Gladstone Regional Council
Planning Scheme
Our Place Our Plan About the proposed Planning Scheme A planning scheme is a legal document that guides how land is developed. The new Planning Scheme will replace the schemes from the former Gladstone City, Calliope Shire and Miriam Vale Shire councils. It will provide one document of consistent land use planning rules and regulations across Council’s jurisdiction and has been prepared in accordance with the Sustainable Planning Act 2009.
LOCALITY OF Lowmead, Rosedale & Baffle Creek Regional growth The Gladstone Region has experienced significant population growth in recent years and population forecasts predict that this is likely to continue. On average, the resident population of the region has increased by about three per cent per year since 2010, making it one of the fastest growing local government areas in Queensland. It is expected that the population is likely to almost double from the current figure of approximately 60,000 to almost 112,000 people by 2031.*
Lowmead, Rosedale & Baffle Creek overview The localities of Lowmead, Rosedale, Baffle Creek and their hinterland areas have a combined population of approximately 1260** people. These settlements are characterised by a mix of residential, small scale commercial and rural uses, supported by a school. Within these localities, the proposed Planning Scheme identifies the existing residential and commercial activities within Lowmead and Rosedale as Township zone. It is then proposed that the Rural zone surrounds these township areas to clearly mark the extent of the settlements. Schools, sporting facilities, community facilities and open space are proposed to remain with a similar purpose and zoning. The Baffle Creek locality will continue to be identified within the Rural zone except for sporting facilities and conservation parks. Some areas within these localities may be affected by a number of overlay codes such as the Biodiversity, Bushfire hazard, Flood hazard and Coastal hazard overlays under the proposed Planning Scheme. Proposed developments within these areas would need to address the relevant provisions. *Queensland Government Statistician’s Office, 2012. **Commonwealth of Australia (ABS), 2011.
Has my zone changed? It is likely that the name of your zone has changed. New planning schemes in Queensland must follow State Government requirements for drafting which includes a standard set of zones. All properties throughout the region have been categorised into zones which reflect intended or previous uses for the site. In many cases, the provisions for development may not have changed substantially.