These are draft project outputs (not Council policy) and will be subject to further refinement.

There will be future opportunities for community input over the next 1-2 years as projects within the Planning Scheme Review Project progress.

In the meantime, we welcome your ongoing feedback in relation to this project.

You can provide feedback via:            Email          Phone or in          Writing

To receive the latests news on this project click Follow Project on the Building Better Neighbourhood Project.

We welcome your feedback

Urban growth boundary: Implementation of an urban growth boundary, including hard outer urban footprint boundaries and softer internal boundaries for the exploration of more flexible densities. These boundaries should also allow for designated expansion and investigation areas to support medium to long term growth of the region, which will require further investigation by Council to ensure forward planning is in place should the need arise for additional land supply due to accelerated growth or suppressed yield realisation from current growth areas.

20-minute neighbourhood focus: Support increased densities in spatially defined areas in proximity to centres and public and active transport options. This could be demonstrated through an exemplar project facilitated by Council and/or on

Council or State-owned land, such as the Council Library and Admin site in Hervey Bay. The planning scheme review also provides the opportunity to address and incorporate best practice and context suitable provisions from the Model Code for Neighbourhood Design to help improve development and neighbourhood outcomes.

Design guidelines: Preparation and implementation of potentially local/community led design guidance that would explore and encourage diverse housing typologies that are of a high quality, meet accessible housing standards, and are designed to be responsive by demonstrating coastal and climate resilience. 

Policy controls/planning scheme review: Support mixed housing product and higher densities through planning scheme amendments including rezoning, changes to categories of assessment, revision to the overall outcomes of the zone intent, mandate of dwelling mix or density targets, or a housing diversity overlay.

Housing tenure mix: Encourage a greater mix of housing tenure including affordable and social housing, to meet the housing needs of lower socio-economic and vulnerable groups of the community. This should be explored further through public private partnerships and partnering with housing providers. Build to Rent (BTR) is also worth considering, particularly for its potential to provide suitable and affordable housing for key workers in the health, aged care and education sectors. Council could sponsor or coordinate a BTR proposal with the hospitals to serve key workers or explore the potential to engage with the State Government around a potential BTR pilot project.

Infrastructure delivery: Council should explore opportunities to establish infrastructure incentives including reduced infrastructure charges, reduced development fees or other incentives to support the delivery of particular typologies. Appropriate locations and conditions that would need to be met to be eligible for potential incentives and to ensure high quality outcomes would need to be developed.

Growth & Opportunities

Find the full report under Key Documents section on this page.