NEW PLANNING SCHEME A LANDMARK IN SCENIC RIM'S DEVELOPMENT
The Scenic Rim will have its first ever unified planning scheme following Council's adoption of the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020 to commence in March.
Mayor Greg Christensen said the adoption of the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme represented a landmark moment in the life of the region and thanked the residents, business operators and community organisations whose submissions had contributed to its development.
"For the first time since the establishment of Scenic Rim Regional Council in 2008, we have a planning scheme which provides a consistent approach to development across our region," he said.
"Guided by the Scenic Rim Community Plan, the new planning scheme will underpin development aligned with the community's shared vision for the Scenic Rim for the next 20 years.
"It will provide certainty to residents, businesses and investors by identifying land use in particular areas, informing Council's plans for infrastructure to support growth and balance the social and economic development of the Scenic Rim and protecting and enhancing our region's lifestyle and natural assets."
The planning scheme was approved this month by the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick, following several years of drafting by Council, community consultation and review by the Queensland Government.
The new planning scheme considers the risks of flood and bushfire in the region and has a focus on the protection of the Scenic Rim's natural environment.
It provides for larger lot sizes for residential subdivisions than in other areas of South East Queensland and recognises the importance of tourism in supporting rural areas.
Replacing the planning schemes of the former Beaudesert Shire, Boonah Shire and Ipswich City Council areas within the Scenic Rim local government area, the new planning scheme reflects changes to the economic, social and environmental landscapes, as well as meeting State legislative requirements.
Importantly, it has been developed in the context of the Scenic Rim Community Plan which captures the vision shared by Council and the Scenic Rim community for the region's relaxed living and rural lifestyle and sustainable and prosperous economy into the future.
Council has a five-year schedule for reviewing matters post-adoption, which will incorporate matters requiring further investigation.
Cr Christensen thanked the many residents, business operators and community organisations who helped to shape the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme by contributing more than 600 submissions on the draft scheme during two rounds of community consultation in 2018 and 2019.
"The consultation process enabled Council to make significant changes to key policy areas that reflected the community's aspirations for development in the Scenic Rim," he said.
The new planning scheme takes effect on 20 March 2020 and will be available on Council's website.