Why Your Voice Matters
The Sunshine Coast Council’s proposed planning scheme is essentially the “rulebook” that will guide development and land use in our area for years to come. This includes decisions about building heights, lot sizes, tourism developments, quarry operations, and protection of our scenic landscapes. Your submission can help ensure the final scheme reflects our community’s values and protects what we cherish about the Blackall Range.
Key Deadline
Submissions must be received by midnight on Friday, 19 September 2025
What You Should Know First
The Blackall Range – Maleny Local Plan Area (LPA)
Our area includes Maleny, Montville, Mapleton, North Maleny, Balmoral Ridge, Dulong, Kureelpa, Reesville, Witta, Bald Knob, and parts of Wootha, Curramore, Hunchy, and West Woombye.
Key Positive Elements in the Proposed Scheme
- Maintains low-density residential zoning with large lot sizes
- Keeps building height limits at two storeys (8.5 metres), except Maleny Town Centre (10 metres)
- Strengthens protections for scenic views and heritage areas
- Introduces new limits on tourist accommodation scale
- Protects agricultural land and environmental corridors
- Establishes the “green frame” concept to maintain separation between settlements
How to Make a Submission
Three Ways to Submit
- Online Form (Recommended) Visit: https://haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/newplanningscheme/make-submission
- Email Send to: newplanningscheme@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
- Post to:
Sunshine Coast Regional Council
Proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme
Reply Paid 84374
Sunshine Coast Mail Centre
Qld 4560 - Hand deliver to:
1. Maroochydore Office (City Hall), 54 First Avenue, Maroochydore
2. Caloundra Office, 77 Bulcock Street, Caloundra
3. Nambour Office, Cnr Currie and Bury Streets, Nambour
What to Include in Your Submission
Essential Information
- Your full name and contact details
- Your address (particularly important if you’re commenting on local issues)
- Clear statement of what you support or oppose
- Specific reasons for your position
Structure Your Submission
- Introduction: State who you are and your connection to the Blackall Range
- What you support: List positive aspects you want retained
- What concerns you: Identify specific problems or omissions
- What you want changed: Propose specific solutions
- Conclusion: Summarise your key points
Key Issues to Consider for Our Community
Issues You Might Support
- Scenic Protection: The scheme strengthens scenic amenity overlays protecting our views
- Building Height Limits: Maintaining 8.5-metre height limits (except Maleny centre at 10m)
- Large Lot Sizes: Preserving minimum lot sizes to maintain rural character
- Tourism Controls: New limits on tourist accommodation scale and intensity
- Environmental Protection: The “green frame” concept protecting natural areas
- Heritage Protection: Strengthened protections for local character areas
- Agricultural Land: Continued protection through Agricultural Land Overlay
Issues You Might Oppose or Want Changed
- Quarry Operations: The double standard where council-run quarries (like Dulong) are classified as “Community Facilities” with no public consultation required, while private quarries must go through impact assessment
- Lack of Transparency: Insufficient community consultation on extractive industry expansions
- Infrastructure: Inadequate provision for community facilities, public transport, or youth programs
- Environmental Assessment: Need for stronger cumulative impact assessments for industrial activities
Specific Local Concerns
- Traffic Management: How increased tourism or development might affect local roads
- Water and Sewerage: Capacity to handle growth while protecting waterways
- Bushfire Risk: Adequate consideration of fire management in planning decisions
- Community Hub Needs: Support for community centres, arts facilities, and meeting spaces
Writing Tips for Effective Submissions
Do:
- Be specific about locations and impacts
- Use your own words and personal experiences
- Reference specific parts of the planning scheme if possible
- Suggest realistic alternatives or solutions
- Keep your tone respectful and constructive
- Include photos or maps if they support your points
Don’t:
- Simply copy someone else’s submission word-for-word
- Use aggressive or confrontational language
- Make statements you can’t support with evidence
- Focus only on opposition without suggesting solutions
- Leave your submission until the last minute
Sample Submission Structure
Subject: Submission on Proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme – [Your specific focus]
Dear Council,
I am a [resident/landowner/business owner] in [your location] and have lived/worked in the Blackall Range for [timeframe]. I am writing to provide feedback on the proposed planning scheme.
WHAT I SUPPORT:
I strongly support the proposed scheme’s commitment to:
– [Specific element, e.g., maintaining 8.5m height limits in residential areas]
– [Another element you support with brief explanation why]
WHAT CONCERNS ME:
I am concerned about:
– [Specific issue, e.g., the different treatment of council vs private quarries]
– [Explain why this concerns you and how it might affect the community]
WHAT I RECOMMEND:
I recommend that Council:
– [Specific change you want, e.g., “Apply the same consultation requirements to all quarry operations”]
– [Another recommendation with brief justification]
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important document.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name and address]
Before You Submit – Research Your Property
Visit the ePlan website to check what zones and overlays affect your property: https://eplan.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/eplan
Look for:
- Your property’s zone (e.g., Rural, Rural Residential)
- Any overlays affecting your land (e.g., Scenic Amenity, Bushfire Prone Area)
- Proposed changes from the current scheme
Getting Help
If You Need Technical Assistance
- Attend a Council information session (check the website for dates)
- Call Council on (07) 5409 0570
- Visit one of the Council offices for face-to-face help
Community Resources
- Connect with local community associations (MADCA, Montville Village Association)
- Attend community meetings to discuss common concerns
- Consider collaborating with neighbours on shared issues
Understanding the Process
After submissions close on 19 September 2025:
- Council will review all submissions
- A consultation report will be prepared summarising feedback
- The scheme may be revised based on submissions
- The final scheme will be adopted by Council
- The consultation report will be made public (but individual submissions remain private)
Privacy and Your Information
- Your personal details will not be published publicly
- Council may use AI (GPT-4) to help analyse submissions by topic and sentiment
- Your information may be shared with third-party providers assisting in assessment
- A summary report will be published, but individual submissions remain confidential
Final Thoughts
Remember, this planning scheme will shape our community for many years. Whether you write a simple one-page letter or a detailed multi-page submission, your input matters. Focus on the issues that matter most to you and our community’s future.
The Blackall Range has a strong tradition of community engagement. As Wayne Parcell from Montville Village Association noted, “our community is interested, engaged and enthusiastic to create a vision for the future that resonates with our values and aspirations.”
Don’t wait – start preparing your submission now. The deadline is firm: Friday, 19 September 2025.
This guide was prepared to help Blackall Range community members participate effectively in the planning scheme consultation process. For the most current information, always check the official Council website.