Planning for our future: consultation nears

The new Sunshine Coast planning scheme has moved one step closer to the public consultation phase, with the Queensland Government completing the state interest review, pending some conditions.

Council is preparing a new planning scheme for the Sunshine Coast, to help guide growth and development and preserve what we love about our region.

The next step is for Council to review the conditions set out by the Queensland Government and revise the proposed planning scheme accordingly.

Once these changes are made, Council will prepare for additional community consultation.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said she was pleased Council could move to the next step in the plan-making process.

“The new planning scheme project is an important part of enabling a community that is connected, liveable and thriving - both now and into the future,” Mayor Natoli said.

“The Sunshine Coast is home to approximately 375,000 residents and this number is expected to grow to over 565,000 by 2046.

“We are working hard to make sure our growth is well managed for us all.

“Growing sustainably takes careful planning.”

Community feedback

Mayor Natoli said community feedback would be vital.

“If you live, visit or own a business or property on the Sunshine Coast, the proposed planning scheme will interest you,” Mayor Natoli said.

“We encourage everyone to get to know the detail once it is released and provide feedback during the final consultation period.

“We all love our region, and this is your chance to help shape its future.

“It is a future worth planning for.”

Common guiding principles for our region

Mayor Natoli said that after completing one of the largest and most successful community engagements ever undertaken on the Sunshine Coast during preliminary consultation, Council was confident that the proposed planning scheme was guided by the right principles.

“It is clear we all agree that we need to protect the places we love, preserve our natural environment, maintain the lifestyle we enjoy, provide diverse places to live and work, and create great spaces for residents and visitors,” Mayor Natoli said.

“We also need to recognise and protect the diversity and uniqueness of our communities that make our region so special.

“We understand our community is eager to review the details of how these principles will be delivered, particularly in relation to the location of any future additional density or building heights.

“That said, it is important to note that the Council's review of the Queensland Government conditions and subsequent revisions to the proposed planning scheme will take time.

“This process is essential to ensure the conditions are thoroughly addressed before we proceed to community consultation.

“When ready, we will be implementing a robust consultation program that supports and encourages involvement from all parts of our community.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to finalise the proposed planning scheme, ready for community feedback.”

Subscribe for project updates

The Sunshine Coast community is encouraged to subscribe to be notified when consultation opens. To subscribe quickly and easily, visit Council’s Have your Say Sunshine Coast webpage.