Proposed Planning Scheme and Proposed Planning Scheme Policies

The proposed planning scheme and proposed planning scheme policies have been prepared in accordance with the Planning Act 2016 and the Minister’s Guidelines and Rules 2024 and will be subject to public consultation from Tuesday, 15 July to Friday, 19 September 2025 (inclusive).

If ultimately adopted by Council, the proposed planning scheme and proposed planning scheme policies will replace the current Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 and planning scheme policies respectively.

The purpose and general effect of the proposed planning scheme is to set out a future land use planning vision and strategic outcomes for the Sunshine Coast Region and identify assessment provisions (such as zones, overlays and codes) to regulate development in a manner that helps achieve those outcomes.

The purpose and general effect of the proposed planning scheme policies is to support the implementation of the proposed planning scheme. The proposed planning scheme policies include the following:

• Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Planning Scheme Policy 
• Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay Planning Scheme Policy
• Agricultural Land Overlay Planning Scheme Policy
• Airport Environs Overlay Planning Scheme Policy
• Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands Overlay Planning Scheme Policy
• Bushfire Hazard Overlay Planning Scheme Policy
• Coastal Hazards Overlay Planning Scheme Policy
• Development Works Planning Scheme Policy
• Environmental Offsets Planning Scheme Policy
• Extractive Resources Overlay Planning Scheme Policy
• Flood Hazard Overlay Planning Scheme Policy
• Height Overlay Planning Scheme Policy
• Heritage and Character Areas Overlay Planning Scheme Policy
• Information That Local Government May Require Planning Scheme Policy
• Landslide Hazard and Steep Land Overlay Planning Scheme Policy
• Movement Networks in the Coastal Corridor Planning Scheme Policy
• Nuisance Planning Scheme Policy
• Palmview Structure Plan Planning Scheme Policy
• Performance Bonds Planning Scheme Policy
• Reconfiguring a Lot Planning Scheme Policy
• Scenic Amenity Overlay Planning Scheme Policy
• Sippy Downs Town Centre Planning Scheme Policy
• Sunshine Coast Design Planning Scheme Policy
• Telecommunications Facility and Utility Planning Scheme Policy
• Transport and Parking Planning Scheme Policy
• Waste Management Planning Scheme Policy.

During the consultation period, the proposed planning scheme and proposed planning scheme policies can be:

• viewed on Council’s website: haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/newplanningscheme

and

• viewed and/or purchased at Council’s Offices located at 54 First Avenue, Maroochydore, 77 Bulcock Street, Caloundra and corner Currie and Bury Streets, Nambour.

Any person may make a ‘properly made submission’ in writing about any aspect of the proposed planning scheme or the proposed planning scheme policies.

A ‘properly made submission’ must:

• be made to Sunshine Coast Regional Council;
• state the name and residential or business address of each person making the submission;
• if not made electronically, be signed in hard copy by each person making the submission;
• state the grounds of the submission and the facts and circumstances relied on in support of the grounds;
• state one postal or electronic address for service of notices relating to the submission for all persons making the submission; and
• be received by Council on or before midnight on Friday, 19 September 2025.

Submissions may be made by:

• using the online submission form located at: haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/newplanningscheme
• emailing to: [email protected]
• posting to:
  • Sunshine Coast Regional Council
    Proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme
    Reply Paid 84374
    SUNSHINE COAST MC QLD 4560
• lodging in person at any of the following Council offices:
  • Maroochydore – 54 First Avenue, Maroochydore
  • Caloundra – 77 Bulcock Street, Caloundra
  • Nambour – corner Currie and Bury Streets, Nambour.

Further information can be obtained by visiting Council’s website haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/newplanningscheme or telephoning Council on (07) 5409 0570 during business hours.

John Baker
Chief Executive Officer
Sunshine Coast Regional Council