Fraser Coast Planning Scheme

The Fraser Coast Planning Scheme 2014 is the official document for development and planning for the Fraser Coast Region. The Fraser Coast Planning Scheme 2014 sets out Council's intention for development to 2031.  

The Planning Scheme and its policies were adopted by Council on the following dates;

• Adopted by Council on Wednesday, 22 January 2014
• Formally gazetted on the 24 January 2014
• Officially commenced on the 28 January 2014

In an interactive and searchable electronic format or PDF format, you can:

• View the planning scheme; and
• View associated planning scheme zone, overlay, and local plan maps for a selected locality or across the region

Hard copies of the Fraser Coast Planning Scheme are available on USB or CD and can be purchased at the  Hervey Bay and Maryborough Customer Service Centres. 

State Provisions

Mandatory State provisions came into effect Monday, 28 September 2020. The new requirements override some of the planning schemes provisions in relation to developments that involve Reconfiguring a Lot. The legislation is available here: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/asmade/sl-2020-0162

On the 16 December 2022, changes to the Planning Regulation 2017 came into effect. These amendments concern regulation of development for rural workers’ accommodation, relocatable classrooms at Queensland State schools, and how battery storage facilities and battery devices are defined in the Planning Regulation 2017.

The changes make rural workers’ accommodation and relocatable classrooms accepted development in some circumstances, and may override provisions in the Fraser Coast Planning Scheme 2014.  The legislation is available here: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/asmade/sl-2022-0195

Rooming Accommodation

On 2 December 2022, changes to the Planning Regulation 2017 came into effect. The new requirements override some of the planning scheme provisions in relation to Material Change of Use developments that involve Rooming Accommodation. The legislation is available here: https://planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/planning-issues-and-interests/changes-to-regulation-of-rooming-accommodation-dwellings-houses-and-zone-purpose-statements

Secondary Dwellings

On the 26 September 2022, changes to the Planning Regulation 2017 regarding the definition for "Secondary Dwellings" came into effect. The changes override the current definition in the Fraser Coast Planning Scheme 2014 for a "Secondary Dwelling". The amended legislation is available here: www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/asmade/sl-2022-0133

Economic Recovery Initiative

Council resolved to adopt an economic support instrument in accordance with the State’s Economic Recovery Initiative on 28 October 2020. The instrument will remain in place until 31 December 2023, unless Council resolves to revoke the changes.  By adopting the “Economic Support Instrument” Council can rapidly respond to and support Fraser Coast’s economic recovery to COVID-19. 

The Queensland planning framework plays an essential role in assisting Queensland’s economic recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. To support economic recovery, the Queensland Government recently released changes for low risk, economic value-adding uses that could reasonably be expected in certain zones.

The changes support businesses starting up or recommencing by streamlining certain types of development by:

• Making certain low-risk uses code assessment;
• Making certain building work accepted development; and
• Making certain low-risk uses where involving an existing building (including home-based businesses), accepted development.

The current Fraser Coast Planning Scheme already provides many instances where development can occur without the need for obtaining a development approval, or only requires a ‘low level’ type of development application.  As such, the current Fraser Coast Scheme is already extremely business friendly.

The changes take effect the date the economic support instrument and adoption notice are published on Council’s website, which were published on 29 October 2020. The new requirements override some of the planning schemes provisions in relation to the level of assessment required for different uses.

The Legislation is available here: www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/asmade/sl-2020-0197

Relevant documents can be viewed via the links below.

Fraser Coast Economic Support Instrument     Adoption Notice

For more information visit: https://planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/planning-issues-and-interests/covid-19-response 

Walkable Neighbourhoods

The State Government has released new mandatory requirements for Walkable Neighbourhoods, which came into effect 28 September 2020.

New residential subdivisions are now required to be assessed against benchmarks relating to:

• Connectivity
• Block lengths
• Footpaths
• Park or open space
• Street trees

Council are in the process of determining how to deal with the changes to the Legislation and updates will be provided in the future.

For more information visit: https://planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/

Walkable Neighbourhoods Fact Sheet