Plan-making process

There are many steps in preparing a new planning scheme. Council has undertaken preliminary consultation and feedback received has helped inform the preparation of a proposed planning scheme for State Interest Review (Step 4).

* The plan making process is anticipated to take around four years to complete (noting that the timing of certain steps in the process, such as state interest reviews are not within council's control).

The process for preparing a new planning scheme is governed by the state Planning Act 2016 and associated Minister's guidelines and rules.

Completed and current steps

Step 1: Council decides to prepare a new planning scheme

In 2020, a review of the current planning scheme was undertaken. On 28 January 2021, council resolved to prepare a new planning scheme for the Sunshine Coast.

On 29 July 2021, council lodged a notice with the State Government outlining council’s proposal to make a planning scheme. On 25 August 2021, the State Government gave notice to council detailing the provisions, process and communications strategy that apply to preparing the new planning scheme.

Step 2: Preliminary consultation

Council undertook preliminary consultation on proposed region-wide and local planning directions for the Sunshine Coast in 2022.

Read the Preliminary consultation - summary and outcomes brochure for more information, or visit our Have your say website.

The preliminary consultation was a valuable first step in creating a new planning scheme that reflects the community’s vision for our region.

Step 3: Preparation of proposed planning scheme

Feedback received during preliminary consultation, together with other stakeholder engagement and the state, regional and local planning policy framework has helped inform the preparation of the proposed planning scheme. Refer to About the New Planning Scheme project for details.

Step 4: State Interest Review

In December 2023, Council submitted a proposed planning scheme to the State Government for State Interest Review.

State Interest Review is a mandatory process Council must follow when preparing a new planning scheme. Once this occurs, the proposed planning scheme can undergo public consultation (noting that the timing of the State interest Review process is outside of Council’s control).