Plan-making process
Learn about the steps in preparing a new planning scheme.
Steps in preparing a new planning scheme
There are many steps in preparing a new planning scheme.
* The plan making process is anticipated to take several years to complete (noting that the timing of certain steps in the process, such as state interest reviews are not within Council's control).
The process for preparing a new planning scheme is governed by the state Planning Act 2016 and associated Minister's Guidelines and Rules.
Completed and current steps
Step 1: Council decides to prepare a new planning scheme
Step 1: Council decides to prepare a new planning scheme
In 2020, Council undertook a review of the current planning scheme. On 28 January 2021, Council resolved to prepare a new planning scheme for the Sunshine Coast.
On 29 July 2021, Council lodged a notice with the State Government outlining Council’s proposal to make a planning scheme. On 25 August 2021, the State Government gave notice to Council detailing the provisions, process and communications strategy that apply to preparing the new planning scheme.
Step 2: Preliminary (non-statutory) consultation
Step 2: Preliminary (non-statutory) consultation
In 2022, Council undertook preliminary consultation on proposed region-wide and local planning directions for the Sunshine Coast.
More than 8,000 people provided valuable feedback on a proposed vision and regional planning directions for the new planning scheme and contributed their ideas to local area planning. Feedback received has helped to inform the detailed drafting of the proposed planning scheme.
Read the Preliminary consultation - summary and outcomes brochure for more information, or visit Council’s our Preliminary consultation Have your Say web page.
The preliminary consultation was a valuable first step in creating a new planning scheme that reflects the community’s vision for our region.
Step 3: Preparation of proposed planning scheme
Step 3: Preparation of proposed planning scheme
Feedback received during preliminary consultation, together with other stakeholder engagement and the state, regional and local planning policy framework helped to inform the preparation of the proposed planning scheme. Refer to About the New Planning Scheme project for details.
In December 2023, Council submitted a draft version of the proposed planning scheme to the Queensland Government for a State Interest Review - refer Step 4 below.
Step 4: State Interest Review
Step 4: State Interest Review
State Interest Review is a mandatory step when preparing a new planning scheme. During this step, the Queensland Government reviews the proposed planning scheme to ensure state interests are appropriately addressed before it is released for formal public consultation.
In December 2023, Council submitted a draft version of the proposed planning scheme to the Queensland Government for a State Interest Review. The Queensland Government informed Council on 28 February 2025 that the State Interest Review of the proposed planning scheme had been completed, subject to some conditions.
Next steps
Council has carefully considered the State Interest Review conditions, and the required changes have been made to the proposed planning scheme. Council is now preparing to move to the next step - formal public consultation on the proposed planning scheme.
Council will be implementing a robust public consultation program (Step 5), encouraging feedback from all parts of our community. The program will be designed to ensure that there is ample time and information to get to know the details of the proposed planning scheme and make a submission.
Sign up for project updates and be notified when the proposed planning scheme is released for feedback.
Learn more
Consultation and engagement approach
Consultation and engagement approach
Local community input is critical in planning for a place.
The Sunshine Coast community is highly interested and passionate about our region and its future. We know our region is a special place to live, work and visit and we recognise the importance of implementing a planning scheme that reflects our community's aspirations and values.
The consultation and engagement program for the New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme Project includes two key community consultation phases:
- Preliminary (non-statutory) consultation (completed 2022)
- Formal (statutory) consultation on a proposed planning scheme (coming soon).
The consultation and engagement approach for the project is summarised in the figure below. The key community involvement milestones are highlighted.
Reference Groups
Reference Groups
A Community Reference Group (CRG) and a Technical Reference Group (TRG) have both been formed to assist with the New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme Project.
Community reference group
Council established a Community Reference Group (CRG) to provide key input and guidance to Council about the best ways to engage with the community during preparation of the proposed new planning scheme.
Input from the CRG has informed the overarching communications and engagement strategy, the preliminary consultation program and the formal consultation program for the proposed planning scheme.
Membership
The CRG consists of an independent chairperson (appointed by Council) and 10 community members representing a range of interest areas and demographics to ensure that the group is representative and inclusive of our diverse Sunshine Coast community.
Meetings
The CRG met during 2021 to help inform the preliminary consultation program. More recent meetings with the CRG have been convened to help inform the upcoming formal public consultation program for the proposed planning scheme.
Terms of reference
For further details on the roles and responsibilities of the CRG, please review the Community Reference Group Terms of Reference (PDF, 557KB).
Technical reference group
Council established a Technical Reference Group (TRG) to provide key technical input and feedback to Council about the operation and workability of the new planning scheme.
Membership
The TRG membership includes practicing professionals and representatives of relevant peak bodies and industry associations and represents a diverse range of interests and disciplines, including development, planning, engineering, surveying, architecture, landscape and urban design, environment and building.
Meetings
The TRG met during 2022 and 2023. Further meetings of the TRG may be held on an as required basis.
Terms of reference
For further details on the roles and responsibilities of the TRG, please review the Technical Reference Group Terms of Reference (PDF, 478KB).
Ongoing engagement activities
Ongoing engagement activities
Ongoing engagement activities and opportunities include:
- project updates to subscribers and on the project website (sign up for updates)
- ongoing ability to contact the project team directly (by email at [email protected] or phone on 07 5420 8953)
- key stakeholder engagement activities.
Council's community engagement policy and framework
Council's community engagement policy and framework
Visit Council's Community engagement policy and framework web page for information on Council’s approach to engagement.
For more information about the New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme project:
- Sign up for project updates and be notified about key stages in the New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme Project.
- Contact the Project Team by:
- emailing [email protected], or
- calling (07) 5420 8953.