Logan’s planning scheme is up for review, and a document which takes the city forward from 2025 – a document which will come in at a hefty $9 million.
“To develop a budget for the new planning scheme (Logan Plan 2025), council considered what input, output, research and activities would be required to prepare such a complex document over the coming years,” a spokesperson for council said.
Money is slated to buy the best available expertise in urban design, heritage, economics, flooding, transport modelling and legal along with online tools and website expertise.
There will be consultants and temporary staff to monitor the project as it develops.
The Queensland Government asks all councils to review planning schemes within 10 years and to determine whether to amend or replace them.
Logan’s population is growing so fast that our scheme will be brand spanking new.
Some of the things that might come from the overhaul include:
• New interactive online tools that can be accessed 24/7
• 3D models to help show different ideas for managing growth and development
• Various public forums/meet-the-planner sessions for the community to get involved and ask questions
Work over the next few years will focus on:
• Managing growth in existing and expanding areas. As the city grows quickly, these areas present different challenges
• Managing natural hazards such as flooding and steep slopes
• Protecting green spaces for future generations
• Improving the design of new buildings and streets
Deputy mayor Jon Raven said a new Planning Scheme was vital.
“More than 10,000 people are moving here every year and more and more businesses are setting up a base in our city,” Councillor Raven said.
“Managing our growth effectively is critical and the 2025 Planning Scheme will ensure that the necessary infrastructure and services are delivered when and where they’re needed.
“We want people to enjoy living and working in our city which is why we will be consulting extensively with the community over the next two years.”
Initial public consultation will include workshops, forums and advisory sessions. They start later this year.
“We want our community engagement on the new planning scheme to be fully inclusive and focussed on the best interests of the community, rather than particular individuals or groups,” Cr Raven said.
Formulating the new planning scheme will draw heavily on research which includes a Logan Housing Study and the Logan Employment Lands Strategy.
The old 2015 plan has undergone 30 amendments comprising of more than 320 items in the last six years.
As is the case with the existing planning scheme, the new scheme will not apply to the declared Priority Development Areas (PDA) at Yarrabilba and Greater Flagstone.
These PDAs will continue to be subject to their own development schemes under the Queensland Government’s Economic Development Act 2012.
