Introduction
The Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area (PDA), located in the Redland City Council local government area, was declared by the Queensland State Government on 4 April 2025 and is now open for public notification until 15 September 2026.
What is a Priority Development Area (PDA)?
A PDA is an area of land designated by the Queensland State Government for accelerated development. PDAs are made under the Economic Development Act 2012 (Qld) and are declared by the Minister of Economic Development Queensland (MEDQ). When declaring a PDA, factors such as economic growth, the need for faster development, special purposes, unlocking unused government land and community benefits are considered.
What are the Effects of a PDA?
Once a PDA is declared, the planning framework regulating development shifts from the relevant Council Planning Scheme to the state-controlled PDA planning and assessment framework under the Economic Development Act 2012 (Qld). Development is governed by an interim land use plan (ILUP) until a full development scheme takes effect. Any inconsistency between a PDA scheme and other local or state planning instruments is resolved in the PDA scheme’s favour. Under a PDA scheme, the MEDQ must decide an application within 40 business days after lodgement and assessment. However, this timeline may be paused or extended if Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) requests further detail or if public notification is required (in cases of specific proposals).
In our experience, it should not be taken for granted that an application will be decided within that timeframe. Appeal rights are also different to a development application under the Planning Act.
The Southern Thornlands PDA
Background
The Southern Thornlands PDA covers 890 hectares in the Redland City Local Government Area, and intends to address future housing, infrastructure, and economic needs. According to EDQ, the Southern Thornlands PDA aims to deliver:
- Around 8,000 new homes for approximately 24,000 Queenslanders, offering greater housing choice to the community;
- $544 million in catalyst infrastructure including $256 million in key road and transport infrastructure, as well as $137 million for sewer upgrades, $29 million to support local water supply and $93 million for open spaces and community facilities;
- Over 150-hectares of open space, including 11 neighbourhood recreational parks;
- Three new schools to support the local area’s growth, comprising two new primary schools and a new secondary school; and
- Approximately 100 hectares of land earmarked for economic uses to support local businesses within the retail, essential services and other sectors, as well as creating potentially hundreds of jobs closer to home.
Proposal for Precinct 1
Precinct 1 (Eastern Precinct) of the Southern Thornlands PDA has been designated as an “early release area”. This allows development applications in Precinct 1 to be lodged, assessed and decided whist the ILUP is in effect, ahead of the broader scheme area. Precinct 1 is a mixed-use area, with permitted land uses for commercial purposes, accommodation, and community activity. Precinct 1 allows for up to 900 dwellings, in accordance with a net residential density of 25 dwellings per hectare under the PDA.
Proposal for Precinct 2
Precinct 2 (Investigation Area) of the Southern Thornlands PDA comprises of the broader area outside Precinct 1. Development in Precinct 2 is restricted to interim or temporary uses as further investigation into the area is needed. This work will be undertaken whilst the Development Scheme is being prepared.
Public Notification Period
The public notification period for the Southern Thornlands PDA begins on 3 August 2026 and ends 15 September 2026. During this period, formal submissions can be made to the MEDQ. Additionally, EDQ will be in the Southern Thornlands area from 15 August to 22 August 2026 to talk with local people, share updates, and support the community with information on how to complete a submission. Click here for more information.
After consultation closes, EDQ and the Minister will follow statutory steps to consider submissions and decide the final planning instrument.
Conclusion
Milne Legal provides advice and represents clients in relation to a range of town planning and environmental law matters. If you have any queries or concerns regarding the Southern Thornlands PDA and would like to get in touch, please contact our office on (07) 3210 0943 or email us at admin@milnelegal.com.au.
This publication is general in nature. Its content is current at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and you should always seek legal advice based on your particular circumstances prior to making any decisions relating to matters covered by this publication. Certain details may have been sourced from external references, and we cannot assure the accuracy or timeliness of such information.