NEW PLANNING SCHEME MARKS BEGINNING OF NEW ERA FOR REGION
The commencement today of the new Scenic Rim Planning Scheme represents a landmark in the development of the Scenic Rim region, with a single planning scheme now providing a consistent approach to development.
Formally adopted by Council in January, the new planning scheme aligns with the Community Plan and captures the vision shared by Council and the Scenic Rim community for the region's lifestyle and economy.
Council's Chief Executive Officer Jon Gibbons said the new planning scheme will guide the region's development for the next 20 years, providing certainty to residents, businesses and investors in planning for future development.
However, in the first year of the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020, development applications will still be able to be made under the planning schemes of the former Beaudesert Shire, Boonah Shire and Ipswich City Council areas within the Scenic Rim local government area where provisions of the new planning scheme significantly affect the development potential of the subject land.
"Concept and pre-lodgement meetings with Council's Development Assessment Planners are currently available, enabling applicants to discuss proposed developments under the new scheme," Mr Gibbons said.
"With tightening controls for public contact in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Council's Development Assessment Planners will continue to provide email and telephone advice for development applicants and, and until further notice, one-on-one appointments, and these can also be conducted by Skype."
The new planning scheme is now available on Council's website https://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/scenic-rim-planning-scheme and at administration and customer service centres.
The Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020 identifies land use in particular areas and will inform Council's plans for infrastructure to support growth and balance the social and economic development of the Scenic Rim while protecting and enhancing our region's lifestyle and natural assets.
It reflects changes to the region's economic, social and environmental landscapes, in line with Queensland Government legislative requirements, and replaces the planning schemes of the former Beaudesert Shire, Boonah Shire and Ipswich City Council areas within the Scenic Rim local government area.
A focus is on protecting the Scenic Rim's natural environment, with the new planning scheme taking account of the risks of flood and bushfire in our region.
It also provides for larger lot sizes for residential subdivisions in the Scenic Rim than in other areas of South East Queensland and recognises the importance of tourism in supporting rural areas.
Community consultation has played a key role in shaping the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020.
Residents, businesses and community organisations contributed more than 600 submissions on the draft scheme during two rounds of community consultation in 2018 and 2019.
"As a result, Council made significant changes to key policy areas that reflected the community's views on development in the Scenic Rim and we are grateful for that input," Mr Gibbons said.
"Council also has a five-year schedule for reviewing the new planning scheme following its introduction, which will incorporate matters raised during the community consultation that may require further investigation."