Coastal values at planning scheme’s forefront

The proposed Isaac Region Planning Scheme is strongly geared to preserve, promote and enhance liveability as engagement sessions kick off on the coast tonight.

Isaac Regional Council will host its sixth round of Meet the Planner sessions at Carmila and Clairview to continue working positively with residents about coastal hazards.

Mayor Anne Baker said one of the draft scheme’s significant points is to continue the sense of enterprise enjoyed since settlement in the region.

“Isaac remains at the forefront of helping to energise the world though preserving the very values which have made our region the place to work, live and play,” she said.

“There has been a lot of misconceptions on social media about the proposed scheme including allegations of forced relocation of coastal communities - these are completely absurd. Council needs a 21st Century planning system to deal with the challenges facing our communities.

“We encourage residents to engage in conversation with Council on how to balance the need for safe and resilient communities, while providing quiet enjoyment of land by property owners.”

Mayor Baker said Common law property rights are preserved and enhanced by the proposed scheme –provisions are included in the draft scheme to allow small-scale expansions and rebuilds of existing homes on the coast.

“Owners of vacant land now have certainty regarding a minimum floor height for new dwellings to avoid sea water intrusion,” she said.

“Red tape and limitations have been lifted through the combination of the three previous schemes into one set of common development policies across the region.

“Council successfully advocated to the Queensland Government to achieve a positive outcome for landholders along the 120km Isaac coastline.”

“The four hazard overlays in the draft scheme are driven by State Planning Policy and are common to every local government across Queensland.”

“By effectively engaging with and advocating for coastal communities, Council has been able to demystify the long-term debated impacts of climate change by identifying the line of imminent threat from extreme weather events over the next 10 years to remove the uncertainty about short-term coastal hazard threats.”

Mayor Baker said Council’s current planning framework has been in effect for more than 15 years and does not reflect current challenges and opportunities for our Isaac communities.

Coastal residents are invited to attend Council’s Meet the Planner sessions at Carmila Memorial Hall from 5pm to 6.30pm tonight, Wednesday 15 July 2020 or at Clairview Community Centre from 5pm to 6.30pm tomorrow, Thursday 16 July 2020.

Registration is essential for these community sessions, in order to abide by public health directives for community gatherings.

Register for relevant session via speakup.isaac.qld.gov.au and click on Meet the Planner Sessions or call 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227) to book.  You can also visit any one of Isaac Libraries, where a team member will be delighted to assist you to reserve your place. 

Council’s final public consultation on the proposed Isaac Region Planning Scheme has now been extended to 20 July 2020.

To review the proposed Isaac Region Planning Scheme visit https://www.isaac.qld.gov.au/planning-and-building/planning-schemes  and click on the tab. For more information on how to submit via email, post or in person call 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227) or make a submission through speakup.isaac.qld.gov.au and click on Isaac Region Planning Scheme consultation link.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Isaac Regional Council Brand, Media and Communications Team on 4846 3589