Council progresses with Major Amendment to the Planning Scheme

Published on 24 September 2024

This week, Rockhampton Regional Council advanced to the next phase in updating the Planning Scheme by endorsing an amendment for State Government approval.

The Major Amendment brings improvements to the Planning Scheme by simplifying the development approval process and offering greater flexibility in zoning rules.

This amendment seeks to create new opportunities for businesses to thrive and expand, particularly in the northern corridor, where previous studies have highlighted the need for more specialised shopping centres to support the area's growing population.

Council resolved on 9 July 2024 to undertake public consultation for the major amendment to the Rockhampton Region Planning Scheme which included:

• Change to the zoning of 78 East Street, Mount Morgan from Low Density Residential to Local Centre Zone;
• Changes to the allow a Shopping Centre and Shops within the Specialised Centre Zone to align with a recent Development Application Approval D/77-2022 in North Rockhampton,
• Administrative updates to align with the Planning Act.

Following a public consultation period that closed on 16 August 2024, Council received 11 submissions, with many in support of the zoning change at 78 East Street, Mount Morgan, reflecting a positive community sentiment toward the future development of the area.

Three submissions were received objecting the proposed changes to allow a Shopping Centre and Shops within the Specialised Centre Zone in North Rockhampton, to align with the Development Approval D/77-2022.

These objections were reviewed thoroughly by Council, and after consideration, no changes to this proposed amendment will be made based on the feedback.

The Planning Scheme Major Amendment Package B will be submitted to the State Government and Council will formally request approval to adopt the major amendments.