Bundaberg Council prioritises amendments to address housing challenges
Bundaberg Regional Council is set to amend its planning scheme in response to ongoing housing affordability challenges.
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Bundaberg Regional Council is focusing on amendments to its planning scheme to address housing availability, diversity, and affordability, as part of an ongoing effort to support regional growth.
The current planning scheme, adopted in 2015, is due for review under the Queensland planning framework, which requires a review every 10 years to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
An independent review of the current planning scheme concluded that while the scheme is still functional, there are areas where amendments could improve its responsiveness to future development needs.
Among the issues identified were the need for additional land to support local manufacturing, on-farm rural industries, agri-tourism, and the ongoing preservation of the region’s natural and built environment, including local heritage.
Mayor Helen Blackburn, Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, said the council had decided to prioritise amendments addressing the region’s housing challenges before considering the development of a new planning scheme.
“It’s vitally important that we ensure we have a planning scheme that protects and preserves the region and the lifestyle we all know and love while also identifying and facilitating opportunities for positive and sustainable growth,” Cr Blackburn said.
“A good planning scheme ensures we keep pace with our increasing population and continue to meet the needs and expectations of our community.”
The council aims to progress consultation on these priority amendments, incorporating feedback from both the community and industry.
“From a resident perspective, the frameworks we put into place in the planning and development space lead sustainable, efficient growth in a way that minimises cost to ratepayers,” Cr Blackburn said.
She followed up saying from an industry perspective, this strategic work provides certainty around council’s expectations and requirements for the timing, cost, and standard of necessary infrastructure to support the growth.
An updated housing strategy will be developed to guide these amendments.
The draft housing strategy is expected to be ready for community consultation in mid-2025, with consultation on the draft amendments scheduled for late 2025.
After completing the amendment process, the council will begin work on a new planning scheme, a lengthy process that typically takes three to five years.
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