Rockhampton Regional Council has progressed to the next stage in updating the Planning Scheme, adopting a proposed major amendment in today's Council meeting.
The amendment aims to increase housing supply by offering more housing options, particularly within urban areas, to meet the region's growing needs.
Key elements of the amendment include reducing minimum lot sizes for subdivisions and lowering the site area requirements for dual occupancy and multiple dwellings.
Council resolved on 9 July 2024 to undertake public consultation for the major amendment to the scheme, which proposed changes within both low density and low-medium density residential zones:
In the low-density residential zone:
- Reducing the minimum lot size for land subdivisions from 400m2 to 300m2 for a standard lot and from 600m2 to 300m2 for a rear lot (excluding access);
- Reducing the minimum site area for dual occupancy from 800m2 to 600m2 and multiple dwellings from 1,200m2 to 1,000m2;
- Increasing the density of dwellings for dual occupancy from 1 unit per 400m2 to 1 unit per 300m2 and multiple dwelling from 1 unit per 400m2 to 1 unit per 250m2; and
- Reducing the level of assessment requirements for multiple dwellings from impact assessable to code assessable where located on roads that generate more traffic such as High Street, North Street, Ranger Street, and within 200 metres of a centres zone, park or sport and recreation zone, hospital or university.
In the low-medium density residential zone:
- Reducing the minimum lot size for land subdivisions from 600m2 to 300m2; and
- Reducing the minimum lot size for dual occupancy from 600m2 to 400m2 and multiple dwellings from 1,000m2 to 800m2.
Following the public consultation period, which closed on 16 August 2024, Council received 18 submissions.
While some submissions expressed concerns about smaller lot sizes, the amendment aims to balance increased housing choice and affordability with community needs.
Developments will continue to comply with the Queensland Development Code, ensuring standards are maintained for a comfortable living environment.
All submissions were reviewed thoroughly by Council, and after consideration, no changes to this proposed amendment will be made based on the feedback.
The Planning Scheme Major Amendment Package C will be submitted to the State Government and Council will formally request approval to adopt the major amendments.
