Council ‘toasts’ major planning scheme amendment

Major amendment 2 was a series of changes adopted by an ordinary meeting of council today, which will be consolidated to create new version 4.0 of the Mackay Region Planning Scheme.

It is the first large-scale general amendment since the start of the planning scheme in July 2017.

There has been consultation undertaken with the State Government and submitters on the proposed changes.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the changes relating to rural tourism and emerging industries like breweries and distilleries was especially important.

“Craft brewing alone is estimated to be worth upwards of $62 million per annum across Queensland and employing more than 1700 people,’’ Mayor Williamson said.

“Our region is well positioned to capitalise on these opportunities and to, in turn, strengthen our reputation for locally made products,’’ he said.

“We understand how important it is to facilitate these emerging industries through our planning scheme and the significant contribution they will make to liveability, tourism, business diversification and the economy.’’

Under the planning scheme, the level of assessment for a brewery or distillery will be either code assessable or impact assessable, depending on the zone and use.

“This provides greater certainty around requirements for such developments and can also make it easier to establish a brewery or distillery in suitable zones,’” Mayor Williamson said.

There is a new user guide for breweries and distilleries, as well as a guide for rural tourism (see attached).

Other changes to the planning scheme adopted today included minor and administrative amendments.

The amendments to the planning scheme, to create version 4.0, will be publicly available on council’s website, along with fact sheets and copies of the amendment.