In Queensland, a planning scheme is a legal document developed and adopted by a local council under the Planning Act 2016 (QLD). It sets out the framework for managing the use of land and development within a local government area and planning for anticipated growth.

We want the final Scheme to reflect the needs, concerns, and ambitions of the people who live, work and invest in the Southern Downs.

We encourage all residents to review the new draft scheme and get involved by making a submission – whether you have concerns about the proposed changes, would like to suggest more changes, or want to show support for what’s been prepared. 

Considerations for submissions

When making a submission, some things you might want to think about include:

• Zoning changes
• Development rules and regulations
• Clarity of the scheme and it’s rules

All submissions will be reviewed, and meaningful feedback can influence the final Scheme.

In 2021, Council identified 5 key areas to consider in the draft Planning Scheme:

1. Housing
2. Business and tourism
3. Environment and natural hazards
4. Community, culture and heritage
5. Agriculture

These key themes were carefully assessed and have underpinned many of the proposed changes presented in the draft scheme.

The new draft Scheme introduces clearer, simpler planning rules, revised zones, and updates based on local feedback and future needs.

Major changes in the draft Planning Scheme include:

Improved Usability

• Simpler, easier-to-use format that’s clearer for everyone

Zoning & overlay

• Changes to zoning to reflect updated land use plans and future goals, including a new industrial estate planned for Massie
• Sandy Creek Raceway and surrounding properties now included in the Motor sports environs overlay. The land that operates the Carnell Raceway is also included
• Introduction of an Open space zone, primarily for Council owned parkland
• Heritage overlay updated to include adjoining properties and clearly map State heritage locations

Residential and Subdivision 

• Low Density Residential Zone: density increased to one dwelling per 300m²
• Medium Density Residential Zone: density increased to one dwelling per 150m²
• Increased opportunities for subdividing residential zoned land
• Subdivision allowed in certain Low Density Residential areas, even where full servicing isn’t available
• Rural residential subdivisions no longer require reticulated water; with kerb and channel only required for stormwater management
• Minimum lot sizes increased in Township zones without sewer connections to help manage wastewater more effectively

Rural and Agricultural 

•  Setback for Dwelling houses in Rural zone reduced from 60 to 20 metres 
• Increased protection of intensive animal industries across the region 
• If there’s a legal winery, micro-brewery or micro-distillery already on the site, a food and drink outlet can now be approved through a simpler code assessable application

It is a requirement of the Planning Act 2016 (QLD) that planning schemes are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changing community needs, state planning policies, and regional planning priorities.

The Planning Scheme will outline what types of development can occur in specific zones (such as residential, commercial, rural, or industrial), and include policies, maps, codes, and assessment benchmarks to guide decisions about development applications.

Some property owners may notice a change to their zoning under the draft Planning Scheme. It’s important to note that there are no changes to current use rights—if your land is being used lawfully now, that won’t change.

However, if you’re considering subdividing, building, or developing in the future, now is the time to review the draft Planning Scheme.

Directly affected landholders will receive personalised letters from Council outlining specific property changes.

If you’re not sure how these changes may impact you, contact our friendly staff via the information at the bottom of this page or come by one of our community information sessions to speak directly with our team. 

A planning scheme is a document that the community, businesses and government agencies all use to understand the local government’s plan for managing growth and change, including what sort of development can be expected in a local area. 

A planning scheme sets out the future vision for a local government area. A planning scheme includes a vision which is the ‘big picture’ part that maps out the land use intentions for the area in 20 to 30 years’ time, providing a series of strategies to manage future growth and development. A planning scheme also includes specific details around built form, design, infrastructure standards and other important issues. 

To help achieve the vision, a planning scheme regulates:

• what development should occur where - by including every property in a zone 
• what assessment process is required - by stating whether a development application is required and, if so, the process to be followed
• how development should occur - by outlining the rules (codes) against which development is assessed.

It is a requirement of the Planning Act 2016 (QLD) that Planning Schemes are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changing community needs, state planning policies, and regional planning priorities. The current planning scheme was adopted in 2012 and last amended in 2018 and since that time the region has continued to grow. As a planning scheme review takes a number of years, a Council Resolution was made in 2021 to review and update the Southern Downs Planning Scheme. There are a number of steps that are required in preparing a planning scheme including consideration of issues raised by the Qld government called State Interests. The Qld government reviews the draft Planning Scheme and authorises the Local government to proceed to formal public notification of the draft scheme. It is this step that the Council will be undertaking from 28 July through to 19 September 2025.

Directly affected landholders will receive personalised letters from Council outlining specific property changes. This may include a transition of land zoning or a change to an overlay map. You can also check by using Council’s interactive online mapping tool. You can enter your address and view your current and proposed zoning, as well as any overlays that may apply.

Access the online mapping tool on Council’s website.

4. There are no changes to current use rights—if your land is being used lawfully now, the draft scheme will not affect your current use. However, if you’re considering subdividing, building, or developing in the future, now is the time to review the draft Planning Scheme and provide any feedback.

The ability to subdivide your land will be dependent on a range factors such as zoning, lot sizes, serviceability and overlays.  Minimum lot sizes and density requirements will be part of the assessment consideration. At its highest level:

ZONING	SUBDIVISION POTENTIAL (CURRENT)	SUBDIVISION POTENTIAL (DRAFT)
Low Density Residential and Medium Density Residential	600m²	Unchanged, but more land has been included within the Low Density Residential zone.
Township	Varies by village but minimum 1,000m²	Varies by village but minimum 1,200m²
Rural Residential	4,000m² except in specified areas of Stanthorpe and Warwick where 2 hectares	Changes to specified areas in Stanthorpe and Warwick
Rural	Varies by precinct however minimum 100 hectares	Unchanged

• Changes to zoning to reflect updated land use plans and future goals, including a new industrial estate planned for Massie
• Low density residential zone: density increased to one dwelling per 300m²
• Medium density residential zone: density increased to one dwelling per 150m²
• Increased opportunities for subdividing residential zoned land
• Introduction of an Open space zone, primarily for Council owned parkland
• Rural Residential subdivisions no longer require reticulated water; with kerb and channel only required for stormwater management
• Minimum lot sizes increased in Township zones without sewer connections to help manage wastewater more effectively
• Setback for dwelling houses in Rural zone reduced from 60 to 20 metres
• Increased protection of intensive animal industries across the region
• Sandy Creek and Carnell Raceways now included in the Motor sport environs overlay with surrounding properties of Sandy Creek included in a buffer area. 
• If there’s a legal winery, micro-brewery or micro-distillery already on the site, a food and drink outlet can now be approved through a simpler code assessable application
• Heritage overlay updated to include adjoining properties and clearly map State heritage locations
• Local Government Infrastructure Plan amended, and schedule of works updated across each infrastructure network. 

The draft Planning Scheme considers how our region is growing and the types of residential outcomes we need now and into the future. To support this growth, Council has transitioned and expanded some areas for residential purposes that can provide more housing or increase the number of dwellings that can be achieved. Council is also proposing to increase residential density in areas that are well serviced - this might mean instead of 2 dwellings being possible it could be 3 dwellings. These types of infill opportunities help to deliver more affordable housing and different housing options for different people. Whilst we are a regional area, we do need to see more diverse range of housing options from rural residential through to smaller dwellings in the heart of our major towns. The draft scheme also looks to reduce red tape - making it easier to seek approval and more attractive to invest and deliver housing where it's needed most.

No. This draft scheme does not include any updates to the Flood hazard overlay and therefore the mapping as per the current scheme will continue. Council understands that flooding remains a complex issue across the region and that our flood mapping does need to be updated. We have secured funding from the State to update our flood studies which will enable us to update the mapping within our scheme and determine any changes required to better manage our floodplains. We want to ensure we are supporting the right development whilst also managing the risk associated with people and property. This work is a focus for 2026 and prior to any changes being made to the mapping and the scheme as it relates to flooding, significant community consultation will occur.

No. Your current development application will continue to be assessed and decided under the Planning scheme in effect at the time of lodgement. The draft scheme has only been approved to be placed on public notification and as such is not being considered for development applications that are currently being assessed by Council.

In some circumstances the time between when a new scheme or amendment is approved is different to when it actually commences and in sometimes this can be several months. If this does occur, then there is case law that enables weight to be given to the approved new scheme /amendment in the assessment of development applications.  If you have questions regarding live development applications, you are encouraged to contact the planning team.

The draft Planning Scheme will be available to view online and in office by Monday, 28 July 2025.

Throughout the consultation period there will be multiple opportunities for community members to find out more information and have their say.  Community Information Sessions will be held across the region. Visit the Planning Scheme webpage at https://haveyoursay.sdrc.qld.gov.au/draft-southern-downs-planning-scheme to explore the draft, view mapping tools, check drop-in session details, and access information sheets. You can also:

• Call Council on 1300 697 372 during business hours
• Email planningscheme@sdrc.qld.gov.au
• Ask for a one-on-one session with one of our planners. 

Yes. If you’re unable to attend a scheduled drop-in session, you can still contact Council directly to speak with a planner as part of a one-on-one session. Our team is happy to walk you through the draft Scheme, help you understand how your property might be affected, and guide you through the submission process.  To request a one-on-one please contact council by: 

• Phone: 1300 697 372 during business hours
• Email: planningscheme@sdrc.qld.gov.au

Submissions will open from Monday, 28 July 2025 to Friday, 19 September 2025 and will be able to be lodged online or with a hardcopy submission form. 

Council is committed to review, consider and respond to every properly made submission received. Council may decide to make a change to the draft scheme if the change is considered valid and would not constitute a significant change that may require further consultation. Like many drafts, errors and inconsistencies can be found and this is why Council itself will also be completing its own submission to ensure any of these types of changes can be rectified prior to completing a final draft.

Firstly, Council will consider any submissions received. Any relevant amendments would then be made to a final draft. The final draft Southern Downs Planning Scheme is then issued to the Minister for final approval. Once the Minister has approved, the Council would then resolve to adopt the new scheme and nominate a commencement date for when the new scheme (version 6) would take effect. Council anticipates being able to respond individually to all submissions early in 2026.

When a new scheme is adopted or an amendment to a scheme is made that previous version is called a superseded planning scheme. When version 6 is approved and commenced, any person may within 12 months lodge a request for a development application to be considered under a superseded planning scheme, in this case version 5.  After the 12-month period the scheme version 5 transitions to be called a historic planning scheme or put simply is retired.