Proposed PDA development scheme amendment

Mackay Regional Council is proposing changes to the Mackay Waterfront PDA development scheme to improve the legibility and workability of the document. The proposed changes will ensure the PDA is attractive to development and investment and that the development scheme remains effective and contemporary. Amendments to the development scheme will ensure planning decisions continue to reflect principles and standards developed with community input.

The proposed amendment is following the amendment process required under the Economic Development Act 2012. In 2022, the proposed amendment was prepared and then underwent a state interest review.

What are the proposed changes?

The purpose and general effect of the proposed amendment is to:

• improve the ‘line of sight’ between the strategic framework and the PDA development requirements,
• improve the use of strategic framework in development assessment,
• improve the legibility and workability of development requirements, specifically:
  • built form, amenity, sustainability or precinct specific requirements,
  • inclusion of ‘notes’ to assist with interpretation of requirements,
  • align with the Mackay Region Planning Scheme 2017 requirements for consistency,
  • include a new sub-precinct in Precinct 5 to further delineate between the ‘up to 3 storey’ area and the ‘up to 5 storey and 8 storey’ area,
  • minor mapping changes to precinct framework plans to update existing elements,
• facilitate new opportunities to ensure the Mackay Waterfront PDA remains competitive and attractive to development, which align with recent amendments to the Mackay Region Planning Scheme 2017,
• ensure PDA accepted development categories are workable and align with other regulatory instruments,
• update the implementation strategy, and
• remove repetition or redundant content.

Amendment documents and information

• Proposed PDA development scheme amendment
• Factsheet – Summary of the amendment
• Factsheet - Proposed Changes in Precinct 1 (Mackay City Centre)
• Factsheet - Proposed Changes in Precinct 2 (Riverside)
• Factsheet - Proposed Changes in Precinct 3 (Enterprise)
• Factsheet - Proposed Changes in Precinct 4 (Queens Park)
• Factsheet - Proposed Changes in Precinct 5 (Beachside)
• Public notice – Public notification of proposed amendment

Public consultation

Public consultation for the proposed amendment has closed. The public consultation period was from September 4, 2023 to October 4, 2023. Council will now consider submissions received during the public consultation period.

Make an enquiry

Anyone in the community can make an enquiry about the proposed amendment to the Strategic Planning program through the following contact methods:

• Phone: 1300 (MACKAY) 622 529
• Email: strategic.planning@mackay.qld.gov.au
• In person: Front counter enquiry at the Mackay customer service centre, Gordon Street Mackay
• By appointment: book an appointment via strategic.planning@mackay.qld.gov.au

Register for updates

To stay informed about the PDA development scheme, including proposed amendments, and to receive other council planning and development updates, register to receive council’s Mackay Planning News.