Sunshine Coast Council is preparing a new planning scheme to guide the way we grow and develop as a region.

Residents can provide early input into the scheme development process by providing feedback on proposed planning directions at both a regional and local level.

A community reference group has been working with council from the outset of the project, providing valuable feedback about the best ways to engage with our community as part of the plan-making process.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson encouraged residents to get involved and have their say on the proposed planning directions before March 31.

“Through careful planning, and in partnership with our community, we can provide the foundations that support the opportunities for the future prosperity and liveability of our Sunshine Coast as Australia’s most sustainable region: healthy, smart, creative,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“We want to hear from our diverse range of community voices and to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to be heard during this important preliminary engagement phase.

“With that in mind, I’d like to thank the community reference group for their valuable input, which has helped council plan for this preliminary engagement.

“The current planning scheme has been in place since 2014 and a lot has changed, but one thing that remains constant is the importance of maintaining our region’s identity, character and lifestyle.

“The new planning scheme can ensure future growth and development aligns with the evolving views of the community, changes in technologies, updates to state, regional and local planning policies as well as the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Here on the Sunshine Coast, we’ve been experiencing growth for some decades now – it’s not something new.

“We cannot escape the fact that people move to the Coast to enjoy our laid-back lifestyle, community spirit and, of course, our spectacular beaches and hinterland.”

Service Excellence Portfolio Councillor Winston Johnston said feedback received on the proposed planning directions would be used to prepare a draft new planning scheme that would be subject to further community consultation.

“The planning scheme is, and will continue to be, the key tool to assist council in responding to growth management challenges,” Cr Johnston said.

“The outcomes of the preliminary consultation will be used to inform the preparation of a draft version of the new planning scheme, which will also welcome future community feedback.”

The new planning scheme is intended to be in place by 2024.

How you can have your say

View the proposed land use planning directions and provide your feedback by completing the online surveys at Sunshine Coast Council’s Have Your Say Page haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au before Thursday, March 31.

Online information sessions focusing on proposed local planning directions are being held during the consultation period.  Visit https://haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/newplanningscheme for details of online information sessions relevant to your local area.

Visit council’s website for more information on the Community Reference Group, the process for preparing a new planning scheme or to receive project updates via the project e-newsletter.

What is a planning scheme?

• A planning scheme is a document that the community, businesses and governments all look to in order to understand the local government’s plan for managing growth and change.

• A planning scheme sets out the vision for the local government area in a strategic plan or strategic framework.  

• To help achieve the vision and strategic framework, a planning scheme regulates:

– what development should occur where by including each parcel of land in a zone;

– how development should occur by outlining the rules (codes) against which development is assessed.

Cr Johnston gives insight into public concerns about planning 

The Gazette asked Div 5 Cr Winston Johnston, pictured, to answer several questions about the Planning Scheme.  

• What are the common  complaints you hear when it comes to development and the planning scheme? People complain about narrow streets, removal of trees, lack of land available for light industry, and lack of land for emerging business opportunities and transport related businesses.

• What do you think the community wants to see changed (if anything) in the new planning scheme? The above problems fixed and tighter controls on intensive development west of the Bruce Highway.

• Why is it important for people to have their say about the 2024 planning scheme? The planning scheme is our community’s document and will affect or protect their lifestyle and amenity. It will impact upon the future of their local and regional economies. Only by our community having informed input will the plan truly reflect their desired outcomes.

• People may be reluctant to step forward because they think their feedback won’t make any difference. Can you allay their concerns? All input will be considered in detail by both Councillors and Councils  Planners. Wherever possible (within the constraints of the State Government SEQ Regional Plan) everyone can be assured that realistic submissions will receive a positive hearing.

• Is it important to have some growth? How much, do you think, is optimal growth? The State Government mandates future growth targets and where that growth must occur. Most of the growth proposed on the Sunshine Coast by the State will occur east of the Bruce Highway and Steve Irwin Way. There will be minimal population growth west of those roads, other than some infill development in Nambour and Beerwah townships.

• Why is there a trend towards so-called “sardine suburbs” that we seem to see popping up? New suburbs with small allotment sizes are unfortunately occurring due to either State involvement or due to community demand for less garden and/or cheaper housing. Our rural towns have Local Area Plans which regulate larger allotment sizes.

• What else would you like to say? I strongly encourage all residents and property owners to participate in the broad range of consultation opportunities over the next 18 months. Your input is very important, indeed vital to a satisfactory outcome for our community. This final gazetted Town Plan influences the future direction of our local and larger Sunshine Communities. Its your Town Plan, so please become involved in its development.

Div 10 Cr David Law will provide feedback next edition.