Southern Downs Draft Planning Scheme Review - Stage 2

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Latest News

Consultation Status

Consultation closed - submission review period.

Consultation Timeframe

Submission timeframe: Monday 28 July to Friday 19 September 2025.

Council is currently reviewing and considering all suggestions received. Submitters will receive an individual written response by early 2026.

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. State planning regulations mandate that a local government must consult their community when drafting a new planning scheme - Council has taken this opportunity to ensure the conversation is genuine and considerate.

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 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 have noticed a proposed 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.


Directly affected landholders received personalised letters from Council during the consultation period that outlined specific property changes.


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 were out and about across the region to help the community understand what’s proposed in the draft, what it means, and how they 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
WallangarraFriday 22 August11AM to 2PMWallangarra School of Arts Hall, Merinda St, Wallangarra
DalveenFriday 22 August4:30PM to 6PMDalveen Sports Club, 8 Pine Crescent, Dalveen
StanthorpeWednesday 3 September9AM to 12PMFarley Street Piazza, Maryland Street, Stanthorpe
YanganWednesday 3 September3PM to 5PMBicentennial Park, Yangan
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


These sessions allowed participants to:

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

  • Ask specific questions about their property and how things might change for them.

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

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


Have Your Say - Submit Your Feedback (Submissions Closed)

Submissions are now closed.

Valid submissions were accepted between Monday 28 July 2025 and Friday 19 September 2025.

Council is now reviewing and considering all suggestions received before the final draft Southern Downs Planning Scheme is issued to the Minister for final approval - submitters will receive a written response by early 2026.


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

Consultation closed - submission review period.

Consultation Timeframe

Submission timeframe: Monday 28 July to Friday 19 September 2025.

Council is currently reviewing and considering all suggestions received. Submitters will receive an individual written response by early 2026.

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. State planning regulations mandate that a local government must consult their community when drafting a new planning scheme - Council has taken this opportunity to ensure the conversation is genuine and considerate.

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 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 have noticed a proposed 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.


Directly affected landholders received personalised letters from Council during the consultation period that outlined specific property changes.


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 were out and about across the region to help the community understand what’s proposed in the draft, what it means, and how they 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
WallangarraFriday 22 August11AM to 2PMWallangarra School of Arts Hall, Merinda St, Wallangarra
DalveenFriday 22 August4:30PM to 6PMDalveen Sports Club, 8 Pine Crescent, Dalveen
StanthorpeWednesday 3 September9AM to 12PMFarley Street Piazza, Maryland Street, Stanthorpe
YanganWednesday 3 September3PM to 5PMBicentennial Park, Yangan
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


These sessions allowed participants to:

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

  • Ask specific questions about their property and how things might change for them.

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

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


Have Your Say - Submit Your Feedback (Submissions Closed)

Submissions are now closed.

Valid submissions were accepted between Monday 28 July 2025 and Friday 19 September 2025.

Council is now reviewing and considering all suggestions received before the final draft Southern Downs Planning Scheme is issued to the Minister for final approval - submitters will receive a written response by early 2026.


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: 29 Oct 2025, 04:23 PM