Planning and development in Queensland is governed by the Planning Act 2016 and the Planning Regulation 2017, which sets the framework for how development is assessed and approved.
Categories of Development
Under the Planning Act 2016, development falls into three categories. These categories help determine whether approval is required.
Prohibited Development
Development that is not permitted under the Planning Act 2016.
While prohibited development is a formal category under the Act, the Hinchinbrook Shire Planning Scheme 2017 does not explicitly identify or label development in this way. Instead, the Scheme regulates development through its own categories and assessment processes.
It is also important to note that some activities commonly considered “prohibited”—such as certain types of vegetation clearing—are primarily regulated by the Queensland Government under separate State legislation, rather than through Council’s planning scheme.
Accepted Development
Development that can occur without a development approval, provided it meets any applicable requirements or standards.
Assessable Development
Development that requires assessment and approval by Council and/or a triggered referral agency (such as the State Assessment Referral Agency).
This includes:
- Code assessable development – no public notification required; and
- Impact assessable development – public notification is required.
The planning scheme assessment tables determine the level of assessment that applies to a proposed development. Depending on the assessment category, different application requirements, supporting information, and assessment processes may apply.