Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme adopted
In exciting news for the long-term future of the region, Lockyer Valley Regional Council has today adopted the Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme.
Council endorsed the long-awaited Draft Scheme late last year and following approval from the Hon. Meaghan Scanlon, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning has today adopted the final document.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said the Planning Scheme represents an enormous milestone for the Lockyer Valley and its growing community.
“The Planning Scheme is the basis for ensuring development in the Lockyer Valley is orderly and sustainable and offers opportunities for people to live, work and invest.
“Through the Scheme, Council allows for the development of affordable, attractive housing that is serviced by the necessary infrastructure and facilities.
“Importantly, our prime agricultural land, natural assets and cultural heritage remain protected and sustainably managed under the new Scheme.
“This Planning Scheme will reduce red tape and improve development opportunities and consistency across the region and allows for refinements in the future through both minor and major amendments.
“Since amalgamation, our Council has been on a long journey to bring this Planning Scheme to fruition, and I’m so pleased we’re finally there,” Mayor Milligan said.
Mayor Milligan acknowledged it had taken several attempts to get the Planning Scheme finalised due to genuine consultation processes leading to significant changes in the draft versions.
“The delays haven’t been ideal, but they have allowed us to get the Scheme right – which is of great importance to both Council and the community.
“Council also adopted Temporary Local Planning Instrument (Flood Regulation) 2024, which will regulate development within the flood hazard area.
"Following the considerable community consultation we undertook last year, we removed the flood hazard overlay from the Planning Scheme in response to concerns raised by the community about how this overlay was determined.
“Council is currently undertaking a review and remodel of the flood hazard overlay and will bring this revised overlay to the community for consultation later in 2024,” Mayor Milligan said.
The new Scheme and Temporary Local Planning Instrument will take effect on Monday 22 July 2024 and all development applications received by Council from this date will be assessed against the Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme.
For the intervening period, development in a flood hazard area will be regulated with the use of a Temporary Local Planning Instrument.
