The Whitsunday Regional Council (Council) has now unveiled the unified Whitsunday Regional Council Planning Scheme (Draft Planning Scheme).
What is the new Draft Planning Scheme?
The Draft Planning Scheme replaces the existing planning schemes that apply to the Bowen and Whitsunday shires.
The Draft Planning Scheme has been prepared for the region in order to address a number of growth factors in the Whitsunday region including increases in population, growth in the tourism industry, international investment, the proposed Port of Abbot Point expansion and development of the Whitsunday Coast Airport to international status.
The Draft Planning Scheme could affect any future development or the zoning of your land and therefore have a major impact on the future use and value of your land.
For example, you may own a house in an area that was previously zoned residential, but has now been zoned industrial in the Draft Planning Scheme. You may wish to object to the proposed rezoning. Please note that because the house was already built prior to the new Draft Planning Scheme, the use of the property can continue despite the proposed zoning prohibiting it.
Where do I find the Draft Planning Scheme?
A copy of the Draft Planning Scheme is available on Council’s website at www.whitsunday.qld.gov.au
Formal Public Consultation
Council is required to undertake significant consultation with the Whitsunday community during the process of preparing the Draft Planning Scheme.
The Draft Planning Scheme is now available to the public for consideration during the formal public consultation period.
The formal consultation period commences on 21 August 2015 and ceases on 2 October 2015 (Public Consultation Period).
What can you do?
If you wish to comment about the proposed changes in the Draft Planning Scheme, you have the opportunity to lodge a written submission to Council during the Public Consultation Period.
Your submission may:
- Object to all or part of the Draft Planning Scheme;
- Support all or part of the Draft Planning Scheme.
Please note that your submissions are not confidential – they are published on Council’s website for viewing.
You are also entitled to discuss the Draft Planning Scheme with a Town Planner.
After the Public Consultation Period, Council will consider all submissions when reviewing the Draft Planning Scheme, respond to each submission and inform the submitter of the impact their submission has had on the Draft Planning Scheme.
What can we do?
We can review the Draft Planning Scheme on your behalf to determine the impacts that the Draft Planning Scheme has on you.
We can also assist you to prepare and lodge your submission prior to 2 October 2015.
If you require further advice or assistance please contact our office.
