Draft Planning Scheme
Council remains committed to moving forward with a new planning scheme for the whole of the region. This is about a consistent approach to how we facilitate and regulate development across the region.
Consultation on the Draft Planning Scheme concluded on Friday, 6 October and submissions must have been received by Council on or before this date to be accepted.
Thank you for the time and effort in preparing and making a submission. Council has received many submissions that raise valid topics for consideration.
Council will review and address all submissions and prepare a report outlining how each submission has been dealt with.
View the Draft Planning Scheme and mapping
Consultation
Four Draft Planning Scheme Policies are now on public consultation and any person can make a submission during the consultation period, from Wednesday 22 November 2023 to Wednesday 20 December 2023.
The overall purpose of the Draft Planning Scheme Policies are to support the Draft Planning Scheme, which was previously advertised.
To find out more about this consultation visit our strategic planning consultation page
Consultation on the Draft Planning Scheme concluded on Friday, 6 October 2023. During the consultation period Council conducted 33 events at locations throughout the region - from Withcott to Hatton Vale, Laidley to Junction View, Gatton, Helidon, Grantham and Upper Tenthill.
The consultation schedule included focus group sessions, pop-up sessions and drop-in sessions. Just short of 1000 people have engaged in conversations with Council about the Draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme.
Information Sheets
Information sheets have been prepared to assist with understanding the Draft Planning Scheme which will apply to all properties in the Lockyer Valley.
Links to Information Sheets
Zone Cards
Zone cards have been prepared to provide a guide to navigating the Draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme.
- Community Facilities Zone
- Conservation Zone
- Emerging Communities Zone
- Industry Zone
- Limited Development Zone
- Local Centre Zone
- Low Density Residential Zone
- Low-Medium Density Residential Zone
- Major Centre Zone
- Mixed Use Zone
- Open Space Zone
- Principal Centre Zone
- Rural Zone
- Rural Residential Zone
- Special Industry Zone
- Sport and Recreation Zone
- Township Zone
PDF Scheme Documents
Draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme
Planning Scheme PDF Maps
- SM1 Zone Maps
- SFM1 Strategic Framework - Growing Communities
- SFM2 Strategic Framework - Prosperous Economy
- SFM3 Strategic Framework - Connecting Infrastructure
- SFM4A Strategic Framework - Sustaining the natural environment - Habitat map
- SFM4B Strategic Framework - Sustaining the natural environment - Landscape Map
- SFM5 Strategic Framework - Living in a great place
- OM1 Agricultural Land overlay map
- OM3A Biodiversity - Ecological areas overlay
- OM3B Biodiversity - Wildlife habitat overlay
- OM3C Biodiversity - Waterway and wetland habitat overlay
- OM4 Bushfire hazard overlay
- OM5 Cultural heritage overlay
- OM6 Extractive resources overlay
- OM7 Flood hazard overlay
- OM8 Helidon management area overlay
- OM9A Infrastructure - Energy and water supply overlay
- OM9B - Infrastructure - Emissions and hazardous activities overlay
- OM10 Scenic landscapes overlay
- OM11 Steep land overlay
- OM12A Waterways and water resource catchment Eco-systems overlay
- OM12B Waterways and water resource catchment - Water resource catchment overlay
- OM13 High risk soils - information overlay
- OM14 Minimum lot size overlay
- OM15 Road hierachy - information overlay
- OM16 Transport noise corridor - information overlay
Supporting Documents
FAQ's
Is this planning scheme in force now?
No. The Draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme has undergone a State Interest Check, and Council received approval from the State Government to proceed to community consultation.
When will the Planning Scheme be adopted/in use?
Council will review and address all submissions, and prepare a report outlining how each submission has been dealt with. Council will then write to the Minister detailing the outcome of community consultation, and requesting approval for Council to adopt the new Draft Planning Scheme. The adoption of the Draft Planning Scheme and the date it takes effect will be advertised.
How has the Draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme reduced "red tape" and made development easier?
The Draft Planning Scheme reduces the level of assessment for development when it is consistent with the purpose and intent of the zone. This means that for a developer they have less "red tape" to comply with and the development is made easier.
What is the difference between a zone and a land use?
All land is included in a zone, which is shown as a specific colour on the zoning map. The zoning of land is used to organise and control how land is used and guides development over time. The intent is to group similar land uses together within a zone.
A land use is a specific activity that can be undertaken on land. Section SC1.1 of Schedule 1 of the Draft Planning Scheme includes all the land uses mentioned in the Draft Planning Scheme.
How will this proposed change of zone affect my rates?
There are many factors that contribute to how rates are determined. A change in zone may well affect the land valuation as determined by the State Government and the rating category attributed to the land by Council. Both of these have direct impact on rates levied. Rating strategy is reviewed by Council each year so it not possible predict the impact of a change in zone. The current rating strategy will provide context to how rates are calculated, the key documents are Rating Category Identification Policy for Financial Year 2023-2024 which needs to be read in conjunction with Revenue Statement 2023-24.
Can I clear vegetation on my land?
If your land is identified within the Biodiversity overlay you may require approval before clearing vegetation.
The overlay consists of different layers that represent Matters of Environmental Significance. When the overlay code mentions MSES, this is an abbreviation for Matters of State Environmental Significance, and applies to vegetation and environmental areas that are protected by the State Government. On the other hand, when the overlay refers to MLES, this is an abbreviation for Matters of Local Environmental Significance and indicates vegetation or areas protected by Council. Identifying whether your land has MSES and/or MLES will help you determine who you should seek advice and approval from for clearing vegetation and/or development within the biodiversity overlay.
Do I need to respond to all of the requirements in the development codes?
Yes, you will need to respond to all of the requirements even if they are not relevant to your development. If they are not relevant, then you can simply write 'N/A' in your supporting information. Council requires this information to fully understand the development that you are proposing and to ensure that the development complies with the Planning Scheme. If you're not sure what to do, Council is happy to help you.
What is a flood model?
A flood model is a visual representation of rainfall events ranging from frequent, small rain events, through to rain events that have a high extent and impact. The model aids to determine areas of the floodplain that are affected by flood water and the level to which they are affected.
How does this affect my development?
The Flood hazard overlay identifies the level of flood hazard risk. The overlay may mean that development approval is required for your development, and may increase the level of assessment of proposed development.
How will this flood mapping affect my insurance?
The insurance industry uses a range of information to make decisions around property insurance premiums including historic flooding events. Insurance premium prices are based on the individual site and the individual site circumstances (such as a raised house). Detailed flood mapping can have a positive impact on insurance for some people as it provides more specific information about a property’s flood risk and allows for more accurate pricing. The Insurance Council of Australia website includes information explaining how flood insurance is determined. If you are concerned that your insurer may not be accurately accounting for flooding on your property, we encourage you to speak to your current insurer around your specific circumstances or seek at least two quotes from other insurance companies.
What are natural hazards?
Natural hazards include bushfire, flood and steep land.
Are natural hazards identified on overlay maps?
Yes. If your land is subject to a natural hazard, the land will likely be within an overlay. Even if you do not believe that your land is impacted, it is advisable that you check with one of Council's Planning Officers to be certain.
If my property is affected by an overlay, what does this mean?
It means that additional criteria need to be taken into account in the preparation and assessment of your development application. An overlay only applies if the site of the proposed development is located within the overlay. An overlay does not impact on existing lawful uses that are already on the site. Overlays may change the level of assessment of proposed development and may provide additional assessment criteria through overlay codes. It is important that an overlay map is read in conjunction with the Tables of Assessment in Part 5.
