Rockhampton Regional Council has completed its 10-yearly review of the Rockhampton Region Planning Scheme, adopting a review report today.
The Scheme, instrumental in shaping our community, is essential for managing and assessing development in the Region.
Council will retain the existing scheme and initiate a major amendment process based on the review's recommendation, ensuring it aligns with the evolving needs and expectations of the community.
Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers highlighted the importance of the review which helps guide and shape future land use and development within the region.
"By reviewing the Scheme, we can identify ways to streamline planning requirements, simplify processes, and explore new opportunities for economic growth and environmental protection," Cr Mathers said.
"It's also about ensuring the Planning Scheme remains a practical and adaptable tool for managing our region's growth and development."
Councillor Mathers said the independent assessment identified a number of key recommendations to help modernise the Planning Scheme.
"The assessment has identified the need to refresh the Scheme and undertake updates to the strategic framework, zone, overlay, and development codes," Cr Mathers said.
"We'll be looking to incorporate clearer diagrams to simplify requirements in the scheme, whilst ensuring the Scheme is more user-friendly with a revamped design and improved accessibility.
"This will make it easier for the community to understand and navigate.
"Additionally, the review will include the latest demographic and economic data, and adopt relevant State Planning Policies where practical."
Councillor Mathers noted that public consultation will form a critical part of the process, with community input welcomed in the near future as part of a major amendment to the Planning Scheme.
"We want to make sure it reflects the best possible outcomes for our region, and this review is the perfect opportunity to do that.
"Through public consultation, the community will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and provide feedback that will directly influence the way we shape our region for the next decade and beyond."
