The people's voices will be heard regarding Planning Scheme says Cr Law
Div 10 Cr David Law.
With Sunshine Coast Council gathering feedback for its 2024 Planning Scheme – which will guide the way we grow and develop as a region – the Gazette asked Division 10 Cr David Law for his thoughts on hinterland priorities.
• What are the common/main complaints you hear when it comes to development/growth and the planning scheme?
“I often hear from people who want the rules to be much stronger to restrict development and from the developers and construction industry that the rules are too severe. The planning scheme and regulations determines the outcomes and ideally development should be sustainable and contained within the urban footprint. When a new sub-division is being developed I usually hear from the residents nearby who would prefer there not to be a change in their environment and outlook, which is completely understandable.
“At all times it is important to ensure that the development meets the requirements of the scheme and when it does not then it is not permitted to proceed.
“Everyone has a point of view and now is the time to ensure those views are shared to help shape the future for our region.”
• What do you think the community wants to see changed (if anything) in the new planning scheme?
“I will leave this question as I want people to tell us what they want without my or anyone else’s influence.”
• Why is it important for people to have their say about the 2024 planning scheme?
“The consultation period that is running from now until the end of March is an opportunity for everyone to provide their views for inclusion in the first draft of the new planning scheme. People can give feedback on the local area plan relevant to where they live and tell us what is important to them about where they live. This is a unique chance to actually influence the first draft of the new planning scheme and the level of interest at the moment is very strong. The feedback can include ideas about where business commercial and industrial land should be available to help support local employment.
“I encourage everyone to get involved and have your say. You do not need to be an expert. But, as a local, your experience and ideas for the future are really important. We cannot change what has already happened but we can all influence what can happen in the future. Every comment and suggestion will be considered as this first draft is written. Once the first draft is completed then the next period of consultation on that draft will occur. This is expected to be within 12 months.”
• Is it important to have some growth? How much, do you think, is optimal growth?
“People are choosing to live on the Sunshine Coast and at the moment we are in a housing period of peak demand. We need more houses for rental and ownership for everyone who wants to live here. It is difficult to predict how long this high demand will continue for and we need to have land identified for future housing and commercial uses.”
• Why is there a trend towards so-called “sardine suburbs” that we seem to see popping up?
“Over the years individual lots have become smaller and this will not doubt continue and these areas are medium and high density zoned areas. This type of development reduces “urban sprawl” and enables the services and facilities people want to be available near where they live. It is not what everyone wants but we need to provide the diversity, choice and opportunities for new residents.”
• What else would you like to say?
“Please get involved and explain your vision for the future where you live.”
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.