Western Downs Regional Council proposes major amendment to region’s Planning Scheme

Residential dwellings, health care services, energy storage and microbreweries are all part of major amendments proposed for Western Downs Regional Council’s planning scheme. Find out more here.

An aerial image of Dalby. Western Downs Regional Council has proposed a major amendment to the region’s planning scheme.

Western Downs Regional Council has proposed a major amendment to the region’s Planning Scheme 2017 and have asked the community for their input into the draft.

The proposed amendments encompass a diverse range of business and planning improvements to attract industry and development opportunities within the region.

Council spokeswoman for Planning and Environment councillor Kylie Bourne said the amendments would help combat housing shortages and encourage business enterprise.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Ms Bourne said they were now seeking community feedback into the amendments.

“Council is committed to ensuring its Planning Scheme remains contemporary, consistent with legislative changes, and responsive to changing community needs and expectations,“ she 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.”

The community is being invited to attend one of the upcoming Meet the Planner pop-up sessions in Dalby on August 7 and 29, Chinchilla on August 9 and 19, Tara on August 9, Wandoan on August 13 and Miles on August 13.

The public consultation period for the proposed Major Amendment commenced on August 2 and will conclude on Tuesday, September 3.

Residents can also make a submission at any of the region’s customer contact centres or on Council’s website.

The proposed amendment is available for viewing and submissions at https://www.wdrc.info/planning-scheme- amendment or at any of Council’s offices.

Originally published as Western Downs Regional Council proposes major amendment to region’s Planning Scheme