Proposed Planning Scheme Amendment drives business innovation
Published on 15 August 2024
Business improvement and innovation is at the heart of a proposed major amendment to the Western Downs Planning Scheme.
Western Downs Regional Council has proposed a Major Amendment No. 2 to the region's Planning Scheme 2017 and is asking the community for input into the draft amendment.
Council Spokesperson for Planning and Environment Councillor Kylie Bourne said the proposed amendments encompass a diverse range of business and planning improvements to reduce red tape and attract exciting new industry and development opportunities.
"Council is committed to ensuring its Planning Scheme remains contemporary, consistent with legislative changes, and responsive to changing community needs and expectations," Cr Bourne said.
"Community consultation is a crucial part of amending the Planning Scheme and we want to hear what individuals, community groups, business, and developers in our region have to say about these changes.
"Some of the amendments are aimed at encouraging development of appropriate non-residential land uses within the Low-Density Residential Zone to allow new growth in essential health care services including medical and dental practices.
"The amendment also proposes changes that will make it easier for homeowners to establish a secondary dwelling on properties that meet the draft design criteria to help ease the burden of housing shortages in the region.
"Council's current Planning Scheme has no provision for defined land use of craft breweries and microbreweries and these types of business developments will now fall within the low and medium industry definitions, opening up the possibility for some great new tourism and economic development opportunities.
"The State Government has also introduced new land uses definitions for battery storage facilities that need to be incorporated into the Western Downs Planning Scheme and the amendment will allow Council to adequately consider the risks and impacts of future energy storage development applications."
To find out more about the proposed amendments or talk to one of Council's town planners, the community is invited to attend one of the 'Meet the Planner' pop-up sessions:
- Dalby - Wednesday, 7 August 2024 - Bunya Vista Room - 11am-1pm
- Chinchilla - Friday, 9 August 2024 - WDRC Customer Contact Centre - 10am-12pm
- Tara - Friday, 9 August 2024 - Tara Library - 1.30pm-3.30pm
- Wandoan - Tuesday, 13 August 2024 - Club Room, Wandoan Library - 10am-12pm
- Miles - Tuesday, 13 August 2024 - Murilla Room, Miles Library - 1.30pm-3.30pm
- Chinchilla - Monday, 19 August 2024 - WDRC Customer Contact Centre - 10am-12pm
- Dalby - Thursday, 29th August 2024 - Dalby Shopping World 5pm-7pm
The public consultation period for the proposed Major Amendment commences on Friday, 2 August 2024 and conclude at close of business on Tuesday, 3 September 2024.
Residents can also make a submission at any of the region's customer contact centres or on Council's website.