Sunnyvale
Complex development approval processes have made the South Burnett a less than ideal environment for developers; a new planning scheme promises faster turnarounds and less red tape
Property portfolio chair
Cr Terry Fleischfresser

September 21, 2017

The South Burnett Regional Council has adopted a new Planning Scheme, and it will come into force on October 2.

The new scheme will replace the former planning schemes of Nanango, Kingaroy, Wondai and Murgon Shire Councils, which have guided all development in the region since the 2008 amalgamations that formed the South Burnett Regional Council.

It was adopted unanimously at Wednesday’s monthly Council meeting after Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jackie Trad gave her assent.

The Planning Scheme has been under development for the past nine years and has had to undergo several rewrites due to changes in State planning laws that have occurred during this time.

It is the last major outstanding item that needed to be attended to as a result of the amalgamations.

The new scheme accords with the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, and will undergo future amendments to bring it into line with the recently adopted Planning Act 2016.

Property portfolio chair Cr Terry Fleischfresser welcomed the scheme’s adoption, which will finally put an end to any future “Memerambi Estate situations”.

Under the old Shire planning schemes, developers who purchased land containing historical subdivisions were able to build and sell houses on them in advance of building supporting infrastructure.

The new planning scheme will treat historical subdivisions the same as modern ones, where infrastructure must be put in place before any dwellings are erected.

“The new planning scheme will unify the region and support an exciting future for the South Burnett,” Cr Fleischfresser said.

“It will help deliver liveable communities and housing diversity; economic growth; the protection of environment and heritage values; reduced hazards and increased safety; and an efficient transport and infrastructure network.”

The new planning scheme will be available on the Council’s website from October 2, and hard copies will be available for viewing and purchase at Council offices.

Fact sheets will also be available online to explain how the planning scheme works, zoning information and types of development.


 

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