Regional and Resource Towns
Action Plan
March 2013
Contents
Part 1—Background ..................................................................................................1
Part 2—General outcomes and actions .....................................................................3
Part 3—Regional and resource towns’ actions ..........................................................5
3.1 Surat Basin.......................................................................................................5
Toowoomba Regional Council
6
Western Downs Regional Council
7
Maranoa Regional Council
9
3.2 Bowen Basin ..................................................................................................11
Central Highlands Regional Council
12
Isaac Regional Council
13
3.3 Mount Isa City Council ...................................................................................14
3.4 Cairns Regional Council.................................................................................15
3.5 Mackay Regional Council...............................................................................16
3.6 Rockhampton Regional Council .....................................................................17
3.7 Gladstone Regional Council...........................................................................18
3.8 Bundaberg Regional Council..........................................................................20
Part 1—Background
The government is committed to developing Queensland’s strengths in tourism, agriculture,
resources and construction. This includes cutting red tape and regulation, and speeding up
project approvals for business to help get Queensland’s economy growing and creating
jobs.
A significant part of cutting red tape and regulation is included in the raft of planning reforms
currently underway to simplify and clarify the planning framework to make planning and
development more effective and responsive across the state. These reforms include:

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changing the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 to make it the most cost-efficient, timeeffective planning framework in Australia
developing a single State Planning Policy to establish a new approach to state planning
policies that simplifies and clarifies the state’s interest in Queensland’s planning and
development framework and frontloading state considerations to ensure reduced state
agency issues and checks
establishing a single State Assessment and Referral Agency to streamline the
development assessment process
reviewing the infrastructure charges framework to introduce a well-balanced framework
that is equitable, transparent and provides certainty.
However some communities are dealing with localised issues, particularly in relation to the
mining boom, which require specific short-term actions.
This includes the current lack of housing affordable to purchase and/or rent; pressure on
local government to assess an increased number of development applications in a timely
manner; infrastructure costs and delays; and the availability of land for development.
In addition, the Queensland Government’s Royalties for the Regions program will invest
$495 million from royalties over four years in new and improved community infrastructure,
roads and floodplain security projects. In future years there will be an ongoing commitment
of $200 million each year. Royalties for the Regions will ensure that long-term royalty
benefits flow back to Queensland’s resource regions, improving regional infrastructure, and
with it, regional prosperity and quality of life. A number of projects shortlisted for further
consideration through the pilot funding round are located in Regional and Resource Towns
Action Plan (RRTAP) regions including Western Downs, Maranoa, Central Highlands and
Isaac.
The Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan has been prepared by the Department of
State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP) to identify short-term initiatives
and ‘on the ground’ projects which can be underway in the next 12 to 24 months and
respond to these local issues while at the same time complementing the planning reforms
underway.
The action plan targets specific regional cities and towns across Queensland and focuses
on the issues and concerns raised through consultation with stakeholders and the local
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
1
councils, as well as feedback received during a series of 11 facilitated workshops held in
August and September 2012.
Workshops were held in Dalby, Roma, Mt Isa, Emerald, Toowoomba, Cairns,
Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Moranbah and Mackay.
The focus of discussions and the workshops was predominantly in relation to the availability
of land for housing in these communities although the availability of land for commercial and
industrial purposes was also discussed.
The workshops targeted a range of stakeholders with essential roles in the development
industry including local and state government representatives and staff, town planners,
builders and developers.
To provide a consistent approach in each of the workshops, discussions were based on the
following four themes:
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
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the current state of housing availability, affordability and diversity in each town
requirements and availability of residential, industrial and commercial land over the next
12 to 24 months
issues which are blocking the availability and release of land supply
opportunities to address land supply issues.
The information and ideas gathered at these workshops have been used to inform the
action plan while subsequent discussions have been held with local governments and other
workshop participants to clarify the issues and concerns raised and the potential
opportunities identified.
In the following action plan the outcomes are divided into two sections: issues and
responses which were common across a number of communities, and issues and
responses which are specific to a particular community.
In some instances issues raised are already being addressed through the government’s
broader planning reforms.
The action plan is presented for local governments to consider and it provides a basis for
agreeing on a list of key actions to be implemented over the coming 12 to 24 months.
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
2
Part 2—General outcomes and actions
The issues raised in the workshops fell into four main themes:
Planning system
Existing planning schemes are too restrictive.
New planning schemes/regional plans have not yet been finalised and implemented and there is
uncertainty around density, lot sizes, zoning, flood affected areas, strategic cropping land etc.
Councils are having trouble attracting and retaining staff in the areas of planning and engineering
which is affecting development assessment resourcing and capacity delaying development and
increasing holding costs.
Planning process including timeframes and state agency referrals are onerous.
Requirements from state planning policies and building regulations are onerous and adding to
development and construction costs.
Infrastructure
Lack of coordination between timing of infrastructure provision and location of developable land.
Councils do not have sufficient funding to deliver infrastructure.
Developers often cannot afford to fund trunk infrastructure ahead of development and would prefer to
see emphasis shift to other mechanisms such as payment on settlement.
Availability of land and housing
Limited land available for development due to issues such as:
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land banking
state-owned (native title sometimes an issue)
mining leases
infrastructure delays/lack of provision
Construction costs are higher in regional areas which are impacting affordability.
Redevelopment of older housing stock is expensive and generally unviable.
Other
Electrical infrastructure delivery and planning needs addressing. The timing of Ergon’s assessments
and connections is onerous and delaying development delivery.
Need for additional water allocations from the state. For example this is an issue in Wandoan where
council has requested an additional 400 ML water allocation per annum to enable projected
development to occur.
Lack of confidence in the ongoing viability of the resource industry has impacted and limited property
investment.
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
3
In response to both the overarching concerns and the more localised issues, the following
four key divisions within DSDIP will be tasked with implementing most of the actions in this
plan in conjunction with the relevant local councils:

Regional Services (RS)—Leading the implementation of the action plan and providing
‘on the ground’ local knowledge and expertise in each of these communities, working
closely with the relevant local governments, and coordinating the department’s broader
economic development offering to support growth in the regions.

Planning Practice and Projects team (PPP)—Providing advice and research, and
developing policy solutions and projects to implement best practice planning outcomes
across the state.

Economic Development Queensland (EDQ)—A new entity with a commercial focus
which incorporates much of the residential, urban and industrial development work
previously undertaken by the Urban Land Development Authority and the Property
Services Group and operates under the new Economic Development Act 2012 (ED Act).

Regional Planning (RP)—Preparation of statutory regional plans including the Central
Queensland and Darling Downs Regional Plans which affect some towns considered in
the Regional Towns Action Plan.
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
4
Part 3—Regional and resource towns’
actions
3.1 Surat Basin
General issues
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Current and planned major resource projects impacting on capacity of urban areas to
cater for growth
Planning system operational issues with out of date and multiple planning instruments
and staff resourcing issues for some councils
Housing affordability issues particularly for key workers in western part of the region
while maintaining a relatively affordable housing market in the eastern parts of the
region
Managing the cyclical nature of the mining sector in a way that complements other
industry sectors
Encouraging economic diversity to maintain balanced growth, especially in agriculture
Meeting growing energy and water demands
Managing potential long-term population needs
Developing strategic guidance for infrastructure provision
Housing market highly reactive to changes in resource sector economic cycle
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
5
Toowoomba Regional Council
Specific issues
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Land banking inhibits orderly residential growth in Toowoomba
Infrastructure charging regime is not optimal for development industry (e.g. charges too
high and timing not conducive to development)
Supply of affordable housing ($250 000 or less) is very low—the development industry is
reluctant to provide this due to a reluctance from consumers to invest in such housing,
reasons behind this situation are complex but may be to do with the type of affordable
housing being offered
Residential valuations from banks are less than construction costs which inhibits
financing
Self-certification of operational works is not offered by council.
Actions
Issue
Planning
system
Action
 work with Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) to implement
self-certification of operational works and the prequalification of engineers to assess these applications
Who
Planning Practice
and Projects
(PPP) team in
conjunction with
TRC

Regional Services
(RS), TRC,
developers

Infrastructure

Land supply

Other

DSDIP and TRC to work with region’s developers to identify
solutions to regional issues with planning and assessment,
including residential diversity
DSDIP and TRC to jointly develop options to address issues
of land banking, cost of infrastructure, and incentives to
facilitate delivery of smaller lots.
The Darling Downs Regional Plan (and Infrastructure
Framework) will identify infrastructure linkages needed to
support economic growth.
assist identifying and implementing demonstration housing
diversity projects including adaptive re-use of inner city
buildings and mixed use development.
DSDIP, Ergon and TRC will resolve regionally specific
issues associated with Ergon infrastructure.
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
Regional Planning
(RP) and TRC
RS in partnership
with TRC
RS, Ergon, TRC
6
Western Downs Regional Council
Specific issues
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Lack of housing supply, including affordable housing
High rental prices
Water allocation to Wandoan inadequate to support growth
Water infrastructure at Miles at capacity
Planning schemes not capable of dealing well with development pressures
Actions
Issue
Planning
system
Action
 assist Western Downs Regional Council (WDRC) to finalise
the new planning scheme for approval by December 2013
and ensure there is sufficient land allocated to meet
projected need
 ensure new planning scheme increases the reliance on code
assessable and self assessable development for
complementary land uses, consistent with new planning
scheme in conjunction with State Interest Review
Who
Regional Services
(RS) in
partnership with
WDRC

assist WDRC with the implementation of:
o self-certification of operational works and the prequalification of engineers to assess these applications
o outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals through
programs, such as RiskSmart
Planning Practice
and Projects
(PPP) team in
partnership with
WDRC

DSDIP and WDRC to work with region’s developers to
identify solutions to regional issues with planning and
assessment, including residential diversity.
RS and WDRC
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
7
Infrastructure

resolve water allocation request for Wandoan by early 2013
RS in partnership
with WDRC

commence assessment and business case for additional
water allocation for Miles
WDRC

seek mitigation and management strategies through the
social impact assessment required by resource project
proponents for resources projects as part of the EIS process
State agencies in
partnership with
WDRC and
proponents

consider Royalties for the Regions business cases for:
DSDIP
o Miles water, sewerage and recycled water scheme stage
1 project
o construction of the Chinchilla Washdown Bay
o upgrading roads which have been impacted by the growth
of the resource sector
o Winfields Road Landfill upgrade

Land supply


the Darling Downs Regional Plan (and Infrastructure
Framework) will identify infrastructure linkages needed to
support economic growth.
prepare concept plans and assess feasibility of development
on land identified by WDRC as potential future growth areas
Chinchilla
o identify and develop vacant state land for an affordable
housing project
Regional Planning
and WDRC
RS in partnership
with WDRC
EDQ in
partnership with
WDRC

Other
Wandoan
o progress the resolution of native title issues on
developable land within township
o investigate future long term development options for
underutilised state land and potential joint venture
development projects with EDQ.
 DSDIP, Ergon and WDRC will resolve regionally specific
issues associated with Ergon infrastructure.
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
WDRC in
partnership with
EDQ
RS, Ergon,
WDRC
8
Maranoa Regional Council
Specific issues

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Lack of housing supply, including affordable housing
Lack of housing diversity
High rental prices
Native title at Injune
Actions
Issue
Planning
system
Infrastructure
Action
 assist council to finalise the new planning scheme for
approval by December 2013
 ensure new planning scheme increases the reliance on code
assessable and self assessable development for
complementary land uses, consistent with new planning
scheme in conjunction with State Interest Review
Who
Regional Services
(RS) in
partnership with
Maranoa
Regional Council
(MRC)

assist MRC with the implementation of:
o self-certification of operational works and the prequalification of engineers to assess these applications
o outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals through
programs, such as RiskSmart
Planning Practice
and Projects
(PPP) Team in
partnership with
MRC.

DSDIP and MRC to work with region’s developers to identify
solutions to regional issues with planning and assessment,
including residential diversity.
upgrade of trunk sewer serving the Clearview Rise
development which may also assist capacity issues for other
users in the catchment
fund stormwater capacity model to assist development of the
Clearview Rise development and other benefiting land
partial upgrade of trunk sewer servicing future growth in the
north-west catchment of Roma as part of the Clearview Rise
development sewer augmentation works
funding assistance for Roma stormwater drainage model to
determine the most cost effective flood mitigation strategies
funding assistance for surveying requirements to support
sewer and stormwater augmentation works
RS in partnership
with MRC.

the Darling Downs Regional Plan (and Infrastructure
Framework) will identify infrastructure linkages needed to
support economic growth
Regional Planning
and MRC

consider Royalties for the Regions business cases for:
o Roma Sewerage Augmentation Project
o Maranoa Water Supply Project (Injune)
o Roma Flood Mitigation Project—Levee Construction
o Wullumbilla North Bitumen Seal.
DSDIP
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Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
EDQ in
partnership with
MRC
9
Land supply
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Other

Roma
o accelerate Clearview Rise in the Roma PDA
o investigate future long term development options for
underutilised state land
Injune
o progress the resolution of native title issues on
developable land within township
o investigate future long term development options for
underutilised state land
DSDIP, Ergon and MRC will resolve regionally specific
issues associated with Ergon infrastructure.
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
EDQ in
partnership with
MRC
MRC in
partnership with
EDQ
RS, Ergon and
MRC
10
3.2 Bowen Basin
Issues
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Significant investment committed and planned by resource companies
Planning system operational issues with out of date and multiple planning instruments
and staff resourcing issues for councils
Housing rental price pressure volatile but remains high
Current sewerage and water network capacity issues and projected capacity issues
likely to emerge
Land supply impacted by mining leases, strategic cropping land, flooding , soil types and
native title
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
11
Central Highlands Regional Council
Actions
Issue
Planning
System
Infrastructure
Action
 assist council to finalise the new planning scheme for
approval by December 2013
 ensure new planning scheme increases the reliance on code
assessable and self assessable development for
complementary land uses, consistent with new planning
scheme in conjunction with State Interest Review
Who
Regional Services
(RS) in
partnership with
Central Highlands
Regional Council
(CHRC)

assist CHRC with the implementation of:
o self-certification of operational works and the prequalification of engineers to assess these applications
o and outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals
through programs, such as RiskSmart
Planning Practice
and Projects
(PPP) team in
partnership with
CHRC

Establish development industry forum to advise council on
development issues and comment on draft codes.
assess capacity of critical sewerage and water networks and
prepare strategic plans to fund and upgrade in key growth
areas
provide funding to the CHRC for the Emerald Flood
Mitigation Project (Nogoa River Rail Bridge)
the Central Queensland Regional Plan (and Infrastructure
Framework) will identify infrastructure linkages needed to
support economic growth.
CHRC

commence process to identify land for development beyond
2020 including land for residential and heavy industry
CHRC with
assistance from
RS

Emerald:
o prepare concept plans and assess feasibility of
development on priority sites identified for development
as investigation areas in the Central Highlands Strategic
Framework
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Land supply
o

Other

resolve strategic cropping land conflicts in vicinity of new
shopping centre east of Emerald
Blackwater:
o investigate the declaration of a Priority Development
Area (PDA) to facilitate urban development on state
land to the east of Blackwater
o prepare concept plans and assess feasibility of Town
Centre Rejuvenation projects
o resolve native title issues on developable land within
township
DSDIP, Ergon and CHRC will resolve regionally specific
issues associated with Ergon infrastructure.
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
CHRC
DSDIP
Regional Planning
and CHRC
RS in partnership
with CHRC
DSDIP as part of
the approval of
the new planning
scheme and the
regional planning
process
EDQ in
partnership with
CHRC
CHRC in
partnership with
EDQ
RS, Ergon and
CHRC
12
Isaac Regional Council
Actions
Issue
Planning
system
Action
 assist council to commence drafting of strategic framework
and prepare draft planning scheme for public notification in
2013
 ensure new planning scheme increases the reliance on code
assessable and self assessable development for
complementary land uses, consistent with new planning
scheme in conjunction with State Interest Review
Who
Regional Services
(RS) in
partnership with
Isaac Regional
Council (IRC)

assist IRC with the implementation of:
o self-certification of operational works and the prequalification of engineers to assess these applications
o and outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals
through programs, such as RiskSmart.
Infrastructure

Land supply

consider Royalties for the Regions business cases for:
o Dysart Medical Centre
o Belyando Estate, Moranbah—Flood Free Access—
Belyando Estate Q10 Bridge
Moranbah:
o facilitate development of the Belyando Estate
o investigate the preparation of a development plan for the
unused portion of the Moranbah golf course for
residential development
o prepare concept plans and assess feasibility of Town
Centre Rejuvenation projects
Planning Practice
and Projects
(PPP) team in
partnership with
Isaac Regional
Council (IRC)
DSDIP

Other

Clermont, Dysart and Middlemount:
o continue to address disposal issues on state land in
Clermont, Dysart and Middlemount and instigate
disposal for development, subject to market testing and
feasibility
DSDIP, Ergon and IRC will resolve regionally specific issues
associated with Ergon infrastructure and consider Total
Energy Planning approach in Belyando Estate.
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
EDQ in
partnership with
IRC
Department of
Natural
Resources and
Mines and RS
RS, Ergon and
IRC
13
3.3 Mount Isa City Council
Issues
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
Current sewerage and water network capacity issues
Land supply impacted by mining leases and native title, with availability sufficient in the
short to medium term
Maintaining and improving housing options for lower income households
Managing the cyclical nature of the mining sector in a way that complements other
industry
Encouraging economic diversity to maintain balanced growth
Managing potential long-term population needs
Developing strategic guidance for infrastructure provision.
Actions
Issue
Planning
system
Action
 assist council to finalise the new planning scheme for approval
by mid 2014
 ensure new planning scheme increases the reliance on code
assessable and self assessable development for
complementary land uses, consistent with new planning
scheme in conjunction with State Interest Review

Infrastructure
Land supply

progress the planning and delivery of trunk upgrades for water
and sewerage to support delivery of Glider Port

assist council in gaining additional water allocation.

investigate opportunities to develop state land and mining
tenements for housing
investigate opportunities to redevelop older housing stock, as
well as redevelop commercial spaces in the CBD to provide for
mixed use outcomes
investigate opportunities for development in nearby towns
such as Cloncurry
DSDIP, Ergon and MICC will resolve regionally specific issues
associated with Ergon infrastructure


Other
assist MICC with the implementation of:
o self-certification of operational works and the prequalification of engineers to assess these applications
o and outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals
through programs, such as RiskSmart.


investigate improvements to construction supply chains
including investigate gaps in local supply of construction
materials as well as labour force and skill base gaps
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
Who
Regional
Services (RS) in
partnership with
Mount Isa City
Council (MICC)
Planning
Practice and
Projects (PPP)
in partnership
with MICC
MICC
RS in
partnership with
MICC
RS in
partnership with
MICC
RS, Ergon and
MICC
RS in
partnership with
MICC
14
3.4 Cairns Regional Council
Issues





Cairns city projected to accommodate approximately two thirds of the region’s projected
population growth
Growth pressures will be mainly within the Southern Growth Corridor (now known as
Mount Peter) between Edmonton and Gordonvale, and on the northern beaches around
Smithfield
Economic diversity is essential to maintain balanced growth and change the reliance on
tourism
Strategic planning is required for infrastructure provision, particularly energy and water
Housing choice and diversity is critical
Actions
Issue
Planning
system
Action
 assist Cairns Regional Council (CRC) to finalise the new
planning scheme for approval by mid 2014
 ensure new planning scheme increases the reliance on code
assessable and self assessable development for
complementary land uses, consistent with new planning
scheme in conjunction with State Interest Review

Infrastructure



Land supply

Other

assist CRC with a review of development assessment
practises and implement improvements such as the
implementation of self-certification of operational works and
the pre-qualification of engineers to assess these applications.
assist CRC to prepare priority infrastructure plans
assist in facilitating Bruce Highway upgrade to deliver
development in Mount Peter
investigate effectiveness of infrastructure charges incentive
program and whether there are opportunities to extend this
program into the future
facilitate urban development at Mount Peter
DSDIP, Ergon and CRC will resolve regionally specific issues
associated with Ergon infrastructure.
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
Who
Regional
Services (RS) in
partnership with
Cairns Regional
Council (CRC)
RS in
partnership with
CRC
RS in
partnership with
CRC
RS in
partnership with
CRC
RS, Ergon and
CRC
15
3.5 Mackay Regional Council
Issues





Building upon and value adding to the existing economic diversity to maintain balanced
and sustainable growth
Meeting growing energy and water demands
Managing potential long-term population needs
Developing strategic guidance for infrastructure provision
Supporting greater housing choices and diversity
Actions
Issue
Planning
system
Action
 assist council to finalise the new planning scheme to
publically notify early 2013, and adopt mid–late 2013
 ensure new planning scheme increases the reliance on code
assessable and self assessable development for
complementary land uses, consistent with new planning
scheme in conjunction with State Interest Review
Who
Regional
Services (RS) in
partnership with
Mackay
Regional
Council (MRC)

RS in
partnership with
MRC
Infrastructure

Land supply

Other

assist MRC with a review of development assessment
practises and implement improvements such as the
implementation of self-certification of operational works and
the pre-qualification of engineers to assess these
applications
investigate opportunities to facilitate innovative funding
models for catalyst trunk infrastructure items (water, sewer,
roads). Projects currently requiring funding include:
o drainage at Ooralea
o water and sewer upgrades over the next 10 years
o western rising sewerage main and pump stations to
service the Richmond growth areas
o Wallmans Road upgrade and realignment
o Rosella future industrial area trunk infrastructure
investigate feasibility of Joint Venture with MRC to deliver
Bucasia demonstration project.
DSDIP, Ergon and MRC will resolve regionally specific
issues associated with Ergon infrastructure.
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
RS in
partnership with
MRC
EDQ in
partnership with
MRC
RS, Ergon and
MRC
16
3.6 Rockhampton Regional Council
Issues




Housing demand is variable with the greatest pressure being on Gracemere
Industrial land is needed to service resource sector particularly west of Gracemere
Market reluctant to construct higher density residential development
Major infrastructure issues need to be resolved including the proposed Bruce Highway
bypass of Rockhampton
Actions
Issue
Planning
system
Infrastructure
Action
 assist council to finalise the new planning scheme for
approval by December 2013
 ensure new planning scheme increases the reliance on code
assessable and self assessable development for
complementary land uses, consistent with new planning
scheme in conjunction with State Interest Review
Who
Regional
Services (RS) in
partnership with
Rockhampton
Regional
Council (RRC)

assist RRC with the implementation of:
o self-certification of operational works and the prequalification of engineers to assess these applications
o and outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals
through programs, such as RiskSmart.
investigate opportunities to facilitate innovative funding
models for catalyst trunk infrastructure items (water, sewer,
roads) to facilitate the Gracemere Industrial Estate
Planning
Practice and
Projects (PPP)
in partnership
with RRC
RS in
conjunction with
RRC

the Central Queensland Regional Plan (and Infrastructure
Framework) will identify infrastructure linkages needed to
support economic growth.
finalise CQU Rockhampton Development Scheme to enable
development feasibility to progress for mixed use area and
first stage residential development
Regional
Planning and
RRC
EDQ

facilitate industrial development at Gracemere
RS in
partnership with
RRC

assess disposal of residual state land holdings in Parkhurst
Industrial Area to make more industrial land available

DSDIP, Ergon and RRC will resolve regionally specific
issues associated with Ergon infrastructure and consider
Total Energy Planning approach in CQU Rockhampton
Urban Development Area
RS in
partnership with
RRC
RS, Ergon and
RRC


Land supply
Other
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
17
3.7 Gladstone Regional Council
Issues







Current and planned major resource projects impacting on growth capacity of urban
areas
Planning system operational issues with out of date and multiple planning instruments
Housing affordability issues particularly for key workers
Demand for industrial land is high
Managing the cyclical nature of the mining sector in a way that complements other
industry
Managing potential long-term population needs including infrastructure provision,
acknowledging a potential oversupply of approved lots in the short term
Supporting greater housing choices and diversity
Actions
Issue
Planning
system
Infrastructure
Action
 assist council to finalise the new planning scheme for
approval by late 2013
 instigate pilot project for inclusion of housing diversity in
planning scheme
 ensure new planning scheme increases the reliance on code
assessable and self assessable development for
complementary land uses, consistent with new planning
scheme in conjunction with State Interest Review
Who
Regional Services
(RS) in
partnership with
Gladstone
Regional Council
(GRC)

assist GRC with the implementation of:
o self-certification of operational works and the prequalification of engineers to assess these applications
o single engineering standard
o and outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals
through programs, such as RiskSmart
investigate opportunities to facilitate innovative funding
models for catalyst trunk infrastructure items (water, sewer,
roads). Projects currently requiring funding include sewerage
at Calliope
Planning Practice
and Projects
(PPP) team in
partnership with
GRC
the Central Queensland Regional Plan (and Infrastructure
Framework) will identify infrastructure linkages needed to
support economic growth
finalise Toolooa PDA Development Scheme to enable
development feasibility of first stage residential development
(Dalrymple Drive site)
Regional Planning
and GRC
investigate opportunities for new development by Gladstone
Affordable Housing Company
facilitate resolution of native title at Toolooa
assess opportunities for development of industrial land at the
airport
RS in partnership
with GRC


Land supply




Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
RS in partnership
with GRC
EDQ in
partnership with
GRC
18

Other

investigate opportunities to make Gladstone State
Development Area land available for development.
DSDIP, Ergon and GRC will resolve regionally specific
issues associated with Ergon infrastructure.
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
RS, Ergon and
GRC
19
3.8 Bundaberg Regional Council
Issues






Decisions on major development proposals are taking a long time
Planning system operational issues with out of date and multiple planning instruments
Housing affordable although lower average incomes for some parts of the population
means affordability is an issue for some people
Housing stock is older and lacks diversity
Need for improved industrial land development opportunities including land in the vicinity
of the Port of Bundaberg
Lack of demonstration projects that support diversity in housing supply and need for
some best practice awareness raising across development community
Actions
Issue
Planning
system
Action
 assist council to finalise the new planning scheme for
approval by December 2013
 ensure new planning scheme increases the reliance on code
assessable and self assessable development for
complementary land uses, consistent with new planning
scheme in conjunction with State Interest Review
Who
Regional Services
(RS) in
partnership with
Bundaberg
Regional Council
(BRC)

assist BRC with the implementation of:
o self-certification of operational works and the prequalification of engineers to assess these applications
o and outsourcing or fast tracking low risk approvals
through programs, such as RiskSmart
Planning Practice
and Projects
(PPP) team in
partnership with
BRC

DSDIP and BRC to work with region’s developers to identify
solutions to regional issues with planning and assessment,
including residential diversity.
prepare a Wide Bay Burnett Infrastructure framework
including identifying existing infrastructure, demand and
priority projects to support economic development in the
region
assist council in ensuring sufficient residential and industrial
land is identified in the planning scheme to support
anticipated growth in the areas of Bundaberg, Gin Gin and
Childers
RS in partnership
with BRC
Infrastructure

Land supply


investigate the potential to develop the north side of the Port
of Bundaberg for industrial activities to support economic
development including the North Burnett minerals province
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
RS and relevant
councils
RS in partnership
with BRC and
with advice from
development
industry
Port of Bundaberg
in partnership with
BRC, RS and
landholders
20
Other

conduct local government and industry information and skills
development sessions demonstrating affordable and diverse
housing techniques and the implementation of best practice
guidelines.
RS in partnership
with BRC
Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
PO Box 15009, City East, Queensland 4002
tel 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
info@dsdip.qld.gov.au
www.dsdip.qld.gov.au
Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan
21