Planning Scheme Amendment Project

⁠⁠⁠Douglas Shire Council invites tenders from suitably qualified tenderers for amendments to the Douglas Shire Planning Scheme (the Planning Scheme Amendment Project).

Overall, the Planning Scheme Amendment Project will involve the preparation and delivery of a suite of amendments in close consultation with DSC staff, elected representatives, state agencies and other stakeholders. Early stakeholder engagement and consultation will be required to facilitate streamlining the planning scheme amendment process under section 18 of the Planning Act 2016 and align with contemporary plan-making processes.

The Douglas Shire Planning Scheme came into effect on 2 January 2018 and has not been amended since commencement.

Douglas Shire Council (DSC) has identified the need for amendments to its current planning scheme based on a number of legislative and policy changes and emerging local and regional planning issues.

The proposed planning scheme amendment will focus broadly on the following themes, with further work required to narrow down areas and details that are priorities for the community and Council:

1. Continuous improvement – a more contemporary and user-friendly planning scheme.

2. Response to local housing needs – a planning scheme that supports and facilitates a supply and diversity of housing in appropriate locations that meets regional growth planning and community needs.

3. Natural hazards – updating planning scheme to reflect recent flood investigations following the TC Jasper event and any other relevant hazard mapping.

4. Mossman Mill Closure – supporting and facilitating economic transition through land use planning of both rural, industrial and waterfront lands.

5. Regional Plan – aligning the planning scheme with policy and planning direction under the FNQRP.

6. Local Government Infrastructure Plan – Identifying trunk infrastructure necessary to support population growth and changes in land use.