Have your say on the region’s Planning Scheme

Throughout July, Council will be seeking the community’s feedback on its proposed amendments to the Planning Scheme. Some of the proposed amendments relate to incorporating new and updated data from the State Government and other agencies (e.g. improved bushfire hazard mapping).

Other proposed changes are specific to our region and respond to the changing way the community is using its spaces, whether that relates to, for example, dual-occupancy living, car parking requirements or home-based business requirements.

Councillor Mark McDonald said that the Planning Scheme is a living document that grows and expands with the ever-changing needs of the community. “By having a well-considered Planning Scheme, Council can encourage growth and investment and best plan for the right infrastructure and services to be in the right place at the right time to support the community,” said Cr McDonald.

Council’s current Planning Scheme was originally adopted in 2013, and since then Council has incorporated a number of amendments; the most recent were in November 2017.

Council will be consulting with the community on its most recent proposed amendments - Amendment Package 2 – over four weeks from 8 July 2019 to 2 August 2019. The community can view the documents in Amendments Package 2, including overlay and zoning maps, by visiting council’s website www.gympie.qld.gov.au.

The documents will also be available for viewing at all Gympie Regional Council customer contact points and libraries during the consultation period. Council will also be hosting a series of Talk-to-a-Planner sessions throughout the region to give the community an opportunity to discuss how the proposed amendments may impact their area.

The Talk-to-a-Planner sessions, where members of the public can pop in at any time to talk one-on-one with one of council’s town planners, will be happening in the following locations:

Community members who would like to comment on the proposed amendments are invited to prepare a submission, which they can complete online at www.gympie.qld.gov.au/haveyoursay.

Alternatively, the public can pick up a flyer, which includes a submission template, while at a Talk-to-a-Planner session or by visiting their local library.

“Anyone needing support with preparing their submission is welcome to talk with one of council’s planning team, or call council’s customer contact centre on 1300 307 800,” said Cr McDonald.

To find out more and to view the proposed amendments to the Planning Scheme as part of Amendment Package 2, visit www.gympie.qld.gov.au/planning-scheme.