Amendments to CairnsPlan will improve efficiencies

Published: 11 November 2020. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

Improvements to building design requirements, strengthening the strategic framework to reduce impacts on the environment, and the outcomes of the Freshwater and Strafford Town Planning Survey have been reflected in proposed changes to the CairnsPlan 2016.

Council today resolved to move to public consultation on proposed amendments to CairnsPlan 2016, following the completion of a State Government review of the proposed changes.

The amendment is the first major amendment since its adoption four years ago, and will look to improve the efficiency of the scheme and remove unnecessary triggers for development applications.

The amendments address feedback from the development industry and the community.

Notably, there are several amendments that deal with Freshwater and Stratford in relation to impact assessable development, requirements for reconfiguring a lot and the relocation or repositioning of character houses.

The community is urged to view and understand the proposed amendments to the planning scheme, which guides and influences future development opportunities in the Cairns region.

Public consultation on the proposed amendment will commence on 17 November and close on 31 January 2021.