The Bundaberg Regional Council has welcomed a decision by the Queensland Government to approve the Bundaberg Region Draft Planning Scheme for adoption, subject to a number of conditions.
Mayor Mal Forman said the Draft Planning Scheme would be critical in guiding land use processes for the region’s future growth and development.
“The new planning scheme will replace the four existing planning schemes introduced by the former councils of Bundaberg City, Burnett Shire, Isis Shire and Kolan Shire,” Mayor Forman said.
Planning and Development Spokesman, Cr Ross Sommerfeld said it was unfortunate that some proposed changes to the draft planning scheme made in response to submissions had not been approved by the State Government.
“Not all the changes that we sought have been approved. While this is disappointing, we will shortly be in contact with affected property owners to discuss with them how those changes can be progressed as soon as possible,” Cr Sommerfeld said.
Council sent the Draft Planning Scheme to the Queensland Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning for final review in April this year following an extensive public consultation period which ended on 28 November 2014.
Cr Ross Sommerfeld said that the consultation period was extensive, involving 13 public meetings, print, radio and TV advertising.
“During the consultation period, more than 290 people attended face-to-face events, more than 500 enquiries were received by planning staff by phone, email and over the counter and 29,000 pamphlets were delivered to homes across the region,” Cr Sommerfeld said.
“In total, Council received 314 submissions which provided feedback on aspects of the plan. Issues which attracted the most interest during the submission process included flood hazard zoning and mapping, the proposed amendments to the Kepnock area, impacts of development on sea turtles and nesting beaches and rural residential zoning requests.”
“Council took each submission into consideration and as a result a number of amendments were incorporated into the document that was forwarded to the State Government for approval.”
The approved Scheme will soon be brought before a meeting of Council for formal adoption.