Livingstone Planning Scheme 10-Year Review
Shaping Our Community
Livingstone Shire Council is currently reviewing the Livingstone Planning Scheme 2018, which has guided development since 1 May 2018. To ensure the scheme remains contemporary, Council has implemented several major and minor amendments in 2018, 2021, and 2025, updating key provisions, overlays, codes, and zones. Further updates are scheduled for 2026 following Ministerial approval of amendments to the Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP). These amendments will include critical updates to Part 4 and Schedule 3 as part of the requirement to undertake a comprehensive 5-year review process of the shires Infrastructure Plan.
Why are we reviewing the Planning Scheme?
Under the Planning Act 2016, all councils must review their planning schemes every 10 years. This review ensures our 25-year "master plan" stays current and follows the latest State Government guidelines.
Our Vision for the Shire
The planning scheme is the roadmap used to assess all new development applications. Our goal is to "get it right" by:
- Balancing Land Use: Ensuring enough space for housing, jobs, and industry.
- Enhancing Liveability: Creating vibrant green spaces and community hubs.
- Supporting Growth: Planning the infrastructure needed for a growing population.
- Protecting our Identity: Safeguarding our natural environment and heritage.
- Building Resilience: Strengthening our communities against natural disasters.
Project Status & Key Studies
Project Timeline
We are currently finalising the detailed project schedule. Once confirmed, a full list of milestones and key dates will be published here to keep the community informed.
Progress to Date
Council is currently conducting essential planning and environmental research. This data will form the basis of Policy Position Papers, which—once endorsed—will guide the formal Planning Scheme review.
Key Studies Underway
To ensure the 10-year review is backed by the latest data, we are updating the following strategies:
- Housing & Industry: Residential land needs, housing strategies, and industry growth.
- Environment & Landscape: Biodiversity reviews (MLES) and scenic amenity protections.
- Community & Lifestyle: Recreation, open space, and social infrastructure planning.
- Economy: Rural land studies and town centre strategies.
Additional Work
Beyond the above studies, Council is also performing:
- A "Gap Analysis": An independent review to ensure the 2018 Scheme is still fit for purpose.
- System Testing: Evaluating how the scheme functions day-to-day.
- Infrastructure Modelling: Planning for future demand and capacity.
- Building Heights: Reviewing height regulations across the Shire.
Alignment with State matters
All local government planning schemes in Queensland must consider and integrate state matters. The Planning Act 2016 requires schemes to reflect state and regional interests, specifically the State Planning Policy (SPP), which sets out matters like infrastructure, environmental hazards, and economic growth. The state government reviews and approves these plans to ensure consistency.
Key Aspects of Considering State Matters:
- State Planning Policy (SPP): This mandatory instrument covers state interests, and if a conflict arises, the SPP prevails over the local planning scheme.
- Regional Plans: Local schemes must align with statutory regional plans that guide growth.
- State Interest Review: Before a planning scheme is adopted, it undergoes a "state interest review" by the department to ensure compliance.
- Integration: Local governments are required to integrate state, regional, and local policies into a single planning instrument.
- Development Assessment: If a local scheme does not properly address a state interest, the SPP can be used directly for assessing development applications.
The state government plays a close, active role in the preparation and final approval of local planning schemes to ensure alignment with state-wide goals.
Reports
Council at its meeting on 3 February 2026 resolved to publish three reports that have been developed. These reports can be viewed below.
Centres Assessment report (Council resolution 3 February 2026)
In August 2024 council engaged AECOM and AEC to undertake a centres assessment. The work explored the demand for retail / commercial uses up to 2046, assessed the centres hierarchy in the planning scheme and has recommendations for council to consider in relation to centres hierarchy based on the findings of the assessment.
View the report(PDF, 6MB)
Industry Assessment report (Council resolution 3 February 2026)
In August 2024 council engaged AECOM and AEC to undertake an industry assessment. The work explored the demand for industrial land up to 2046, assessed the scheme provisions and land allocated for industrial uses in the planning scheme and has recommendations for council to consider based on the findings of the assessment.
View the report(PDF, 6MB)
Northern corridor Structure Plan and Network Analysis (Council resolution 3 February 2026)
The Northern Corridor Structure Plan study assesses the strategic need, development potential and feasibility of a 1,324 hectaare rural area (focus area) to help guide future policy directions for the Northern Corridor.
View the report(PDF, 17MB)
MLES Biodiversity Review
Work commenced in 2025 reviewing MLES values (Matters of Local Environmental Significance) in Emerging urban areas. This work is being undertaken by Denley Environmental (Melzer, A & Denley, I).
This work will refine mapped values and will play a significant role in the strategic identification of areas for growth moving forward.
The initial draft report is currently being reviewed.
Residential Land, Housing Needs Assessment and Livingstone Shire Housing Strategy (LSHS)
As one of the fastest growing council areas in Queensland, Council has commissioned PSA Consulting (Australia) Pty Ltd (PSA) to preparing a Housing Strategy to set a clear vision and direction for residential growth and housing outcomes across the region. The work is in collaboration with Bull and Bear Economics and PSA Infrastructure.
Council is preparing the Livingstone Shire Housing strategy (LSHS) to set a clear vision and direction for residential growth and housing outcomes across the region. The LSHS will be informed by an established and robust evidence base that will reinforce and support the development of vibrant and liveable communities by focusing on housing diversity and choice, increasing density and improving housing affordability.
The LSHS will inform a suite of Planning Scheme amendments, including integration of the recently adopted Temporary Local Planning Instrument 1/2025 – Housing Supply and Affordability Measures (TLPI), which will be used to support the 10-year review of the Livingstone Planning Scheme 2018. The advancement of the planning scheme amendments will address recommendations of the LSHS to support housing opportunities and embed the TLPI as approved by the Minister in May 2025.
Council has obtained State Government funding through the Scheme Supply Fund for the development of the LSHS, and as such the project is scheduled for completion by July 2027 as per the funding requirements.
Read the media release
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Planning Scheme?
The Livingstone Planning Scheme 2018 is a legal document that manages how land is used and developed in our Shire. It contains the zones, codes, and maps that Council uses to assess development applications and plan for future infrastructure.
Why are we doing a 10-year review?
Under thePlanning Act 2016, all Queensland councils are required to review their planning schemes every 10 years. This ensures the scheme remains aligned with current state legislation, regional growth trends, and our community’s evolving needs.
Does this mean the 2018 Scheme is being replaced?
The review will determine if the current scheme needs to be amended (updated in parts) or replaced entirely. Since 2018, we have already made several major and minor amendments to keep the document contemporary.
How will this affect my property or business?
The Planning Scheme determines what can be built on your land and what types of businesses can operate in your area. Any proposed changes to zoning or development codes during this review could impact future development opportunities.
What is the Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP)?
The LGIP is a key part of the scheme that plans for "trunk" infrastructure, such as major roads, parks, and water or sewer services. We are currently progressingLGIP amendmentsfor 2026 to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with regional growth.
How can I have my say?
Community input is a vital part of the review.Public consultationperiods will be announced as we reach key milestones. You will be able to view proposed changes online and make a formal submission for Council's consideration.
Stay Informed
As we complete research and draft new policy papers, we will publish them here for you to view. Your feedback is vital—community consultation will be a key part of this review process.
Should you have any questions please contact us on planningscheme@livingstone.qld.gov.au
Please register your interest via the above email to receive project updates and give feedback throughout the planning scheme project.