Have your say on the Major Amendment to the Planning Scheme 2024

Published on 17 June 2024

Council has proposed a Major Amendment to the Rockhampton Region Planning Scheme and is currently inviting residents to have their say.

The Major Amendment brings improvements to the planning scheme by streamlining the development assessment process for land subdivisions partially affected by flooding.

Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said the new improvements will help with the smooth progression of residential, industrial, and commercial subdivisions.

“The proposed changes will facilitate the subdivision of land within greenfield and infill areas, supporting development of our region,” Cr Mathers said.

"With the recent expansion of the flood hazard overlay mapping, subdividing land in growing urban areas like Parkhurst and Gracemere is prompting impact assessable development applications.

“It’s important to note that this amendment will not result in additional development in flood hazard areas or increase flood risks to our community.

“Existing policies within the flood overlay code already manage risks to people and property, ensuring the community remains safeguarded.”

The changes primarily target greenfield developments on the outskirts of Parkhurst and Gracemere, aiming to alleviate some of the pressures on housing availability said Councillor Mathers.

“This amendment forms part of our ongoing commitment to Council’s Flood Management Strategy and the outcomes of the Queensland Housing Summit,” Cr Mathers said.

“This initiative will help bring forward much-needed developments, contributing to the availability of housing and supporting our community's growth.

“Community consultation is an essential part of the process of amending the Planning Scheme and we want to hear what individuals, community groups, business, and developers in our region have to say about these changes.”

A summary of the major changes to the planning scheme include:

• Updating the level of assessment for the reconfiguration of a lot within the flood hazard overlay
• Updates to the assessment benchmarks of the flood hazard overlay code to ensure the level of assessment changes do not increase the risk to people and property.

To make a submission or to view more information, visit Engage Rockhampton Region http://engage.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au. 

The public consultation period for the proposed Major Amendment will commence on Monday 17 June 2024 and conclude at close of business Monday 15 July 2024.