If the past few weeks is anything to go by, the local community is proactive when it comes to letting council know what kind of development they want in the region, and with council set to prepare a new planning scheme, residents are being asked to provide early input into the scheme development process.
Feedback on proposed planning directions at both a regional and local level is being sought.
With rapid recent growth, growing sustainably and preserving the things we love about the Sunshine Coast will take careful planning, which is why council is preparing a new planning scheme to guide the way we grow and develop as a region.
A community reference group has been working with council from the outset of the project, providing valuable feedback about the best ways to engage with the community as part of the plan-making process.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson encouraged residents to get involved and have their say on the proposed planning directions before March 31.
“Through careful planning, and in partnership with our community, we can provide the foundations that support the opportunities for the future prosperity and liveability of our Sunshine Coast as Australia’s most sustainable region,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“We want to hear from our diverse range of community voices and to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to be heard during this important preliminary engagement phase.
“With that in mind, I’d like to thank the community reference group for their valuable input, which has helped council plan for this preliminary engagement.
The current planning scheme has been in place since 2014.
“The new planning scheme can ensure future growth and development aligns with the evolving views of the community, changes in technologies, updates to state, regional and local planning policies as well as the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We cannot escape the fact that people move to the coast to enjoy our laid-back lifestyle, community spirit and, of course, our spectacular beaches and hinterland.
“The diversity and uniqueness of our local communities are one of the reasons our region is so special, which is why council is seeking feedback on proposed region-wide planning directions as well as proposed planning directions specific to local areas,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“The planning scheme is, and will continue to be, the key tool to assist council in responding to growth management challenges,” Cr Johnston said.
“The outcomes of the preliminary consultation will be used to inform the preparation of a draft version of the new planning scheme, which will also welcome future community feedback.”
The new planning scheme is intended to be in place by 2024.
Visit council’s website for more information on the Community Reference Group, the process for preparing a new planning scheme or to receive project updates via the project e-newsletter.
View the project video here: https://youtu.be/MiGZFNtOwTc
How you can have your say:
For more information on the local area please visit – https://haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/newplanningscheme/coolum-peregian
What is a planning scheme?
A planning scheme is a document that the community, businesses and governments all look to in order to understand the local government’s plan for managing growth and change, including the types of new development they can expect to see in a local area.
A planning scheme sets out the vision for the local government area in a strategic plan or strategic framework. This is the ‘big picture’ part of a planning scheme that maps out the land use intentions for the area looking ahead in 20 to 30 years’ time. It contains a series of strategies to manage future growth and development to achieve the vision.
To help achieve the vision and strategic framework, a planning scheme regulates:
*What development should occur whereby including each parcel of land in a zone.
*How development should occur – by outlining the rules (codes) against which development is assessed.
*What assessment process is required – by stating whether a development application is required, and if so, the process to be followed.