Community consultation commences on draft Kalbar and Kooralbyn plans
Published on 02 February 2026
Community consultation has commenced on draft town centre master plans that will help shape the future of Kalbar and Kooralbyn following their endorsement at last week's Ordinary Meeting of Council.
Scenic Rim’s Community, Arts and Culture portfolio Councillor Kerri Cryer said the draft master plans that will be refined during wider consultation were a collaborative effort between Council and members of the Kalbar and Kooralbyn Town Centre Master Plan Committees.
“Council is committed to genuine, community-led planning and offering these draft plans for community consultation gives everyone an opportunity to participate.
The draft master plans focus on shaping thriving, inclusive places where people live, work, shop and connect - balancing growth with local character and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with evolving community needs,” Cr Cryer said.
“Kalbar and Kooralbyn are home to thousands of Scenic Rim residents, and their valuable feedback will help refine the master plans so that the final result delivers meaningful and achievable outcomes for everyone.
“The local knowledge, priorities and aspirations shared by community members will also help to ensure the draft master plans reflect the unique character and future vision of each town, while aligning with the Scenic Rim Growth Management Strategy 2041 to guide sustainable development, protect local identity, and support well-planned growth across the region.”
Council established town centre master plan committees for Canungra, Kalbar and Kooralbyn in January 2025, with participants selected through an expression of interest process.
Key community representatives were then invited to provide strategic input, identify opportunities and challenges, and help shape the vision, goals and actions of each master plan.
A number of common themes emerged through the committee process and are reflected in both draft master plans, with a strong focus on improving streets, parking, public space and overall connectivity to enhance safety and accessibility for all.
The plans also prioritise infrastructure that encourages walking and cycling, supporting healthier and more connected communities.
Developing high-quality public spaces, while also recognising the importance of celebrating local culture and heritage in key locations also emerged as priorities.
Protecting and enhancing the natural environment is the final central theme, ensuring future growth is balanced with conservation and long-term sustainability.
Funding for the development of the master plans is included within Council’s 2025–2026 Operational Budget and the Corporate Plan 2025-2030, with the Kooralbyn Town Centre Master Plan jointly funded through the Queensland Government Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.
The community consultation for the Draft Master Plans for Kalbar and Kooralbyn opened on Thursday 29 January and run until Wednesday 25 February 2026.
The Draft Canungra Town Centre Master Plan and associated community engagement activities are currently being finalised. Information about the proposed timing will be shared with the community once confirmed.
For full consultation details visit letstalk.scenicrim.qld.gov.au, or pick up a hard copy survey form from:
Scenic Rim Regional Council Customer Service Centres:
- Beaudesert — 82 Brisbane Street
- Tamborine Mountain — 30 to 32 Main Street.
Survey forms are also available at:
- Kooralbyn - Valley Wildlife Op Shop, 79 Ogilvie Place, Kooralbyn and The Billabong Village Shopping Centre, 290 Wellington Bundock Drive, and
- The Emporium — 101 George Street, Kalbar.
"This is a valuable opportunity for Scenic Rim residents to help shape the future of Kalbar and Kooralbyn," Cr Cryer said.
To learn more about the Town Centre Master Plans and their alignment with the Scenic Rim Growth Management Strategy 2041, visit: