16 April 2025
Southern Downs Regional Council has voted to not support a Material Change of Use application for a new dog boarding kennel and rescue facility in Dalveen, following careful consideration of community feedback regarding potential noise impacts and broader environmental concerns.
The development application proposed to accommodate up to 28 dogs on a rural property. The application was first presented to Council at the Ordinary Meeting on 20 November 2024, however was deferred pending the submission of a noise impact assessment.
After receiving and reviewing the noise impact assessment, Council revisited the application at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday 16 April 2025, where the application was refused.
Mayor Melissa Hamilton said the decision reflects Council’s commitment to balancing development opportunities with the amenity and expectations of the community.
“Council carefully considered a range of factors including the potential impact of noise on neighbouring properties, the welfare of surrounding livestock and wildlife, traffic access and safety, waste and water management, and the site’s location within biodiversity and bushfire areas,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“Our region is seeing significant investment in rural tourism, both by dedicated operators and by farmers seeking to diversify their on-farm income. Maintaining the character and scenic amenity of the rural zone is critical for this growing sector, which results in economic benefits across the whole region.
“Community feedback is an important part of the planning process and Council acknowledges the concerns raised by the community, particularly regarding noise, amenity and environmental impacts.
“Council values the input of our residents and will continue to assess development applications in line with our planning scheme and the matters raised in submissions.”
The proposed site is partially located within mapped biodiversity areas, bushfire hazard zones and water resource catchment overlays, which raised additional concerns around environmental protection and emergency access.
Council received multiple submissions from concerned residents who raised issues regarding the potential for ongoing noise from barking dogs, the suitability of the rural location for such a facility, and the impact on local lifestyle and livestock.
For more information on development applications and Council’s planning processes, visit
www.sdrc.qld.gov.au.
Last edited date 16 Apr 2025