Sunshine Coast Council has just released the updated draft of its new Planning Scheme, marking a major turning point for how this vibrant region will grow and develop all the way to 2046.

This isn’t just another council document, it’s a comprehensive blueprint that will shape neighbourhoods, business hubs, parks, infrastructure and property values for the next two decades. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, developer or simply passionate about the future of your suburb, these planning changes are likely to have a direct impact on you.

Here’s a quick look at why this matters

• New zoning rules could open up opportunities for subdivisions, duplexes or multi-dwelling projects
• Environmental overlays might affect how close you can build to creeks, reserves or wildlife corridors
• Clearer development guidelines will set out what can be built where and how easily approvals can be secured
• This is your official chance to provide feedback before the scheme becomes final
• Public submissions close on Friday, 19 September 2025

Why this new planning scheme matters

The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, and the Council has been under pressure to balance new housing, infrastructure needs and environmental protection. This new Planning Scheme replaces the older 2014 version and sets out a vision that stretches to 2046.

It does this by clearly laying out where different types of development can happen by zoning land for residential, rural, commercial, industrial or mixed uses,
what standards new buildings must meet, including height limits, setbacks, car parking, landscaping and signage,
which overlays apply, highlighting areas like flood risk zones, environmental corridors and heritage precincts that might impose extra requirements,
and the processes developers and homeowners must follow to get development applications approved.

It’s essentially the rulebook for what can be built where and how easily.

What’s changed, and why now?

This latest draft follows a detailed State Interest Review by the Queensland Government completed earlier this year, which checked that the Sunshine Coast’s plans aligned with broader state priorities like regional growth, infrastructure planning, affordable housing and environmental safeguards. Council then refined the draft to meet the State’s feedback. Now they’ve released the updated draft for formal public consultation. This means the community has another chance to review proposed zoning maps, development rules and overlays before they become final. With population forecasts and infrastructure plans pushing the region forward, this planning scheme is a critical step in making sure growth is managed smartly, but it also means some areas could change significantly in what can or can’t be done there.

What could this mean for your property or suburb?

For homeowners and investors, this scheme could influence whether your street stays largely low-density housing or opens up to more townhouses or duplexes. It could also determine if a nearby block is set for a new shopping hub or mixed-use development, how local roads will handle extra traffic, and where parks, bikeways and drainage improvements might be delivered. New overlays could affect how close you can build to creeks or koala corridors, or what extra reports you might need to lodge with a development application. Some areas may see greater development freedoms that could boost land value, while others might have tighter restrictions to protect local character or the environment.

How you can have your say

This public consultation phase is the formal opportunity for local residents, business owners, developers and visitors to weigh in. Whether you support the new scheme, have questions or concerns about how it might change your area, or want to suggest refinements, submissions can be lodged with Council until Friday, 19 September 2025. You can explore zoning maps, planning codes and overlay areas on the Council’s Have Your Say platform, then make an online submission. Even straightforward feedback, such as supporting new local business hubs to cut travel times, raising concerns about increased building heights, or pointing out drainage issues in your street, can influence final decisions.

Where Go To Town Planning fits in

At Go To Town Planning, we’re already carefully analysing the draft scheme and zoning shifts to help clients understand exactly what these changes mean for their property or future projects. If you’re thinking about subdividing, building a duplex, lodging a new development application or simply want to protect the value and use of your existing land, getting clarity now is essential. We can help you break down new zoning and overlays in plain English, identify opportunities or risks for your specific site, prepare informed and well-structured submissions to Council, and strategically plan future development proposals to align with these new rules.

The bottom line

The Sunshine Coast’s future is being mapped out right now. This new Planning Scheme will drive how suburbs evolve, where new shops and homes appear, what traffic looks like and how local environments are protected. Engaging with the process today gives you a chance to shape that future, safeguard your investment and position yourself for the opportunities ahead. If you’d like help understanding exactly what these proposed changes could mean for you, or want guidance on making a submission before the deadline.