The Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC) Planning Scheme is the rules based, set of statutory documents, funded by ratepayers and intended to inform residents, investors and developers of compliance expectations. It applies to all commercial and residential development. It's purpose is to regulate the way all land, buildings and structures are used and developed on the Sunshine Coast.
In January 2021 the Sunshine Coast Regional Council commenced the preparation of a new planning scheme for the region. The council sought commuity feedback during February and March 222 as part of its preliminary consultation. SRCS local residents have been encouraged to have their say in order to help shape the future of their region.
The coast corridor between Maroochydore and Caloundra can expect to undergo the most significant change. There will be more medium-rise buildings along the populated stretch and in suburbs like Currimundi and Battery Hill. Small hinterland towns, villages and areas like the Buderim plateau and north of the Maroochy River such as Coolum would undergo limited change or remain mostly unaffected. Nambour’s town hub and its hospital would be the focus of a move towards more low-medium density housing. The housing footprint will likely be expanded to the west and south-west of the town.
The new scheme is intended to be in place by 2024. The current scheme commenced in 2014.
All land in the state is included in a 'zone'. Each zone describes the use of land within that zone. The state provides three zones, low, medium and high density. The SCRC is the regulating body for development in its own governmental area. It is likely that the SCRC will add an additional zone type described as low to medium in the new plan. This will allow a level of zone creep over existing low density residential zones in some areas.
