Southern Downs Draft Planning Scheme Review - Stage 2

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Latest News

Consultation Status

Open

Consultation Timeframe

Monday 28 July 2025 - Friday 19 September 2025

New Draft Scheme Benefits

  • Responsive to community input

  • Support for housing

  • Future growth focused

  • Clearer and more simple rules

Latest News



About the Draft Planning Scheme

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.

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:

  • Housing
  • Business and tourism
  • Environment and natural hazards
  • Community, culture and heritage
  • 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 have received personalised letters from Council outlining specific property changes.

If you’re not sure how these changes may impact you, contact our friendly staff or come by one of our community drop-in sessions to speak directly with our team.


Explore the Draft Scheme and Online Mapping Tool

Use our interactive mapping tool to:

  • View proposed changes in the draft Planning Scheme
  • Search your address
  • Check your zoning and overlays


IMPORTANT:

  1. Use PC for a better experience
  2. When using IntraMaps below, access the modules by clicking the computer icon on the bottom left of the map and ensure "Draft Planning Scheme" is selected.
  3. Then access the Layers menu and select all that you would like to see (Current and / or Draft Scheme).
  4. Click here to watch an instructional video

helpful tip: at the bottom of the Layers menu, under Basemaps, you can enable split screen to get a clearer view of any proposed changes to zones.

Click here to open the map in a new tab.


Download the Draft Scheme: Click here to download the Draft Planning Scheme.

Hardcopies of the scheme are also available to view in office at Council’s Administration Buildings, or residents can request a physical copy for a cost recovery fee of $350 for the Draft Planning Scheme and $1000 for a booklet of the associated maps.


Community Information Sessions

Council will be out and about across the region to help you understand what’s in the draft, what it means, and how you might be affected.

Stanthorpe
Monday 4 August3PM to 6PMStanthorpe Civic Centre, 61 Marsh Street, Stanthorpe
WarwickTuesday 5 August3PM to 6PMWarwick Town Hall, 72 Palmerin Street, Warwick
WarwickWednesday 13 August10AM to 1PMBunnings, Cnr Canning & Condamine Streets, Warwick
KillarneyThursday 14 August9AM to 12PMKillarney Co-Op, 32/42 Ivy Street, Killarney
AlloraThursday 14 August3PM to 5:30PMAllora Community Hall, 55 Herbert Street, Allora
StanthorpeThursday 21 August11AM to 2PMPOSTPONED due to weather - new date below
WallangarraFriday 22 August11AM to 2PMWallangarra School of Arts Hall, Merinda St, Wallangarra QLD 4383
DalveenFriday 22 August4:30PM to 6PMDalveen Sports Club, 8 Pine Crescent, Dalveen
WarwickThursday 4 September11AM to 2PMRose City Shopping World, 81 Palmerin Street, Warwick
MaryvaleThursday 4 September3PM to 5:30PMMaryvale Hall, 33 Taylor Street, Maryvale
LeyburnSaturday 13 September1PM to 3PMLeyburn Tennis Courts, MacIntyre Street, Leyburn
WarwickThursday 18 September11AM to 2PMWarwick Administration Building, 64 Fitzroy Street, Warwick

+ Additional Dates
StanthorpeWednesday 3 September9AM to 12PMFarley Street Piazza, Maryland Street, Stanthorpe
Yangan
Wednesday 3 September
3PM to 5PM
Bicentennial Park, Yangan


Why attend?

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the proposed changes and what they mean for the Southern Downs.

  • Ask specific questions about your property and how things might change for you.

  • Learn how the changes may impact your neighbourhood or industry.

  • Learn how to lodge a submission for consideration in the final Scheme.

Talk to a planner

Don’t see a time that works for you? 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 contact Council.


Have Your Say - Submit Your Feedback

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


Option 1 – Registered Online Submission Form:


Complete the Online Submission Form


Option 2 - Hardcopy:


  1. Click here to download and print a submission form (PDF) OR collect a printed submission form from one of Council’s Administration Buildings.

  2. Fill out and lodge your submission form by either:

  1. Email to: planningscheme@sdrc.qld.gov.au.

  1. Returning the completed form to a Council Administration building.

  1. Mail to: Southern Downs Planning Scheme - PO Box 26, Warwick QLD 4370.


Submissions must:

  • Be received between Monday 28 July 2025 and Friday 19 September 2025.

  • Clearly state your feedback, concerns, or suggestions.

  • Include your name and contact details.

All submitters will receive a written response from Council by early 2026.

Once submissions close, Council is committed to reviewing and considering all suggestions received before any relevant amendments are made to a final draft.

The final draft Southern Downs Planning Scheme is then issued to the Minister for final approval.


For More Information - Contact Council

1300 697 372 (business hours)

planningscheme@sdrc.qld.gov.au

Southern Downs Planning Scheme - PO Box 26, Warwick QLD 4370



Latest News

Consultation Status

Open

Consultation Timeframe

Monday 28 July 2025 - Friday 19 September 2025

New Draft Scheme Benefits

  • Responsive to community input

  • Support for housing

  • Future growth focused

  • Clearer and more simple rules

Latest News



About the Draft Planning Scheme

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.

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:

  • Housing
  • Business and tourism
  • Environment and natural hazards
  • Community, culture and heritage
  • 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 have received personalised letters from Council outlining specific property changes.

If you’re not sure how these changes may impact you, contact our friendly staff or come by one of our community drop-in sessions to speak directly with our team.


Explore the Draft Scheme and Online Mapping Tool

Use our interactive mapping tool to:

  • View proposed changes in the draft Planning Scheme
  • Search your address
  • Check your zoning and overlays


IMPORTANT:

  1. Use PC for a better experience
  2. When using IntraMaps below, access the modules by clicking the computer icon on the bottom left of the map and ensure "Draft Planning Scheme" is selected.
  3. Then access the Layers menu and select all that you would like to see (Current and / or Draft Scheme).
  4. Click here to watch an instructional video

helpful tip: at the bottom of the Layers menu, under Basemaps, you can enable split screen to get a clearer view of any proposed changes to zones.

Click here to open the map in a new tab.


Download the Draft Scheme: Click here to download the Draft Planning Scheme.

Hardcopies of the scheme are also available to view in office at Council’s Administration Buildings, or residents can request a physical copy for a cost recovery fee of $350 for the Draft Planning Scheme and $1000 for a booklet of the associated maps.


Community Information Sessions

Council will be out and about across the region to help you understand what’s in the draft, what it means, and how you might be affected.

Stanthorpe
Monday 4 August3PM to 6PMStanthorpe Civic Centre, 61 Marsh Street, Stanthorpe
WarwickTuesday 5 August3PM to 6PMWarwick Town Hall, 72 Palmerin Street, Warwick
WarwickWednesday 13 August10AM to 1PMBunnings, Cnr Canning & Condamine Streets, Warwick
KillarneyThursday 14 August9AM to 12PMKillarney Co-Op, 32/42 Ivy Street, Killarney
AlloraThursday 14 August3PM to 5:30PMAllora Community Hall, 55 Herbert Street, Allora
StanthorpeThursday 21 August11AM to 2PMPOSTPONED due to weather - new date below
WallangarraFriday 22 August11AM to 2PMWallangarra School of Arts Hall, Merinda St, Wallangarra QLD 4383
DalveenFriday 22 August4:30PM to 6PMDalveen Sports Club, 8 Pine Crescent, Dalveen
WarwickThursday 4 September11AM to 2PMRose City Shopping World, 81 Palmerin Street, Warwick
MaryvaleThursday 4 September3PM to 5:30PMMaryvale Hall, 33 Taylor Street, Maryvale
LeyburnSaturday 13 September1PM to 3PMLeyburn Tennis Courts, MacIntyre Street, Leyburn
WarwickThursday 18 September11AM to 2PMWarwick Administration Building, 64 Fitzroy Street, Warwick

+ Additional Dates
StanthorpeWednesday 3 September9AM to 12PMFarley Street Piazza, Maryland Street, Stanthorpe
Yangan
Wednesday 3 September
3PM to 5PM
Bicentennial Park, Yangan


Why attend?

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the proposed changes and what they mean for the Southern Downs.

  • Ask specific questions about your property and how things might change for you.

  • Learn how the changes may impact your neighbourhood or industry.

  • Learn how to lodge a submission for consideration in the final Scheme.

Talk to a planner

Don’t see a time that works for you? 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 contact Council.


Have Your Say - Submit Your Feedback

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


Option 1 – Registered Online Submission Form:


Complete the Online Submission Form


Option 2 - Hardcopy:


  1. Click here to download and print a submission form (PDF) OR collect a printed submission form from one of Council’s Administration Buildings.

  2. Fill out and lodge your submission form by either:

  1. Email to: planningscheme@sdrc.qld.gov.au.

  1. Returning the completed form to a Council Administration building.

  1. Mail to: Southern Downs Planning Scheme - PO Box 26, Warwick QLD 4370.


Submissions must:

  • Be received between Monday 28 July 2025 and Friday 19 September 2025.

  • Clearly state your feedback, concerns, or suggestions.

  • Include your name and contact details.

All submitters will receive a written response from Council by early 2026.

Once submissions close, Council is committed to reviewing and considering all suggestions received before any relevant amendments are made to a final draft.

The final draft Southern Downs Planning Scheme is then issued to the Minister for final approval.


For More Information - Contact Council

1300 697 372 (business hours)

planningscheme@sdrc.qld.gov.au

Southern Downs Planning Scheme - PO Box 26, Warwick QLD 4370


Page last updated: 26 Aug 2025, 11:00 AM