Submissions close 19 September 2025
The Sunshine Coast Council (Council) has drafted a proposed new planning scheme (Proposed Scheme), which will replace the existing Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 (Existing Scheme). The purpose of the Proposed Scheme is to implement changes which support and regulate the growth and development of the Sunshine Coast.
The Proposed Scheme will build upon the Existing Scheme, with many aspects of the Existing Scheme to remain unchanged, or kept relatively similar. This will be reflected predominantly across policies for the following:
- Maintenance of limitations on the expansion of development into “unsuitable areas”;
- Planning for improved public transport;
- Facilitation of economic development; and
- Protection and support for rural areas.
Key changes in the Proposed Scheme
Whilst zoning will remain unchanged for most properties, properties within key urban areas close to infrastructure and services may be affected by zoning changes. The following five zones are set to be introduced in the Proposed Scheme:
- Mixed Use Zone;
- Industry Zone;
- Innovation Zone;
- Low-Medium Density Residential Zone; and
- Neighbourhood Centre Zone.
The Existing Scheme contains 27 local plan areas which provide detailed requirements for assessing development which are suitable and specific to a local area. The Proposed Scheme will introduce 18 new local plan areas which will provide for areas such as Kawana Waters, Mooloolah Valley and Blackall Range – Maleny.
Developers must consider overlays, in addition to zoning and local plans, prior to developing land. The Proposed Scheme contains 13 overlays, and will see the removal of the Existing Scheme’s “water resource catchments” overlay, and the introduction of a new “agricultural land” overlay. Minor amendments have also been made to the Existing Scheme’s overlays, to improve the management of, and response to, natural disasters such as flooding, bushfire and other coastal hazards.
Property owners should access the Council’s online ePlan tool via the link below, to check whether they are affected by any or all of the zoning, local plan and overlay changes.
Home – Proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme
Changes to Short-Term Accommodation, Rooming and Dwelling House Codes
The Proposed Scheme also aims to support growth by introducing a new Short-Term Accommodation Code, Rooming Accommodation Code and Dwelling House (Small Lot) Code. In particular, the Dwelling House (Small Lot) Code will regulate dwellings on lots less than 450m2 and will allow for small lots to be developed within Low-Medium Residential Zones, to increase housing supply. Restrictions on dual occupancies in particular parts of the Low-Density Residential Zone are set to be replaced, and new regulations will all for dual occupancies to be accepted development throughout the Low-Density Residential Zone, provided they are consistent with new requirements of the Proposed Scheme.
Submissions in relation to the Proposed Scheme can be made up until midnight Friday, 19 September 2025.
Development Applications and the Superseded Planning Scheme
It is important to note that in accordance with Section 29 of the Planning Act 2016, a person may ask a Council to assess a development application under the relevant superseded planning scheme. The request must be made within one (1) year of the date the relevant planning scheme amendment (or new planning scheme) taking effect.
Milne Legal can assist you in relation to your town planning and environmental law matters. If you 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.