Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme

Council is finalising the flood hazard overlay, preparing a Growth Management Strategy for the region and reviewing the Local Government Infrastructure Plan. Council will be undertaking extensive engagement with the community on the flood hazard overlay and Growth Management Strategy.

Council is currently preparing a revised flood hazard overlay using the 2022 LiDAR, reviewing flood risk categorisation including removing warning time and flood islands, and using a 1%AEP plus climate change event for whole of the region.

Community consultation on the revised flood hazard overlay will take place later in 2024.

Until such time as the Planning Scheme is amended to incorporate a new flood hazard overlay, development in flood hazard areas will continue to be regulated under a Temporary Local Planning Instrument.

Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme

Planning Scheme Policies

• PSP1 Biodiversity
• PSP2 Bushfire management plans
• PSP3 Cultural heritage
• PSP4 Flood hazard
• PSP5 Geotechnical assessment
• PSP6 Infrastructure design
• PSP7 Landscaping
• PSP8 Scenic landscape assessment
• PSP9 Stormwater management
• PSP10 Transport assessment

Planning Scheme PDF Maps

• ZM1 Zone Maps
• ZM2 Zone Precincts Maps
• SFM1 Strategic Framework - Growing Communities
• SFM2 Strategic Framework - Prosperous Economy
• SFM3 Strategic Framework - Connecting Infrastructure
• SFM4A Strategic Framework - Sustaining the natural environment - Habitat map
• SFM4B Strategic Framework - Sustaining the natural environment - Landscape Map
• SFM5 Strategic Framework - Living in a great place
• OM1 Agricultural Land overlay map
• OM2 Airport Environs overlay map
• OM3A Biodiversity - Ecological areas overlay
• OM3B Biodiversity - Wildlife habitat overlay
• OM3C Biodiversity - Waterway and wetland habitat overlay
• OM4 Bushfire hazard overlay
• OM5 Cultural heritage overlay
• OM6 Extractive resources overlay
• OM7 Flood hazard overlay
• OM8 Helidon management area overlay
• OM9A Infrastructure - Energy and water supply overlay
• OM9B - Infrastructure - Emissions and hazardous activities overlay
• OM10 Scenic landscapes overlay
• OM11 Steep land overlay
• OM12A Waterways and water resource catchment Eco-systems overlay
• OM12B Waterways and water resource catchment - Water resource catchment overlay
• OM13 High risk soils - information overlay
• OM14 Transport Noise corridor -information overlay
• OM15 Road hierarchy - information overlay

Planning Scheme Bushfire Risk Assessment

Hazard Identification for Landslide

Terms and Conditions of Use - Planning Scheme Portal

User Guide - Planning Scheme Portal

Planning Scheme Gazettal Notice

Is this planning scheme in force now?

Yes. The Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme takes effect on Monday, 22 July 2024.

How has the Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme reduced "red tape" and made development easier?

The Planning Scheme reduces the level of assessment for development when it is consistent with the purpose and intent of the zone. This means that for a developer they have less "red tape" to comply with and the development is made easier.

What is the difference between a zone and a land use?

All land is included in a zone, which is shown as a specific colour on the zoning map. The zoning of land is used to organise and control how land is used and guides development over time. The intent is to group similar land uses together within a zone.

A land use is a specific activity that can be undertaken on land. Section SC1.1 of Schedule 1 of the Planning Scheme includes all the land uses mentioned in the Planning Scheme.

How will this proposed change of zone affect my rates?

There are many factors that contribute to how rates are determined. A change in zone may well affect the land valuation as determined by the State Government and the rating category attributed to the land by Council. Both of these have direct impact on rates levied. Rating strategy is reviewed by Council each year so it's not possible to predict the impact of a change in zone. The current rating strategy will provide context to how rates are calculated, the key documents are Rating Category Identification Policy for Financial Year 2024-2025 which needs to be read in conjunction with Revenue Statement 2024-2025.

Can I clear vegetation on my land?

If your land is identified within the Biodiversity overlay you may require approval before clearing vegetation.

The overlay consists of different layers that represent Matters of Environmental Significance. When the overlay code mentions MSES, this is an abbreviation for Matters of State Environmental Significance, and applies to vegetation and environmental areas that are protected by the State Government. On the other hand, when the overlay refers to MLES, this is an abbreviation for Matters of Local Environmental Significance and indicates vegetation or areas protected by Council. Identifying whether your land has MSES and/or MLES will help you determine who you should seek advice and approval from for clearing vegetation and/or development within the biodiversity overlay.

Do I need to respond to all of the requirements in the development codes?

Yes, you will need to respond to all of the requirements even if they are not relevant to your development. If they are not relevant, then you can simply write 'N/A' in your supporting information. Council requires this information to fully understand the development that you are proposing and to ensure that the development complies with the Planning Scheme. If you're not sure what to do, Council is happy to help you.

What is a flood model?

A flood model is a visual representation of rainfall events ranging from frequent, small rain events, through to rain events that have a high extent and impact. The model aids to determine areas of the floodplain that are affected by flood water and the level to which they are affected.

How does this affect my development?

The Flood hazard overlay identifies the level of flood hazard risk. The overlay may mean that development approval is required for your development, and may increase the level of assessment of proposed development.

How will this flood mapping affect my insurance?

The insurance industry uses a range of information to make decisions around property insurance premiums including historic flooding events. Insurance premium prices are based on the individual site and the individual site circumstances (such as a raised house). Detailed flood mapping can have a positive impact on insurance for some people as it provides more specific information about a property’s flood risk and allows for more accurate pricing. The Insurance Council of Australia website includes information explaining how flood insurance is determined. If you are concerned that your insurer may not be accurately accounting for flooding on your property, we encourage you to speak to your current insurer around your specific circumstances or seek at least two quotes from other insurance companies.

What are natural hazards?

Natural hazards include bushfire, flood and steep land.

Are natural hazards identified on overlay maps?

Yes. If your land is subject to a natural hazard, the land will likely be within an overlay. Even if you do not believe that your land is impacted, it is advisable that you check with one of Council's Planning Officers to be certain.

If my property is affected by an overlay, what does this mean?

It means that additional criteria need to be taken into account in the preparation and assessment of your development application. An overlay only applies if the site of the proposed development is located within the overlay. An overlay does not impact on existing lawful uses that are already on the site. Overlays may change the level of assessment of proposed development and may provide additional assessment criteria through overlay codes. It is important that an overlay map is read in conjunction with the Tables of Assessment in Part 5.