Future Fraser Coast: Snapshot of proposed planning scheme shifts so far
From building heights and lot sizes to revised rules for ‘character’ streets and seafront suburbs, this is the document which will determine how the Fraser Coast looks and feels in the future.See how it’s progressing here.
Fraser Coast
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A crucial step in the development of the plan which will determine how the future Fraser Coast looks and what it is like as an area to live in, has been completed.
As the council prepares to adopt a new planning scheme, the Building Better Neighbourhoods road map provides insight into how the recommendations are shaping up.
Housing and the lack thereof is a key focus.
The council will look at whether more land needs to be unlocked for urban development but also the type of developments people in certain areas feel comfortable with having in their neighbourhoods.
In some cases this may mean larger developments with smaller lots however, it will also look at zones where lots need to be 600-700sqm and larger.
A willingness to review relaxing the rules on granny flats and dual-occupancy (including on corner blocks and when it comes to how big a lot has to be before a second dwelling is allowed) could mean reduced red tape (and in some cases, no need for approval at all).
The council will be delving deeper into the requirements around housing developments, lifestyle villages and relocatable home parks including how much open space they need and how they address road and traffic issues.
The Chronicle understands there is a strong desire in executive ranks to ensure the plan makes things as easy and cost effective as possible while not compromising on quality.
Staff and councillors are also said to be committed to ensuring this new plan solves many of the issues which have plagued the development application process in the past (including confusion that stems from multiple schemes with conflicting guidelines being brought together post amalgamation), and provides a concrete guide for developers who want to know the clear rules before investing.
The need for clarity on building heights, something which was brought into sharp focus during the recent debate over the landmark development which boasts the Bay’s first 16-storey tower in the new Pialba CBD, will be honoured.
It’s also understood that even where the height is deemed acceptable under a certain zone, this will not be enough to get the project over the line. The developer will also be required to meet a range of standards when it comes to how the project looks including green and open space, shadowing, it’s visibility from the Esplanade etc
According to the BBN booklet, an industrial land supply assessment will provide more opportunities for industrial businesses to invest in and move to the Fraser Coast.
The Maryborough and Pialba Principal local plans are being reviewed to “support the hierarchy of centres and facilitate a diverse range of business and community services”.
Proposed amendments to the scheme would support and encourage microbreweries, home based business in appropriate locations.
The new scheme would also promote the “activation” of existing businesses eg rooftop gardens and restaurants.
The booklet is essential reading for ratepayers as it not only impacts the look and feel of the Fraser Coast but also flags several issues which will likely prove divisive among both voting councillors and the community.
The council will be taking a look at whether a more microscopic approach needs to be applied in zones which come under a Heritage Blanket and what it deems to be “character” streets.
While the rules are unlikely to be quite as prohibitive as in some parts of Brisbane, where even paint colour is subject to guidelines that ensure consistency in rows of homes with a similar heritage theme, property owners living in these areas could soon find themselves restricted when it comes to demolition, altering the look of their home and streetscape, including fencing choices.
Among several environmental considerations is also the state-led implementation of turtle “sensitive” zones, where an effort to reduce ‘light pollution’ (based on studies where hatchlings mistake urban lighting for the moon and subsequently head for homes/roads/swimming pools instead of the ocean) could result in new rules for outdoor and second-storey and above lighting.
This is likely to mostly impact areas like Point Vernon where the council has previously referenced the presence of turtles and recently called for pet owners to be more responsible after dozens of turtle hatchlings were destroyed by unsupervised dogs.
Several country communities will have their clearest indication of how their towns will evolve in the coming decade as master plans for these communities will be prioritised.
Tiaro tops the list as the council works with the community to chart a new course amid bypass plans.
The future development of Burrum Heads and Glenwood, where there hasn’t been a lot of historic planning but where the communities have grown and now need a road map for land use, housing and employment, is also in the top three.
Local plans will also be developed for suburbs beginning with Scarness, Torquay, Tinana and Booral.
Improving the “liveability” of neighbourhoods will involve a focus on walking, cycling and transport options.
Councillor David Lewis said the BBN road map was developed following a review of the council’s planning scheme that included community consultation and an analysis of economic and population trends.
“The planning scheme is the document that guides what our neighbourhoods and developments look and feel like,” he said.
“By improving our planning scheme to build better neighbourhoods, we provide the foundation to create better places for people to live, work and play.”
The key projects and planning scheme amendments in the ‘Building Better Neighbourhoods’
road map have been broken into seven core themes which are:
Provide housing diversity and choice;
Improve the liveability of our neighbourhoods;
Protect and enhance our unique natural environment;
Improve our resilience to natural hazards;
Efficiently plan and deliver infrastructure;
Support the creation of employment opportunities; and
Make the planning scheme easier to access, understand and use.
Cr Denis Chapman said amending the planning scheme would occur in stages over the next three to four years.
“The ‘Building Better Neighbourhoods’ road map identifies dozens of projects such as the creation of local plans, a building height review, a housing diversity and land supply study, and improved vegetation and flood mapping,” he said.
“We thank everyone who has been involved in the planning scheme review process so far and
encourage the community to continue to participate as the projects and amendments identified in the road map roll out in coming years.
“Whether it be in our residential suburbs, our business precincts or our rural areas, our focus is on building better neighbourhoods on the Fraser Coast.”
More information is available at: https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/building-better-
neighbourhoods
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