23 November 2023
Southern Downs Regional Council wishes to advise that the final round of community engagement on the Draft Planning Scheme is unable to be undertaken this year. It is anticipated that this engagement will now occur in the second quarter of 2024.
At this stage, the State Government has not given approval for Council to commence community engagement and has issued a request for further information.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said that rescheduling will ensure the community has adequate time to consider the Draft Planning Scheme and submit feedback following the State Interest Check.
“Council has been working very closely with the State Government on the Draft Planning Scheme and we have reached a junction where we are in the finalise stages of discussion,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“We acknowledge that this project has taken longer than anticipated, however the scheme is an essential visionary document that will assist in shaping our region into the future as a place to live, work, play, and stay, which is why it is so important that community engagement is scheduled conveniently to ensure maximum feedback.
“At its very core, the Draft Planning Scheme is a statutory document that navigates a consistent approach to how we regulate and facilitate development across the region for future growth and prosperity, and Council remains committed to moving forward with a new planning scheme for the whole of the region.
“It is important that we engage with our residents in a timely and meaningful manner to gain insight on the proposed Draft Planning Scheme prior to considering all submissions, responding and referring back to the State Government.”
The current planning scheme was adopted in 2012 and is under review to reflect the region’s growth and adjust to changed circumstances.
Initial community engagement was undertaken from late 2021 to early 2022. The commentary received during this consultation has been used to draft the content and strategic framework of the new planning scheme.
Background
The Draft Planning Scheme was submitted to the State Government in June 2023 as part of the first State Interest Check. As a result of this review, the State Government has issued a request for further information. Council is preparing a response and has updated the Housing Needs Assessment Report from 2019 to reflect recent census data and other regional changes.
Community engagement cannot occur until the State Government has finalised the first of two State Interest Checks, including the review of additional information supplied by Council. This will be the second round of consultation for the Draft Planning Scheme and will be focused around reviewing the content of the Draft Planning Scheme and the proposed zone changes occurring within the entire region.
Last edited date 23 Nov 2023