Strategic Planning considers the long-term vision for the Southern Downs. Planning is an important tool available to local government to help achieve important social, cultural and environment management outcomes. It is about making living and working environments safe, healthy, efficient and aesthetically pleasing through the arrangement of land uses. Planning also provides certainty for people by outlining to them what can be expected to occur in their local communities.
Southern Downs Planning Scheme
The Southern Downs Planning Scheme (Version 5) (PDF 9.1MB) is our key strategic document which outlines how land will be used in the region, now and into the future. This document promotes prosperity, liveability and economic development and is regulated by the Planning Act 2016.
The Planning Scheme is currently under review to determine where, how and what development occurs, what infrastructure and public spaces should be provided for communities, environment and building protection and land uses for the next 10 years. The New Southern Downs Planning Scheme will be developed over the next 2-3 years, drawing on input from and engagement with our community.
Maps
Practice notes
The role of the practice note is to make clear Council's interpretation of certain provisions of the Southern Downs Planning Scheme to ensure that they are being applied consistently across Council and that the interpretation is known to others.
Superseded Planning Schemes
Supporting Material for the Local Government Infrastructure Plan
Supporting studies
Other Resources
Public Notices