinks on Wednesday 14 May at 7pm and will be followed by two days of conference sessions.
The 2025 Conference theme is 'The Juggling Act 2025 (QELA)' where we will explore the perpetual "juggling act" required to balance rapid population growth, environmental responsibility, and economic ambitions. The Juggling Act 2025 (QELA), set against the backdrop of Noosa’s natural beauty, will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, experts, and innovators for an immersive dive into the complexities and competing priorities within the planning and environmental framework.
The QELA Conference is attended by 200-250 practitioners from all areas of Queensland. Attendees include barristers and solicitors, planners and engineers, environmental consultants, ecologists, property valuers and government officers.
Entries close 5pm, Sunday, 13 April 2025. For more information on the Student Competition and eligibility, click the link below.
When
Location
- Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, 14-16 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Local Government Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Satchel Sponsor
Coastal Cocktails Sponsor
Program & App Sponsor
Welcome Function Sponsors
Coffee Cart Sponsor
Tea Breaks Sponsor
Court Session Sponsors
Session Sponsors
