From community consultation and planning scheme amendments to infrastructure charges and two new local area plans, 2025 was a busy year for growth and development in the Bundaberg Region.
Carefully balancing all these priorities was Council’s Land Use Planning and Development Assessment departments, with the team marking some major milestones and highlights throughout the year.
Projects delivered
Two new local area plans were delivered for emerging residential growth areas in Branyan and Elliott Heads.
In line with the Elliott Heads local area plan, the South Beach Estate master plan amendment was approved by Council to align with contemporary planning provisions.
A review of infrastructure charges saw the incorporation of development incentives in the scheme, aimed at attracting projects which would provide community benefit and support the region’s economy.
Our Stories, Our Places character and heritage grants program returned with a renewed focus and new guidelines that included eligibility for signage improvements.
Council also supported the delivery of a range of heritage related events as part of the Australian Heritage Festival.
Development Applications considered
The development assessment team actioned assessments large and small, including approval of the Coral Cove master planned community, a new car park for The Waves and a new over-50s lifestyle community on Telegraph Road.
Development Assessment key statistics:
- 380 development applications approved
- 231 requests for pre-lodgement meetings and advice
- 533 concurrence referrals
- 96 minor changes or extensions
- 110 plans of subdivision
- 1,114 plumbing applications
- 4,500 customer enquiries actioned
Committee consultations
Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee met four times and expanded its membership to eight to include four community members.
The Planning and Development Committee met 17 times, hosting many external proponents and consulting on planning policy.
Team milestones
Council’s Plumbing Team was recognised for 15 years of membership with Master Plumbers Association of Queensland at an end of year industry gathering attended by 11 local plumbing firms.
Regional Growth and Development Manager Michael Ellery was recognised for his significant career in planning and development when he was elevated to Fellow membership of the Planning Institute of Australia.
