Planning Scheme

A planning scheme is a legal document prepared under Queensland planning legislation. It sets the rules for how land, buildings and structures can be used and developed within the local government area. The planning scheme applies to all land in Hinchinbrook Shire.

The planning scheme helps ensure there is enough land for:

• housing;
• business and industry;
• community facilities;
• open space and recreation;

and that different land uses are located in appropriate areas to minimise offsite impacts and potential conflicts.

Hinchinbrook Shire Planning Scheme 2017

The Hinchinbrook Shire Planning Scheme 2017 is Council’s current planning scheme and has been in effect since 2 July 2018.

The planning scheme:

• has been prepared in accordance with the Planning Act 2016;
• guides assessment of development applications;
• works alongside Council’s Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP); and
• sets the long‑term planning direction for the Shire.

While the planning scheme looks ahead over the long term, it is reviewed and updated as required to respond to changes in legislation, population, infrastructure needs and community priorities.

The planning scheme applies to all land, roads, internal waterways, local government tidal areas and interrelates with surrounding local government areas. 

The planning scheme is made up of two key elements: a written component, and maps; these elements must be used in tandem. The written component of the Planning Scheme is made up of the following components:

Strategic framework

Provides the strategic direction for future development in the Hinchinbrook Shire.

Zones

Every property is located in a zone (such as residential, rural or industrial) which is designated land for a particular use.

Overlays

Overlays identify areas that have unique characteristics that require further planning consideration when a development is proposed, for example:

• natural hazards, such as flooding or bushfire risk;
• environmental or cultural values; and/or
• constraints on land use or development outcomes.

Assessment categories and tables

Which identifies if a development application is necessary, the level of assessment, the codes and other provisions the development may be assessed against.

Development codes

Sets assessment benchmarks for specific types of development, and the appropriate acceptable and performance outcomes. 

Local Government Infrastructure Plan

The Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) guides the planning and delivery of trunk infrastructure needed to support future growth. It identifies priority growth areas and plans for water, sewerage, stormwater, transport, parks, and community infrastructure networks.