Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) is preparing to replace the current Planning Scheme (version 5) with a new draft and we want to engage with you, our community.
In 2021, Council made the decision to create a new planning scheme that better reflects the needs of our growing communities.
Since then, we’ve worked closely with the community, key stakeholders, and the Queensland Government to gather feedback. The proposed draft aims to reflect the unique character of our region while promoting sustainable growth and ensuring the Southern Downs is a great place to live, work, play and stay.
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.
For our region, it plays a key role in shaping how communities grow by protecting natural and cultural values, managing infrastructure needs, supporting economic development, and ensuring land is used in a way that aligns with the community’s long-term vision.
A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
It’s time for the Southern Downs to have a planning scheme that helps us to realise our amazing potential and which makes it easier to live, work, play and invest here.
We want our community to help shape the future of our region and ensure that the draft Planning Scheme lays the foundation for a stronger, more liveable and vibrant Southern Downs. I encourage all residents to get involved, have their say, and champion the opportunities you see for our region.
Melissa Hamilton Mayor, Southern Downs Regional Council
THE DRAFT PLANNING SCHEME AIMS TO:
• Balance growth, liveability and sustainability across the region
• Provide a simplified and user-friendly format to find information faster
• Provide clearer zoning and overlays to understand what’s supported where
• Support a wider range of housing, investment and industry
• Protect the unique character and natural assets of the region
• Enhance support for town centre growth
• Reduce red tape for builders, developers and homeowners.
Where can you find out more?
Over the next two months, Council is hitting the road across the region to talk with you about the draft Planning Scheme.
These informal Community Information Sessions are a great opportunity to ask questions about your specific property or simply learn more about the important role a planning scheme plays in shaping our communities. Please feel free to stop by at any time during the scheduled sessions.
While we’ve already locked in the following dates and locations, more Community Information Sessions will be announced through Council’s website and social media as they are confirmed. In addition, Council will be meeting with local stakeholders and associations across the region.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS
Stanthorpe Monday, 4 August 3PM to 6PM
Warwick Tuesday, 5 August 3PM to 6PM
Warwick Wednesday, 13 August 10AM to 1PM
Killarney Thursday, 14 August 9AM to 12PM
Allora Thursday, 14 August 3PM to 5:30PM
Stanthorpe Thursday, 21 August 11AM to 2PM
Wallangarra Friday, 22 August 11AM to 2PM
Dalveen Friday, 22 August 4:30PM to 6PM
Warwick Thursday, 4 September 11AM to 2PM
Maryvale Thursday, 4 September 3PM to 5:30PM
Leyburn Saturday, 13 September 1PM to 3PM
Warwick Thursday, 18 September 11AM to 2PM
Stanthorpe Civic Centre, 61 Marsh Street, Stanthorpe
+ ADDITIONAL DATES | Visit haveyoursay.sdrc.qld.gov.au for additional dates and locations as they are released.
NEED A ONE-ON-ONE MEETING WITH A PLANNER?
For the vast majority of Southern Downs residents and landowners, the draft Planning Scheme is unlikely to affect you and/or your property. However, if you would like to book a one-on-one session with a planner, please do so via the options below:
1300 697 372 (business hours)
planningscheme@sdrc.qld.gov.au
Southern Downs Planning Scheme PO Box 26, Warwick QLD 4370
What does this mean for me?
What is a Planning Scheme review?
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.
In 2021, a Council Resolution was made to review and update the Southern Downs Planning Scheme.
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.
What’s changing?
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.
Council is committed to working with residents and landowners to clarify what any proposed changes may mean for them, and all proposed changes are now open for community feedback—no decisions have been finalised.
Still unsure? Scan the QR code on the next page to visit the website, contact Council direct, or attend one of the upcoming Community Information Sessions.
Major changes in the draft Planning Scheme include:
• 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 Councilowned 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 Raceway and surrounding properties now included in the Motor sports environs overlay. The land that operates the Carnell Raceway is also included
• 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.
Where can I have a say?
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR FEEDBACK:
Online:
Visit haveyoursay.sdrc.qld.gov.au/draft-southerndowns-planning-scheme to access the online submission form.
Hardcopy:
1. Download and print a submission form from our webpage or collect a printed submission form from one of Council’s Administration Buildings.
2. Fill out and lodge your submission form by either:
a. Email to planningscheme@sdrc.qld.gov.au.
b. Return to a Council Administration Building.
c. Mail to Southern Downs Planning Scheme – PO Box 26, Warwick QLD 4370.
Submissions must:
• Be received between Monday 28 July and midnight, Friday 19 September 2025
• Clearly state your feedback, concerns, or suggestions
• Include your name and contact details.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
All submitters will receive a written response from Council by early 2026.
Once submissions close, Council is required to review and consider all suggestions 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.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more information about the draft Planning Scheme please contact Council.
