The Sunshine Coast Council has deferred its decision on the adoption of the new planning scheme until it can meet with the Minister for Planning about the Halls Creek catchment.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said the state attached a condition to its approval of the planning scheme that would see Halls Creek considered for urban development.
“Council wants to sit down with the Minister for Planning to further discuss the implications of this condition,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Council is very conscious of the importance of getting the new planning scheme approved as it will provide certainty for investment, and add further momentum to our economy.
“This is why council will work with the state government to progress this issue as quickly as possible.
“Council undertook the most comprehensive community consultation ever seen in this region to develop the scheme.
“During those discussions the Sunshine Coast community made it clear it doesn’t want any urban development at Halls Creek.
“There is a very strong need to protect the Sunshine Coast-Moreton Bay regional inter-urban break as an important feature for South East Queensland.
“The more appropriate area for development opportunities lies between Beerwah to Caloundra South.
“The new planning scheme is years in the making, and will have flow-on effects for generations to come – it’s important we get it right.”
The decision to defer the adoption of the new Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme was made at today’s (Tuesday, March 25) Special Meeting of Council.