Sunshine Coast Council planning scheme – one step closer

The Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme has taken another important step forward with council voting unanimously to adopt it in readiness for gazettal in May.

A unanimous vote by the Sunshine Coast Council could see its new planning scheme gazetted as early as next month.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said it was a significant event in our region’s history – as the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 would deliver one plan for the region for the first time.

“The adoption for gazettal of the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme follows years of hard work and collaboration between councillors, council staff and the community,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“I thank everyone who took the time to be involved and provide feedback throughout the consultation process.

“This scheme will provide the right conditions for businesses to prosper, and continues council’s vision to create a balance between a sustainable economy, environment and community.

“The Minister attached a number of conditions on our planning scheme under his statutory obligation to ensure consistency between the Planning Scheme and the SEQ Regional Plan.

“Council has accepted those conditions so the Planning Scheme can go to the next stage – but will use the review of the South East Queensland Regional Plan to continue to advocate for some changes.

“It will continue to emphasise the unsuitability of Halls Creek as an Identified Growth Area and the more appropriate opportunity provided by the Beerwah to Caloundra South Corridor.

“Council will also continue to advocate the protection of the Sunshine Coast-Moreton Bay regional inter-urban break as an important feature for South East Queensland.”

Last week Mayor Mark Jamieson and Deputy Mayor Chris Thompson met with Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney who agreed to hasten the investigation around the Halls Creek and Beerwah East areas to determine the best option going forward.

The State Planning Minister’s approval would see the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme start from May 21, with applicants having one year to lodge a development application under the old Caloundra or Maroochy schemes.

A full copy of the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme will be available at www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/planningscheme when it officially begins.