The Sunshine Coast Regional Council is embarking on a significant project: the creation of a new planning scheme that will guide the region’s future. This ambitious undertaking will replace the current Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014, setting a vision for the Sunshine Coast in 2046 and shaping how the region grows and develops over the coming decades.
Recognising the evolving needs of the community, changes in technology, and updates to state and regional planning policies, the council initiated a thorough review of the existing planning scheme in 2020. This review highlighted the need for a new scheme that could better reflect community values, address future challenges, and align with the region’s long-term vision.
The new planning scheme will build upon the strengths of the current one while incorporating several key improvements:
- A longer-term vision: The new scheme will extend its planning horizon to 2046, aligning with state government projections and providing a more comprehensive long-term perspective.
- Enhanced alignment with state and regional policies: The scheme will ensure it is fully compliant with the latest state and regional planning requirements.
- Community-driven approach: The scheme will reflect the views and aspirations of the community as expressed in Council’s policy framework, including the corporate plan and regional strategies.
- Improved mapping and policy: Updated mapping and policy will better reflect physical and environmental constraints, ensuring sustainable development practices.
- Indigenous cultural recognition: The scheme will proactively incorporate the values and aspirations of Traditional Custodians, acknowledging their cultural heritage and ensuring their perspectives are integrated into the planning process.
- Digital format: The new scheme will be fully digital, enhancing accessibility and ease of use.
The new planning scheme will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Sunshine Coast, guiding development in a way that the council states will protect the environment, enhance the quality of life for residents, and support the region’s economic growth. It will determine where future growth can occur, such as new residential areas, business parks, and shopping centres, while also identifying areas where development should be restricted to protect sensitive environmental areas.
The scheme will have a direct impact on property owners and developers, outlining rules and regulations for building heights, setbacks, and other development considerations. It will also influence the character of neighbourhoods and communities across the Sunshine Coast.
Recognising the importance of sustainable transportation, the council says that the new planning scheme will integrate with the Sunshine Coast public transport project, aiming to create a region where residents have convenient and accessible public transport options. This will involve strategic land use planning, encouraging development that supports public transport infrastructure and minimising the reliance on private vehicles.
The council says it is committed to ensuring that the new planning scheme reflects the values and aspirations of the Sunshine Coast community and that public consultation will play a vital role in this process, allowing residents to have their say and contribute to shaping the future of their region.
Note: This article provides a summary of the key aspects of the new planning scheme as presented by the council. For detailed information, please refer to the official Sunshine Coast Council website and the “Preliminary consultation – Summary and outcomes” brochure.