Council has opened public consultation on a new major amendment to the Rockhampton Region Planning Scheme, with feedback invited until Friday, 13 February.
The proposed amendment focuses on updates to Council's Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP), which guides how essential trunk infrastructure is planned and delivered to support future urban growth across the region.
Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said the proposed changes will keep the Planning Scheme practical and future‑proof the region's development framework with the latest available data.
"The LGIP plays a critical role in making sure infrastructure like roads, water, sewerage and parks are planned in a coordinated and sustainable way as our region grows," Cr Mathers said.
"This amendment updates population data, growth projections and development assumptions using the latest census and Queensland Government information, so our planning reflects current and future needs.
"Importantly, it also refines where Council prioritises infrastructure delivery, helping to manage financial risk while still supporting development.
"We're encouraging residents, landowners and the development industry to review the proposed changes and have their say during this consultation period."
Infrastructure Councillor Marika Taylor said the changes strengthen Council's approach to infrastructure planning while supporting quality development outcomes.
"Trunk infrastructure is the backbone of how our region grows - it's what supports new homes, new businesses, and new communities," Cr Taylor said.
"These updates ensure we are planning responsibly, using the best available data, and focusing investment where it is most needed.
"They also complement Council's ongoing investment in maintaining and renewing existing infrastructure across the region."
One of the key proposed changes is the removal of the stormwater network from the LGIP.
"As each development is now responsible for mitigating its own impacts, the need for Council-funded shared trunk stormwater solutions has been eliminated," Cr Taylor said.
"This is a much more efficient way to manage our stormwater networks and ensures that the cost of development is met by the development itself."
Cr Mathers said these updates also aim to improve clarity and consistency across the Planning Scheme.
"These amendments strengthen requirements around parks, landscaping and stormwater management, particularly for large greenfield and brownfield developments," Cr Mathers said.
"They also ensure our planning framework reflects best practice and provides clearer guidance for developers and the community."
The amendment proposes two key components:
- LGIP Amendment - Changes to Part 4 and Schedule 3 of the Planning Scheme.
- Planning Scheme Major Amendment – Additional changes outside of Part 4 and Schedule 3.
Key proposed changes include:
- Removal of the stormwater network from the LGIP;
- Reduction to the Priority Infrastructure Area (PIA);
- Updated development growth projections;
- Increase in minimum land size for regional sports parks to 15 hectares;
- Updated population data and development assumptions in the Strategic Framework;
- Replace reference to Olive Street as a major sport and recreation area in the Strategic Framework with the Rockhampton Sports Precinct at the CQU, currently undergoing master planning;
- Update Strategic Framework Map - Settlement Pattern (Rockhampton) to reflect above change; and
- Strengthen and clarify planning scheme codes and policies related to parks, landscape, and stormwater management to:
- Reflect the removal of the stormwater network from the LGIP;
- Ensure best practice outcomes in large greenfield and brownfield developments; and
- Improved clarity and consistency.
Public consultation is open now and will close at 5:00pm on Friday, 13 February 2026.
To view the amendment package and make a submission, visit Council's Engage page.
