New planning scheme to go to State Government for review

During the September General Meeting of Council, the Charters Towers Regional Council endorsed the new draft Charters Towers Regional Planning Scheme for review by the State Government.

The draft Scheme is set to replace the former city and shire schemes and must take into account a number of State interests.

As part of the process, Council will provide notice to the Chief Executive of the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning to commence the State Interest Review process.

It is anticipated that Council will receive the Department’s review comments by the end of 2018.

“This new Planning Scheme focuses on economic development, by ensuring that assessment levels in the various Zones encourage development.” said Cr Mike Power

“It will integrate Federal, State and Local planning interests into a single regulatory document. It will provide a Strategic Framework that will facilitate emerging industries.

“It will significantly reduce Development Application triggers across all zones particularly the City Centre and support a greater range of land uses such as alternative business and tourism opportunities within the Rural Zone.

“The Scheme will provide a more sophisticated suite of natural hazard maps which will better protect people and property from natural hazard events where inappropriate development is proposed.” said Cr Power

The community will have the opportunity to make comment on the new draft Charters Towers Regional Planning Scheme in early 2019.

OGG 12 October, 2018