Bundaberg Regional Council Planning Scheme Review
It is a requirement of the Planning Act 2016 that Council undertake a review of its planning scheme at least every 10 years to ensure that it continues to appropriately respond to statutory requirements and the changing needs and expectations of the community. Based on the statutory review, Council must decide whether to amend or replace the planning scheme. The Bundaberg Regional Council Planning Scheme commenced on 19 October 2015 and therefore was due for review by October 2025.
Mewing Planning Consultants (and Morgan Wilson Planning Consultant) were engaged in August 2023 to assist Council with its statutory planning scheme review.
Having regard to the statutory review, the consultant recommended that Council consider proceeding with an amendment of the planning scheme. While it was recommended that the planning scheme amendments consider the matters raised in the statutory review, it was noted that the final scope of the amendments will be subject to the subsequent planning scheme amendment process and Council’s preferred strategic vision and intent for planning and development in the local government area.
Further information on the planning scheme review, including the process and findings of the review, are provided in the report and appendices included in the 'Supporting Information ' section below.
Outcome of the Statutory Review
At its Meeting held 18 September 2024, Council finalised its statutory review of the Bundaberg Regional Council Planning Scheme 2015. Based on the findings of the review and pursuant to s 25 of the Planning Act 2016, Council decided to amend the planning scheme to address emergent housing issues and matters of a relatively simple or minor nature.
Council also decided that the preparation of a new planning scheme, including the extent of any supporting studies, be considered as part of a future budget preparation process.
The statutory review indicates that there is a high priority to undertake an updated Housing Strategy (housing and residential development planning study) for the region and recommends planning scheme amendments to respond to housing supply, diversity and affordability issues. These recommendations align with and are also actions under Council’s recently adopted Bundaberg Local Housing Action Plan.