With local planning for emerging community land at Elliott Heads now more than a decade old, Bundaberg Regional Council is seeking community feedback on a new Local Area Plan.
The current Planning Scheme designates a significant area of land at Elliott Heads in the Emerging Community zone, which has been earmarked to provide for the future growth of the Elliott Heads township.
A significant portion of this land is currently the subject of a preliminary approval for a master planned residential community.
Originally approved in August 2013 the development, known as South Beach Estate, provides for over 3000 dwellings, along with open space and commercial development to service the growing community.
In 2020 it became apparent that the preliminary approval and supporting infrastructure agreement for this estate-imposed obligations that made the development cost prohibitive.
The proposed Planning Scheme Policy for the Elliott Heads Local Area Plan features more contemporary land use and infrastructure planning for the Emerging Community zone that responds to changing development pressures.
Divisional representative Cr Carmen McEneany said the completion of this planning was imperative for the Elliott Heads community.
“Elliott Heads has many drawcards from its picturesque coastline and riverfront, a patrolled beach, family-friendly infrastructure, newly revitalised foreshore parkland and a primary school,” Cr McEneany said.
“But it currently lacks the necessary infrastructure to cater to anticipated growth.
“Our region has experienced rapid population growth in recent years and we know our coastal townships are much sought-after.
“We want to ensure growth and development can take place in a sustainable and logical manner with the appropriate infrastructure and services in place while protecting its existing features and the environment.
“Having this plan in place would provide certainty for the future of Elliott Heads for developers and residents alike.”
What is the Elliott Heads Local Area Plan?
The proposed Planning Scheme Policy for the Elliott Heads Local Plan Area provides additional guidance for the future development of land between Elliott Heads Road, Atkinsons Road, Shine Street, Welch Street, Moore Street, Saunders Street and the Elliott River foreshore in Elliott Heads.
It provides more detailed land use and infrastructure planning for development of the Emerging Community zone at Elliott Heads until the necessary amendments have been made to the planning scheme and local government infrastructure plan.
Ultimately, this further planning seeks to respond to ongoing development pressures, address site specific challenges and constraints, and provide certainty for residents, landowners, and developers, while working towards establishing a more contemporary and simpler planning framework for the local plan area.
Its purpose is to provide:
• additional guidance for development on land included in the Emerging community zone at Elliott Heads
• alternative outcomes acceptable to Council that satisfy the overall outcomes of the Central coastal urban growth area local plan code
• alternative outcomes acceptable to Council that satisfy the Desired standards of service nominated within the Local Government Infrastructure Plan
How to provide feedback
The community can view the proposed planning scheme policy and provide feedback on the project page.
Two drop-in sessions will be held in Elliott Heads Hall at 1 Lihs Street during the public consultation period.
Residents can speak with a planner to ask questions and provide feedback about the Elliott Heads Local Area Plan during the following times:
• Thursday 13 March 2025 – 3 pm to 6 pm
• Monday 17 March 2025 – 3 pm to 6 pm
The proposed policy and feedback form are also available at Council’s Development Counter at Level 6 of the Auswide Building, 16-20 Barolin Street, Bundaberg Central.
Feedback is open until Monday, 31 March 2025.
