Part 3 Strategic framework 1 Strategic framework Part 3 3 ...€¦ · Central Highlands Regional...

Central Highlands Regional Council Planning Scheme – Gazettal – March 2016

Contents of Part 3

Part 3 Strategic framework ................................................................................... 1

3.1 Preliminary..................................................................................................................13.2 Strategic intent ...........................................................................................................13.3 Settlement pattern theme ..........................................................................................4

3.3.1 Strategic outcomes .......................................................................................43.3.2 Element 1 – Towns and townships ...............................................................5

3.3.2.1 Specific outcomes .........................................................................53.3.3 Element 2 – Growth management and land use planning ...........................7

3.3.3.1 Specific outcomes .........................................................................73.3.3.2 Land use strategies .......................................................................8

3.3.4 Element 3 – Network of centres and places(Central Highlands place model)………………………………...8

3.3.4.1 Specific outcomes – Natural places ............................................103.3.4.2 Specific outcomes – Rural places ...............................................103.3.4.3 Specific outcomes – Townships ..................................................103.3.4.4 Specific outcomes – Rural residential neighbourhoods ..............113.3.4.5 Specific outcomes – Suburban neighbourhoods.........................123.3.4.6 Specific outcomes – Urban neighbourhoods ..............................133.3.4.7 Specific outcomes – Activity centres ...........................................143.3.4.8 Specific outcomes – Specific use places ....................................14

3.3.5 Element 4 – Sustainable urban design.......................................................143.3.5.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................14

3.3.6 Element 5 – Separation of incompatible uses ............................................153.3.6.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................15

3.3.7 Element 6 – Non-resident workforce accommodation................................153.3.7.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................153.3.7.2 Land use strategies .....................................................................16

3.3.8 Element 7 – Natural hazards ......................................................................163.3.8.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................16

3.4 Natural environment theme.....................................................................................183.4.1 Strategic outcomes .....................................................................................183.4.2 Element 1 – Biodiversity and ecosystem services......................................18

3.4.2.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................183.4.3 Element 2 – Natural waters ........................................................................20

3.4.3.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................203.4.4 Element 3 – Environmental health..............................................................20

3.4.4.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................203.5 Natural resources and landscape theme...............................................................22

3.5.1 Strategic outcomes .....................................................................................223.5.2 Element 1 – Scenic amenity .......................................................................22

3.5.2.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................223.5.3 Element 2 – Natural resource management...............................................23

3.5.3.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................233.6 Access and mobility theme.....................................................................................25

3.6.1 Strategic outcomes .....................................................................................253.6.2 Element 1 – Integrated transport system....................................................26

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3.6.2.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................263.6.3 Element 2 – Road network .........................................................................27

3.6.3.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................273.6.4 Element 3 – Air transport ............................................................................27

3.6.4.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................273.6.4.2 Land use strategies .....................................................................28

3.6.5 Element 4 – Rail network............................................................................283.6.5.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................28

3.6.6 Element 5 – Integrated land use and transport planning............................283.6.6.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................28

3.6.7 Element 6 – Equal access, opportunity and safety.....................................293.6.7.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................29

3.6.8 Element 7 – Cycleways and footpaths........................................................293.6.8.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................29

3.6.9 Element 8 – Stock routes............................................................................293.6.9.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................29

3.7 Infrastructure and services theme .........................................................................313.7.1 Strategic outcomes .....................................................................................313.7.2 Element 1 – Local government infrastructure plan .....................................34

3.7.2.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................343.7.3 Element 2 – Key infrastructure corridors ....................................................34

3.7.3.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................343.7.4 Element 3 – Integrated water management ...............................................35

3.7.4.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................353.7.5 Element 4 – Parks and open space............................................................36

3.7.5.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................363.7.6 Element 5 – Community land and social infrastructure ..............................37

3.7.6.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................373.7.7 Element 6 – Waste management and recycling .........................................37

3.7.7.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................373.7.8 Element 7 – Energy and telecommunications ............................................37

3.7.8.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................373.8 Economic development theme ...............................................................................39

3.8.1 Strategic outcomes .....................................................................................393.8.2 Element 1 – Hierarchy of activity centres ...................................................40

3.8.2.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................403.8.3 Element 2 – Industrial activities ..................................................................43

3.8.3.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................433.8.4 Element 3 – Knowledge based industry and education..............................44

3.8.4.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................443.8.5 Element 4 – Mineral resource industry .......................................................44

3.8.5.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................443.8.6 Element 5 – Rural industry .........................................................................44

3.8.6.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................443.8.7 Element 6 – Growing tourism industry........................................................45

3.8.7.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................453.9 Community identity and diversity theme...............................................................47

3.9.1 Strategic outcomes .....................................................................................47


3.9.2 Element 1 – Diverse, healthy and safe communities..................................473.9.2.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................47

3.9.3 Element 2 – Cultural heritage .....................................................................493.9.3.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................49

3.9.4 Element 3 – Social infrastructure................................................................493.9.4.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................49

3.9.5 Element 4 – Diverse and affordable housing..............................................503.9.5.1 Specific outcomes .......................................................................50

Figures in Part 3Figure 3.1 Central Highlands Transect Model (Concept)..........................................9

Maps in Part 3

Strategic Framework Map SFM-001a - Settlement Pattern –Hierarchy of Towns and Townships…………………..52

Strategic Framework Map SFM-001b - Settlement Pattern – Emerald................................... 53Strategic Framework Map SFM-001c - Settlement Pattern – Blackwater............................... 54Strategic Framework Map SFM-001d - Settlement Pattern – Springsure............................... 55Strategic Framework Map SFM-001e - Settlement Pattern – Capella .................................... 56Strategic Framework Map SFM-001f - Settlement pattern – Tieri........................................... 57Strategic Framework Map SFM-001g - Settlement Pattern – Gemfields ................................ 58Strategic Framework Map SFM-001h - Settlement Pattern – Townships ............................... 59Strategic Framework Map SFM-002 - Natural Environment ................................................... 60Strategic Framework Map SFM-003 - Natural Resources and Landscape............................. 61Strategic Framework Map SFM-004 - Access and Mobility .................................................... 62Strategic Framework Map SFM-005 - Infrastructure and Services ......................................... 63Strategic Framework Map SFM-006 - Economic Development .............................................. 64

Central Highlands Regional Council Planning Scheme - Gazettal – March 2016 Page 3-1

Part 3 Strategic framework3.1 Preliminary(1) The strategic framework sets the policy direction for the planning scheme and forms the basis for

ensuring appropriate development occurs within the planning scheme area for the life of theplanning scheme.

(2) For the purpose of describing the policy direction for the planning scheme, the strategicframework is structured in the following way:-

(a) the strategic intent;

(b) the following seven (7) themes that collectively represent the policy intent of the planningscheme:-

(i) Settlement pattern;

(ii) Natural environment;

(iii) Natural resources and landscape;

(iv) Access and mobility;

(v) Infrastructure and services;

(vi) Economic development;

(vii) Community identity and diversity;

(c) the strategic outcome(s) proposed for development in the planning scheme area for eachtheme;

(d) the element(s) that refine and further describe the strategic outcome(s);

(e) the specific outcomes sought for each, or a number of, elements;

(f) where applicable, the land use strategies for achieving these outcomes; and

(g) the inclusion of the following strategic framework maps in Part 3:-

(i) Settlement Pattern – Hierarchy of Towns and Townships;(ii) Settlement Pattern – Emerald;(iii) Settlement Pattern – Blackwater;(iv) Settlement Pattern – Springsure;(v) Settlement Pattern – Capella;(vi) Settlement pattern – Tieri;(vii) Settlement Pattern – Gemfields;(viii) Settlement Pattern – Townships;(ix) Natural Environment;(x) Natural Resources and Landscape;(xi) Access and Mobility;(xii) Infrastructure and Services;(xiii) Economic Development.

(3) Although each theme has its own section, the strategic framework in its entirety represents thepolicy intent for the planning scheme.

3.2 Strategic intentOverview

The long term vision for the Central Highlands region is to be renowned for its diversity,liveability, and prosperity -- the region we are proud to call home.


The Central Highlands boasts strong communities, a diverse economy, pristine landscapes, expandinginfrastructure, and a climate that offers a great lifestyle.

Our region spans an area of almost 60,000 square kilometres and is located near the Tropic ofCapricorn, covering a portion of the Bowen Basin coal reserve. Along with the rich mineral and sapphireproducing areas, the region has large and diverse agricultural and pastoral industries, which shape thecharacter of many communities within our region.

The Central Highlands is comprised of 13 unique communities and their surrounding rural areas. Theseare:-

(a) Arcadia Valley;(b) Bauhinia;(c) Blackwater;(d) Bluff;(e) Capella;(f) Comet;(g) Dingo (Karramara);(h) Duaringa (Apis Creek);(i) Emerald (Gindie and Fernlees);(j) Gemfields (Anakie, Bogantungan, Rubyvale, Sapphire, and Willows Gemfields);(k) Rolleston (Toprain);(l) Springsure (Buckland, Lochington, Orion, and Tresswell); and(m) Tieri.

Each community has its own history and identity as a town, township, mining community or rural enclavethat is characterised by its people, built form, surrounding environment and range of services andfacilities.

Central Highlands in 2031

In 2031, the Central Highlands population has grown to approximately 40,9001 persons. The pattern ofgrowth is planned with some communities experiencing pronounced population increases, and othersmaller centres with fewer services and amenities accommodating only modest growth.

This population growth and associated housing need is primarily accommodated in a mix of newsuburban and rural residential neighbourhoods and through infill of established residential areas withincreased density of housing focussed in areas proximate to services and amenities.

The Central Highlands is a prosperous and vibrant region, which has a diverse economy based on:-

(a) traditionally robust and resilient agricultural and horticulture sectors;(b) a globally competitive coal mining industry;(c) dynamic small and medium businesses;(d) professional and government sectors; and(e) a growing tourism market supported by major natural attractions such as the Carnarvon Gorge

and the Gemfields.

A range of retail, business, government, and community facilities and services are available within aclearly defined hierarchy of activity centres. Emerald is the Principal Activity Centre for the region,accommodating the greatest concentration and broadest range of services. Smaller concentrations ofretail, business, and community facilities and services are located in other towns and townships to meetpredominantly local convenience needs.

Natural environments in the Central Highlands are conserved in perpetuity in a well-planned,coordinated and regulated network of green space that excludes incompatible development andmaintains the integrity of natural values. The region also contains an abundance of natural resourcesand landscape features that are well managed, utilised and protected. These resources support theregion’s unique character and enable economic development through the sustainable use of mineraland agricultural assets.

1 Projected population (medium series), by local government area, Queensland, 2011 to 2036 (Source: QueenslandGovernment population projections, 2013 edition; Australian Bureau of Statistics, population by Age and Sex,Regions of Australia, 2012 (Cat.no. 3235.0)


Population growth, and the economic development of the region, supports a well-planned, coordinated,safe, and efficient network of infrastructure including transport, community facilities and land, potablewater, wastewater, stormwater, waste management, energy, and telecommunications infrastructure.

An efficient network of road, rail, active transport, public transport and aviation infrastructure, ensuresconnectivity and transport choice for the movement of people and freight to destinations within andoutside the Central Highlands.

Theme 1 – Settlement pattern


3.3 Settlement pattern theme3.3.1 Strategic outcomes

The strategic outcomes for the settlement pattern theme are the following:-

Towns and townships

(a) The settlement pattern of the Central Highlands is characterised by a diversity of towns andtownships within a landscape of productive agricultural land and rural areas and interspersed byareas rich in natural resources. Collectively, these towns and townships create a network ofdistinctive communities whose sense of identity and place is shaped by their relationship to thesurrounding rural and regional landscape.

Growth management and land use planning

(b) Urban and rural residential development is consolidated and contained within identified growthboundaries so as to:-

(i) ensure development occurs in an orderly and logical sequence to maximise the efficientprovision of infrastructure and services;

(ii) minimise the exposure of communities to natural hazards to an acceptable or tolerablelevel; and

(iii) preserve productive rural lands, resource areas, areas that contain Matters of StateEnvironmental Significance, and scenic values.

(c) Land use planning in the Central Highlands recognises the high level of competition for the useand development of land, and establishes a framework that supports the sustainable use ofrecognised ecological and economic resources.

(d) Future population growth and housing needs are accommodated through a mix of broadhectaredevelopment at suburban and rural residential densities, and infill development within existingresidential areas.

(e) Increased residential density is focused in close proximity to established services and amenitiesin towns including Emerald, Blackwater, Tieri, Springsure and Capella, and where appropriateurban infrastructure is available in townships including Bogantungan, Willows Gemfields, Anakie,Sapphire, Rubyvale, Comet, Bluff, Dingo, Duaringa, Rolleston and Bauhinia.

(f) Residential areas in towns and townships are comprised of a variety of housing types that meetthe diverse accommodation needs of the community, non-resident workforce, and visitors to theCentral Highlands.

Central Highlands place model

(g) Development and the pattern of settlement recognises and supports the following network ofcentres and places as defined by the Central Highlands Place Model:-

(i) Natural places;(ii) Rural places;(iii) Townships;(iv) Rural residential neighbourhoods;(v) Suburban neighbourhoods;(vi) Urban neighbourhoods;(vii) Activity centres; and(viii) Specific use places.

(h) Retail, business, government and community facilities and services are accommodated within adefined hierarchy of activity centres.

(i) Emerald, as the Principal Activity Centre, provides the greatest concentration and broadest rangeof services supporting the needs of the community, non-resident workforce, and visitors to theCentral Highlands.



(j) Smaller concentrations of retail, business and community facilities and services are located inother towns and townships to meet the convenience needs of the community, non-residentworkforce and visitors in their immediate catchments.

(k) The Major Activity Centre at Blackwater, and the District Activity Centres at Springsure andCapella, are supported by a network of smaller Local and Neighbourhood Activity Centreslocated throughout the region, each providing their own defined function and servicing thecommunities in which they are located.

Sustainable urban design

(l) Development provides a more sustainable lifestyle for the Central Highlands community byimplementing sustainable urban design and providing design features that are sympathetic to thelocal climate.

(m) Development design techniques reduce energy demand, support recycling and beneficial re-useof wastewater, and contribute to the achievement of affordability of living outcomes.

Separation of incompatible land uses

(n) Adequate buffers, separation distances or other suitable measures are provided to avoid ormitigate conflicts between incompatible land uses and development.

Non-resident workforce accommodation

(o) Non-resident workforce accommodation is only established where it can be demonstrated thatthere is a legitimate need and any adverse economic or social impacts can be avoided ormitigated.

(p) Non-resident workforce accommodation is appropriately designed and well-located to avoidadverse impacts and provide occupants with an adequate level of comfort and amenity.

Natural hazards

(q) The risk of, and the adverse impacts from, natural hazards (including flood, bushfire andlandslide) are avoided, minimised or mitigated to protect people and property and enhance thecommunity’s resilience to natural hazards.

3.3.2 Element 1 – Towns and townships

3.3.2.1 Specific outcomes

Towns

Note—‘towns’ in the Central Highlands include Emerald, Blackwater, Tieri, Capella and Springsure as identified onStrategic Framework Map SFM-001a. These are further defined by the Central Highlands Place Model (refer tosection 3.3.4) as containing a number of different ‘Places’ including:-

(i) Natural Places;(ii) Rural Places;(iii) Rural Residential Neighbourhoods;(iv) Suburban Neighbourhoods;(v) Urban Neighbourhoods;(vi) Activity Centres; and(vii) Specific Use Places.

(a) Towns in the Central Highlands are well planned and structured settlements that efficientlyaccommodate a broad range of urban land use activities. They generally comprise of a mix ofRural Residential, Suburban and Urban Neighbourhoods providing housing choice and diversityto their residents.

(b) Towns provide centres of activity that function as the focal point of higher order services andamenities which service the broader regional community as well as concentrations of businessand employment opportunities.

(c) Towns accommodate additional urban development in a logical and orderly manner, taking intoaccount infrastructure capacity and environmental constraints.



(d) Specific outcomes for Emerald:-

(i) Emerald is the largest population centre in the Central Highlands and is comprised of amix of Rural Residential, Suburban and Urban Neighbourhoods, Centres of Activity and aCBD within a compact urban form;

(ii) Emerald accommodates regionally significant health care facilities, business services,manufacturing and retail activities, education facilities, government services,entertainment and sporting facilities, and civic spaces;

(iii) a wide range of industrial services are accommodated in Emerald to service resourceactivity in the region and act as a complementary regional service hub and industrialcentre in conjunction with Blackwater;

(iv) a range of housing types that cater for specific community needs such as aged care,special needs, affordable and single occupant dwellings are provided in Emerald in wellserviced locations;

(v) future population growth is accommodated through a mix of infill and broadhectaredevelopment that is designed at a pedestrian scale around well located community andbusiness services and facilities;

(vi) broadhectare development in Emerald is accommodated in the Expansion Areasidentified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-001b; and

(vii) new or intensified residential development in areas that are subject to flooding inundationis limited so as not to increase the numbers of persons or property exposed to high levelsof risk.

(e) Specific outcomes for Blackwater:-

(i) Blackwater is comprised of a mix of Suburban Neighbourhoods and Centres of Activitywithin a compact urban form;

(ii) Blackwater functions as a regional service hub and industrial centre to service resourceactivity in the surrounding district;

(iii) future population growth is accommodated through a mix of infill and broadhectaredevelopment that is designed at a pedestrian scale around well located community andbusiness services and facilities;

(iv) development in the Blackwater Priority Development Area and the East BlackwaterPriority Development Area as shown on Strategic Framework Map SFM-001c is inaccordance with the Urban Development Area Development Scheme for the respectivearea.

Editor’s note— A priority development area (PDA) is a site declared by the state government to facilitate thedevelopment of land in Queensland for economic development or community purposes. Development in the PriorityDevelopment Areas of Blackwater and East Blackwater is assessed against the Blackwater UDA DevelopmentScheme or the East Blackwater UDA Development Scheme administered by Economic Development Queensland.

(f) Specific outcomes for Capella and Springsure:-

(i) Capella and Springsure are comprised of Rural Residential and SuburbanNeighbourhoods within a compact urban form, and provide a range of commercial,industrial, and community facilities and services that meet the needs of the towns and thesurrounding rural communities; and

(ii) population growth in Capella and Springsure is maintained at a lower level than inEmerald, and is accommodated in the Expansion Areas identified on StrategicFramework Map SFM-001d and Strategic Framework Map SFM-001e.

(g) Tieri maintains and, where possible, enhances its service role for permanent and non-residentemployees engaged at the nearby Oaky Creek Coal Mine.

Editor’s note—there are relatively few sites in Tieri in private ownership with the vast majority of the town subject tolong-term leases established by Xstrata Coal Queensland. These unusual circumstances are a key determiningfactor in the town’s development as any expansion beyond current leases will involve negotiation with the Stategovernment and any relevant Native Title parties.

Townships

Note—‘townships’ in the Central Highlands include Bogantungan, Willows Gemfields, Anakie, Sapphire, Rubyvale,Comet, Bluff, Dingo, Duaringa, Rolleston and Bauhinia as identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-001a.



(h) Townships in the Central Highlands are small population-based settlements that function as thefocal point of activity and services to the surrounding rural community. The role of townships toprovide local and sub-regional services to the broader rural community is reinforced.

(i) With relatively small populations, the level of access to urban services varies and is provided inaccordance with the service expectations for each township as identified in the LocalGovernment Infrastructure Plan.

(j) Townships are predominantly comprised of detached housing on larger lots structured around atraditional grid street pattern, and may include commercial activities and community services in amain street format.

(k) The Gemfields townships of Sapphire and Rubyvale have a unique form and layout ofdevelopment that emerges from the interaction between gem fossicking and mining activities andsupporting urban development and services. Development in Sapphire and Rubyvale is locatedand designed to maintain and protect the mining influenced landscape and character of thetownships.

(l) Small home based businesses within a township provide services to the surrounding ruralcommunity and are of a scale that does not impact on surrounding properties or detract from thetownship’s character.

3.3.3 Element 2 – Growth management and land use planning


(a) Development of towns and townships occurs as a compact urban form within a defined GrowthBoundary so as to:-

(i) promote urban consolidation and self-containment;(ii) minimise exposure to natural hazards such as flood and bushfire;(iii) reduce pressure on rural and natural resource rich lands and areas that contain Matters of

State Environmental Significance;(iv) preserves productive agricultural land for ongoing rural production activities; and(v) ensure the efficient provision of urban land and associated urban infrastructure and

services.

(b) Land within Growth Boundaries accommodates the land requirements to meet the CentralHighlands housing, employment and open space needs to 2031, based on contemporarypopulation, housing and employment projections.

(c) Increasing the development capacity of land within identified Growth Boundaries is prioritisedahead of expanding the spatial extent of the Growth Boundary to include additional land.

(d) The Growth Boundary for Emerald is not expanded any further west, particularly on land that isconstrained by flooding or accommodates part of the existing or planned irrigation network. Anyurban expansion proposed to the east of Emerald is contained to the identified urban areas, orotherwise complies with the principles for expanding Growth Boundaries as outlined in land usestrategy 3.3.3.2(b) below.

(e) Land within Growth Boundaries provides opportunity for:-

(i) a range of housing types and lot sizes to meet the changing lifestyle needs of residents.Such housing is provided at densities that are appropriate for the area and which promotea compact urban form; and

(ii) activity centres, employment areas and higher density residential development (e.g.development at 15-20 dwellings per hectare) located within close proximity to the activetransport network and capable of being provided with public transport.

(f) The majority of population growth and business expansion in the Central Highlands isaccommodated through infill and broadhectare development on allocated urban and ruralresidential land within the Growth Boundary.

(g) Broadhectare development is focused in Expansion Areas adjacent to existing urban areas, asidentified on Strategic Framework Maps SFM-001b to SFM-001h.



(h) Expansion Areas are developed in accordance with a master plan prepared and approved priorto commencement of development.

Note—the master plan requirements in the Planning Scheme reflect the specific outcomes throughout thisStrategic Framework, particularly those contained in the Settlement Pattern theme.

(i) Development avoids the establishment of incompatible land uses or fragmentation of identifiedExpansion Areas to ensure that their ability to accommodate urban growth is not compromised.

(j) Transport and land use are integrated to effectively promote a more compact urban form,particularly in Emerald.

(k) Development is located where physical and social infrastructure can be appropriately sequenced,funded and delivered.

(l) Land that contains a Matter of State Ecological Significance is maintained to ensure that it isavailable in perpetuity to provide its natural services supporting biodiversity and ecosystemservices.

(m) Agriculturally productive land is protected from fragmentation and encroachment by incompatibleland uses to ensure that it is available in perpetuity to support food and agricultural commodityproduction.

(n) Urban land is provided to accommodate population and employment growth supporting the longterm expansion of the Central Highlands community.

(o) Land with proven or potential mineral resource deposits is recognised as a valuable assetsupporting the region’s economic development.

3.3.3.2 Land use strategies

(a) Where necessary and appropriate, future adjustments to the Growth Boundary are undertaken toreflect improved information, correct anomalies, recognise constraints or accommodateadditional growth where the need for additional land can be demonstrated.

(b) In towns and townships, expansion of Growth Boundaries, or provision of urban uses on land notallocated for urban purposes, should only occur where:-

(i) the need for additional land can be demonstrated;(ii) the land is contiguous to an existing Growth Boundary and is not ‘out of sequence’ or

leapfrog development;(iii) the land is physically suitable, free of Matters of State Ecological Significance or

indigenous cultural significance and not subject to unacceptable risk from natural hazards;(iv) existing and committed infrastructure is maximised;(v) access to transport and essential urban services can be delivered; and(vi) access to services and employment is available.

(c) To ensure the logical and orderly development of towns and townships, any proposal to change aGrowth Boundary as identified on Strategic Framework Maps SFM-001b to SFM-001h is todemonstrate to Council’s satisfaction an overriding planning need. If this need is consequentiallysupported, the change to the Growth Boundary will be incorporated via an amendment to thePlanning Scheme.

(d) To ensure the logical and orderly growth of settlements, a planning study to identify medium andlong term strategies to accommodate future population growth, including the preferred urbanform (expansion of existing settlements and or new settlements), will be conducted by theCouncil post gazettal of the planning scheme. Where appropriate, the outcomes from thisplanning study will be incorporated in subsequent amendments to the planning scheme.

3.3.4 Element 3 – Network of centres and places (Central Highlandsplace model)

Note—all land in the Central Highlands has been categorised into a ‘Place’ type as described in Figure 3.1 (CentralHighlands Transect Model [Concept]). Each ‘Place’ has its own specific strategic planning outcome that is soughtfor its character, land use and development.



The Central Highlands Place Model conceptually defines both the spatial distribution of ‘Places’ (as identified on therelevant Strategic Framework Maps) as well as a vision for how these ‘Places’ will develop, look and function asunique environments that combine to create the local settlement pattern.

Figure 3.1 Central Highlands Transect Model (Concept)

SUBURBANNEIGHBOURHOOD



3.3.4.1 Specific outcomes – Natural places

(a) Natural Places are dominated by the natural environment. They perform essential functions asgreen space, ecological and landscape areas vital to protecting the region’s ecological assetsand biodiversity, and provide access to natural experiences and a landscape frame for otherplaces.

(b) Natural Places include National Parks and similar publicly owned, natural areas, together withsome privately owned land with similar attributes.

(c) Natural Places provide for low key activities that allow appropriate access for recreation andmaintenance.

(d) Development only occurs in Natural Places where protection of ecological and visual values isensured and potential impacts do not detract from the area’s environmental integrity andsignificance.

(e) Natural Places on privately owned land are protected from the encroachment of rural, resourceactivities or other activities that will detrimentally impact on the area’s environmental integrity andsignificance.

3.3.4.2 Specific outcomes – Rural places

(a) Rural Places are predominantly used for rural production ranging from less intense activities suchas cattle grazing to more intensive cropping and animal husbandry, intensive animal industries,intensive horticulture, extractive industry, forestry, and carbon sequestration.

(b) Rural Places provide for the protection of valuable agricultural land and its rural productionvalues through using best practice and sustainable farming and land management techniques.

(c) Development in Rural Places protects and maintains the function and viability of the NogoaMackenzie Water Supply Scheme and in particular the Fairbairn Dam, and the Selma andWeemah Channel Systems.

(d) Rural Places provide for traditional farm lifestyles, recognising that many residents have otheremployment off the farm.

(e) Rural Places contribute to the landscape setting of the Central Highlands and its urbancommunities located in other place types described below.

(f) Rural Places accommodate housing as dwelling houses on farm properties for those wholive/work on the land.

(g) Rural Places also provide opportunities for rural living, where residents live on large rural lots (butdo not necessarily use the land for any substantial rural production) and the residences andassociated structures do not negatively impact on the ongoing rural activities on adjoining rurallands.

(h) Non-resident workforce accommodation, when located in Rural Places, is situated:-

(i) At the preferred locations identified on the Strategic Framework Maps; or(ii) within close proximity to the project that the accommodation is intended to service.

3.3.4.3 Specific outcomes – Townships

(a) Development supports the logical, orderly and sustainable growth of the townships ofBogantungan, Willows Gemfields, Anakie, Sapphire, Rubyvale, Gindie, Comet, Bluff, Dingo,Duaringa, Rolleston and Bauhinia Downs as identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-001a.

(b) Any expansion of townships predominantly occurs at the following locations:-

(i) at Sapphire, in Expansion Area 3 as identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-001g;(ii) at Rubyvale, in Expansion Area 1 and Expansion Area 2 as identified on Strategic

Framework Map SFM-001g; and(iii) at Anakie, west of Anakie Sapphire Road.



(c) Townships are small settlements surrounded by Rural Places and provide mostly detachedhousing on larger lots.

(d) Townships may also accommodate other types of dwelling houses including dual occupancy,townhouses and apartments where in a low-rise, low density built form and able to provideappropriate on-site servicing and infrastructure.

(e) Townships are generally based on a robust, traditional grid street pattern, which is easy tonavigate.

(f) Any expansion of townships (except for Sapphire and Rubyvale) extends the existing grid patternto reflect the town’s historic character and urban structure.

(g) Except for Sapphire and Rubyvale, non-resident workforce accommodation in townships islocated in locations identified on the Strategic Framework Maps.

(h) Townships provide for small scale commercial, industrial and service activities to support the dayto day needs of the local community.

(i) Townships may provide a limited range of community facilities and services, such as schools andpublic open space to support the day to day needs of the local community.

(j) Townships are serviced by a limited range of infrastructure networks such as road access,potable water, energy and telecommunications. Townships are generally not serviced withwastewater collection and treatment infrastructure.

3.3.4.4 Specific outcomes – Rural residential neighbourhoods

(a) Existing Rural Residential Neighbourhoods are maintained in the towns of Emerald, Springsureand Capella as identified on Strategic Framework Maps SFM-001b, SFM-001d and SFM-001e.

(b) New Rural Residential Neighbourhoods are established in the following broadhectaredevelopment areas to ensure that demand for this type of housing product in the region can bemet:-

(i) at Emerald, in the following areas identified on Strategic Framework SFM-001b, where itcan be demonstrated essential servicing is provided and adequate separation fromneighbouring agricultural activities is achieved:-(A) Expansion Area 1 on Caringal Road;(B) Expansion Area 6 east of the Gregory Highway; and(C) Expansion Area 7 west of Pilot Farm Road.

(ii) at Capella, in the following areas identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-001e:-(A) Expansion Area 2 west of Rubyvale Capella Road and north of Bonney Doon

Road.(iii) at Springsure, in Expansion Areas 2 and 3 north of the Dawson Highway, as identified on

Strategic Framework Map SFM-001d.

(c) Rural Residential Neighbourhoods:-

(i) are contained within identified Growth Boundaries; and(ii) accommodate growth through a combination of infill and broadhectare development to

meet the population’s diverse housing needs.

(d) Rural Residential Neighbourhoods provide housing and lifestyle options where the communitycan reside in a low-rise, low density, park-like residential setting.

(e) Where Rural Residential Neighbourhoods are not serviced by all urban infrastructure andservices, residential uses are designed to be self-sufficient and serviced by appropriate on-siteinfrastructure.

(f) Rural Residential Neighbourhoods are based on a traditional grid street pattern, which is easy tonavigate. Any expansion of Rural Residential Neighbourhoods will extend the existing gridpattern.

(g) Development in Rural Residential Neighbourhoods typically comprises single detached dwellinghouses on large lots; however, secondary dwellings and dual occupancy uses may also be



established in a low-rise built form that does not dominate the park-like residential nature of thesurrounding environment.

(h) Non-resident workforce accommodation should not be established in Rural ResidentialNeighbourhoods, unless on a preferred site specifically identified for such purposes on theStrategic Framework Maps.

(i) Rural residential development does not occur in locations where it would compromise the abilityof the land to be potentially further subdivided for urban purposes if required in the future, unlessas part of a staged master-planned development in an emerging community zone.

(j) Rural residential development does not compromise the ability of Rural zoned land in proximity tothe development to be used for agricultural purposes.

(k) Development in allocated Rural Residential Neighbourhoods ensures the efficient delivery ofservices.

(l) Allocation of additional land for rural residential uses outside of the allocated urban areas willonly be considered where existing residential uses have established on fragmented rural landcontiguous to urban areas, and where such land:-

(i) is not subject to significant physical or environmental constraints; and(ii) can be provided with appropriate access and on-site water and sewerage services.

3.3.4.5 Specific outcomes – Suburban neighbourhoods

(a) Suburban Neighbourhoods are contained within identified Growth Boundaries.

(b) Suburban Neighbourhoods grow through a combination of infill development within establishedneighbourhoods and broadhectare development areas to meet the population’s diverse housingneeds.

(c) New Suburban Neighbourhoods are established in the following broadhectare developmentareas:-(i) at Emerald, in the following areas identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-001b:-

(A) in Expansion Area 3 east of Codenwarra Road where new residentialdevelopments will provide a mix of detached and attached dwellings, provided thatit can be demonstrated that geological constraints can be overcome and that safeaccess, essential servicing and connectivity to local services and facilities can beachieved;

(B) potentially in Expansion Area 4 to the north east of Codenwarra Road. Futuredevelopment of this area is, at this stage, only envisaged under a populationgrowth scenario and at a time when the majority (60%) of land supply inExpansion Area 3 has been developed; and

(C) in Expansion Area 5 east of the Gregory Highway and south of the CapricornHighway, and Expansion Area 8 north of Pilot Farm Road, provided that it can bedemonstrated that access, essential servicing and connectivity to local servicesand facilities can be achieved;

(ii) at Springsure, in the following area identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-001d:-(A) Expansion Area 1 southeast of the town on the southern side of the Dawson

Highway;(iii) at Capella, in the following area identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-001e:-

(A) Expansion Area 1 to the east of Burn Street (subject to demonstrating appropriatecapacity of local utilities to provide potable water);

(iv) at Anakie, west of Anakie-Sapphire Road.

(d) Infill development within established Suburban Neighbourhoods is focused in the followinglocations:-

(i) at Emerald, between Cunningham Drive and Campbell Ford Drive (subject to thepreparation of a structure plan that resolves the land use, access, servicing andsequencing of development).

(e) Suburban Neighbourhoods are designed and developed at a pedestrian scale and are supportedby a grid network of roads and pathways that provide good access to employment and services.



(f) Suburban Neighbourhoods provide for a choice of housing types, including dwelling houses, dualoccupancies, multiple dwellings (including row house and townhouses) and live-work buildings ina low-rise built form.

(g) Suburban Neighbourhood infill development optimises the use of residual vacant residential landin towns and townships to accommodate a mix of existing and new dwellings within a well-structured walkable neighbourhood form.

(h) New Suburban Neighbourhoods optimise the use of available urban land by providing a mix ofdwellings types within a well-structured and walkable neighbourhood form.

(i) An appropriate mix of dwelling types is provided in infill and broadhectare development areas torespond to the current supply mismatch of small and large dwellings. Increased density of smalldwellings is achieved in specifically allocated infill and broadhectare development areas that arewell-located with convenient access to services and facilities.

(j) Infill and broadhectare development supports the provision of special needs housing and housingfor the elderly in areas that are well-located with convenient access to services and facilities.

(k) Infill and broadhectare development supports the delivery of affordable small and large dwellingsto meet the housing needs of low income households.

(l) Infill and broadhectare development provides flexibility in building form to allow housing to adaptto the changing needs of households.

(m) Non-resident workforce accommodation is not established in Suburban Neighbourhoods, unlesson a preferred site specifically identified for such purposes on the Strategic Framework Maps.

3.3.4.6 Specific outcomes – Urban neighbourhoods

(a) Urban Neighbourhoods are contained within identified Growth Boundaries.

(b) Urban Neighbourhoods grow through a combination of infill and broadhectare development tomeet the population’s diverse housing needs.

(c) In Emerald, infill development occurs in Urban Neighbourhoods surrounding the Principal ActivityCentre north of the Capricorn Highway, east of Hospital Road and west of the Emerald Golf Clubas identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-001b.

(d) Infill development in these locations is permitted up to 7 storeys in height and comprisespredominately residential uses with development incorporating commercial and ground levelretail uses focussed along Egerton Street and Hospital Road.

(e) In Emerald, a new Urban Neighbourhood is established at Expansion Area 2 west of CodenwarraRoad, as identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-001b.

(f) Development up to 7 storeys in height may be permitted in this new Urban Neighbourhood whereit can be demonstrated that geological constraints can be overcome and safe access, essentialservicing and connectivity to local services and facilities can be achieved.

(g) Urban Neighbourhoods are higher density, walkable, mixed use areas and are designed anddeveloped at a pedestrian scale around a well-located centre that is supported by a network ofroads and pathways providing access to employment and services.

(h) Urban Neighbourhoods provide a range of housing types, including dwelling houses, dualoccupancies, multiple dwellings (including row houses, townhouses and apartment buildings) andlive-work buildings in a mid-rise built form.

(i) Urban Neighbourhoods optimise the use of finite urban land by consolidating intensive residentialdevelopment within or immediately adjacent to areas with access to a relatively high standard ofurban services and amenities.

(j) New Urban Neighbourhoods will emerge in identified infill development areas that optimise theuse of finite land resources by providing a mix of dwellings types within a well-structured andwalkable neighbourhood form.



3.3.4.7 Specific outcomes – Activity centres

(a) The settlement pattern supports and is consistent with the Central Highlands hierarchy of activitycentres identified conceptually on Strategic Framework Map SFM-006 and described in furtherdetail in the Economic Development Theme of the strategic framework.

(b) The Central Highlands hierarchy of activity centres comprises the following:-

(i) Principal Activity Centre – Emerald;(ii) Major Activity Centre – Emerald (Codenwarra Road area) and Blackwater;(iii) District Activity Centres – Springsure and Capella;(iv) Local Activity Centres – Tieri, Gemfields (Rubyvale and Sapphire), Rolleston;(v) Neighbourhood Activity Centres –Emerald (suburbs); and(vi) Specialised Activity Centre – Emerald and Capella.

(c) Activity Centres provide concentrations of commercial, retail and community activity that createemployment and provide essential services to local and regional economic catchments.

(d) Activity Centres are contained within identified Growth Boundaries.

(e) Activity Centres are provided through a combination of infill and broadhectare development tomeet the population’s commercial, retail and community service needs.

Editor’s note—the Economic Development Theme provides more detail of the role and function and specificoutcomes for each activity centre in the Central Highlands hierarchy of activity centres.

3.3.4.8 Specific outcomes – Specific use places

(a) Specific Use Places within the Central Highlands region, including those places identified onStrategic Framework Maps SFM-001a to SFM-001h, are acknowledged appropriately andprotected for the specific functions they perform.

(b) The Emerald Airport provides vital connectivity to destinations within and beyond the CentralHighlands for the transport of persons and goods and the gateway for tourists to the region. TheEmerald Airport is maintained as the primary entry and departure facility for the non-residentworkforce.

(c) The Emerald Hospital provides the greatest range of health care and supplementary communityservices to the Central Highlands region. Other hospitals located at Blackwater and Springsureperform a supporting role.

(d) Water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants, solid waste disposal and recycling facilitiessupport the basic urban function of towns and townships and are protected from theencroachment of incompatible uses.

(e) Commodity mining and gemstone fossicking activities of international significance take place atdiscreet locations across the Central Highlands, notably the Gemfields, including WillowsGemfields, Sapphire and Rubyvale.

(f) Development maintains the ongoing viability of commodity mining and gemstone fossickingactivities in the declared fossicking lands and declared fossicking areas of the Gemfields asidentified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-003.

3.3.5 Element 4 – Sustainable urban design


(a) Urban development, design and incorporated landscaping are sustainable and responsive to theclimatic conditions of Central Highlands.

(b) Road networks and block layouts are designed to provide for lot orientation that facilitates theconstruction of energy efficient buildings that respond to local climatic conditions

(c) Development is designed to provide adequate shading through structures and planting andnatural cooling through building design and orientation.



(d) Development encourages sustainable living with housing in close proximity to employment,community facilities and services supported by the provision of adequate infrastructure.

(e) Development implements principles of Water Sensitive Urban Design as a part of a total watercycle management system that maximises the utilisation of urban stormwater as a resource.

(f) The construction and operation of development manages the potential impact of urbanstormwater (in terms of both quality and quantity) and wastewater on receiving waterways.

3.3.6 Element 5 – Separation of incompatible uses


(a) Development which has the potential to have adverse noise, air, spray drift, hazardous materialhazardous chemical and/or odour impacts on established sensitive land uses is appropriatelymanaged to protect the health, wellbeing, amenity and safety of people.

(b) Where existing development commitments do not permit adequate separation distances to beprovided between incompatible land uses, appropriate mitigation measures are implemented tomanage the potential for impacts upon the sensitive receiver.

(c) Land used or intended to be used for industry and rural activities is protected from theencroachment of incompatible land uses and development.

(d) Urban development is consolidated within the Priority Living Area (PLA) identified in the CentralQueensland Regional Plan (October 2013) to maintain the sustainability and liveability of townsand townships.

(e) To the greatest extent possible, a 1km wide buffer distance is maintained between land identifiedas strategic cropping land (SCL) or potential SCL and land for urban development.

(f) Development maintains the statutory buffer requirements, setbacks, and separation distancesrequired by relevant State and Commonwealth legislation.

3.3.7 Element 6 – Non-resident workforce accommodationNote—Council acknowledges that there are circumstances such as remoteness, need, seasonal employment andlimited lifespan of projects which require that non-resident workforce accommodation be provided. Council supportswell designed and located non-resident workforce accommodation. However, these facilities will not be supportedwhere they are simply an alternative to development within the urban areas to accommodate the increasing demandfor accommodation of operational workers who need permanent accommodation solutions.


(a) Non-resident workforce accommodation:-

(i) is provided in response to a legitimate and demonstrated need;(ii) does not have a detrimental impact on the economy of the wider community; and(iii) demonstrates that it will not have a negative social impact.

(b) Non-resident workforce accommodation is located to avoid conflict with adjoining or nearby landuses, particularly those uses with specific operational requirements, and does not prejudice theorderly implementation of Council’s plans for growth.

(c) Preferred locations for non-resident workforce accommodation in areas in or close to towns andtownships are identified on the Strategic Framework Maps, at:-

(i) Emerald;(ii) Blackwater;(iii) Springsure;(iv) Capella;(v) Bluff;(vi) Dingo;(vii) Anakie;(viii) Comet;(ix) Rolleston; and



(x) Bauhinia.

(d) It is not intended that non-resident workforce accommodation will be provided in the Rubyvaleand Sapphire area.

(e) In rural areas other than referred to in (c) non-resident workforce accommodation is limited toaccommodation associated with the construction phase of projects and the provision of suchaccommodation does not extend to provide for the operational phase of those projects. In thisregard cessation of the use and the site’s closeout and rehabilitation will occur no later than 5years after the establishment of the use.

(f) Non-resident workforce accommodation located within or in close proximity to an urbansettlement:-

(i) has a high quality design that is consistent with the amenity and built form of itssurroundings; and

(ii) has either an adaptive re-use strategy or a close-out rehabilitation plan for thedevelopment site (to be implemented when the use ceases).

(g) Non-resident workforce accommodation in the form of relocatable modular buildings that do notmeet the specific outcome immediately above is located only on remote work sites.

(h) Non-resident workforce accommodation provides a safe and functional living environment for itsoccupants, taking into account the potential impact from surrounding land uses which mayadversely impact on amenity.

(i) Non-resident workforce accommodation ensures a high level of residential amenity for itsoccupants and achieves best practice emergency site management, water sensitive urbandesign, crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) and ecologically sustainabledesign.


(a) Ensure that sufficient land is provided in designated urban areas to accommodate the diverseneeds of and the anticipated expansion of the resource and agricultural sectors for the benefit ofthe wider community, whilst avoiding negative social impacts.

(b) The location of non-resident workforce accommodation on mine sites and infrastructureconstruction sites as an alternative to the locations identified on the Strategic Framework Maps ispotentially permitted where for the construction phase of a resource project and infrastructureprovision, environmental values and amenity protection considerations are appropriatelyaddressed and managed.

(c) Specific design standards for non-resident workforce accommodation are introduced whichrequire best practice outcomes having regard to the local environment and adaptive re-use orclose-out rehabilitation to prolong the life of the development.

3.3.8 Element 7 – Natural hazards


(a) Development incorporates best management practices to mitigate the adverse impacts of naturalhazards including flood, bushfires and landslide/erosion.

(b) Development protects and maintains the natural processes, landforms, and functions of the floodplain including the storage capacity and conveyance of flood waters, and does not contribute to aworsening of the severity or impact of flood events.

(c) The risk of loss of life and property due to the impact of flood, landslide or bushfire hazard isminimised through the incorporation of appropriate design and siting measures that mitigate thelevel of risk.

(d) Land that is subject to unacceptable levels of hazard due to flood, bushfire, and landslide is notmade available for further development for sensitive land uses.



(e) As far as reasonably practicable, community infrastructure is located and designed to functioneffectively during and immediately after natural hazard events.

(f) Development supports effective and efficient disaster management response actions, and doesnot unduly burden the recovery capacity and capability of emergency services and disastermanagement services to respond to natural hazard events.

Theme 2 – Natural environment


3.4 Natural environment theme3.4.1 Strategic outcomes

The strategic outcomes for the natural environment theme are the following:-

(a) Natural environments in the Central Highlands are conserved in perpetuity in a well-planned,coordinated, regulated and efficient network of green space that restricts incompatibledevelopment and maintains the integrity of natural values.

(b) The network of green space includes natural areas and accessible open space in private andpublic ownership and helps to define the character of the Central Highlands natural environment.

(c) The network of green space incorporates a variety of terrestrial and aquatic environmentsincluding National Parks, State Forests, strategic conservation areas, remnant vegetation,essential habitat, wildlife corridors, parklands (including sporting fields), waterways, wetlands andlandscape values.

(d) The terrestrial and aquatic environments that support the region’s biodiversity are:-

(i) protected from the impacts of incompatible development and activities; and(ii) physically connected, facilitating genetic exchange across flora and fauna species.

Editor’s note—the Central Highlands’ terrestrial and aquatic systems are mapped as Matters of StateEnvironmental Significance on the State Government’s State Planning Policy interactive mapping system.

(e) The quality of the natural environment, its assets, ecological processes and biodiversity valuesare conserved, enhanced or restored to maintain the integrity of an area that contains a Matter ofState Environmental Significance, its life supporting capacities, and contribution to biodiversity forpresent and future generations.

(f) Natural waters and Wetland Protection Areas in Great Barrier Reef catchments are maintained intheir natural state in perpetuity, protecting waterway health, biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Editor’s note—Strategic Framework Map SFM-002 identifies the Great Barrier Reef catchments within theCentral Highlands region, including:-(i) Lower Nogoa River / Theresa Creek Sub-basin;(ii) Upper Nogoa River Sub-basin;(iii) Comet River Sub-basin;(iv) Lower Dawson River Sub-basin;(v) Upper Dawson River Sub-basin; and(vi) Mackenzie River Sub-basin.

(g) The adverse impacts of urban, agricultural and natural resource developments upon the naturalenvironment are avoided, as far as reasonably practicable, and mitigated where the impacts ofsuch development cannot practicably be avoided.

(h) The health and amenity of the communities and natural environments of the Central Highlandsare protected and enhanced by applying high quality environmental health standards andsolutions.

(i) Risks to people, property, infrastructure and the environment from the potential adverse impactsof climate change are avoided or minimised.

3.4.2 Element 1 – Biodiversity and ecosystem services


Terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystems

(a) National Parks, essential habitats and other areas of intact remnant vegetation, as conceptuallyshown on Strategic Framework Map SFM-002, are protected as core harbours of terrestrialbiodiversity supporting the long term survival of a wide range of flora and fauna species.

(b) Areas of significant terrestrial biodiversity value are:-



(i) predominantly maintained in their natural state; and(ii) improved through the creation and rehabilitation of connecting corridors and buffer areas.

(c) The permanent loss of vegetation in areas of terrestrial biodiversity is avoided or mitigated wherethe impacts of land uses and development cannot practically be avoided.

Editor’s note—The State government may require offsets under the Environmental Offsets Act 2014. It ispreferred that offsets and other mitigation measures are located within an identified strategic corridor wherepracticable or other appropriate location as recommended by the Council.

(d) Uses and development promote the progressive rehabilitation of strategic corridors (conceptuallyidentified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-002) with native vegetation, and are the preferredlocations for the establishment of vegetation and carbon offsets.

Editor’s note— Strategic corridors connect core nodes of habitat and vegetation in National Parks, StateForests and areas of high biodiversity supporting the long term survival of native fauna and flora species.Strategic corridors may be held in a combination of private and public ownership.

(e) Strategic corridors and buffers are of sufficient width to provide for:-

(i) viable movement, foraging and shelter for fauna survival;(ii) minimisation of edge effects; and(iii) riparian corridors that maintain the hydrological functions of waterways.

(f) The impacts of land uses and infrastructure on natural corridors and links through urban and ruralareas are minimised through appropriate mitigation measures including the regulation of location,intensity and scale of proposed developments.

Aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems

(a) Wetlands, lakes, dams, rivers, tributaries and riparian areas are protected as core harbours ofaquatic biodiversity supporting the long term survival of a wide range of flora and fauna species.

(b) Areas of aquatic biodiversity are predominantly maintained in their natural state.

Editor’s note—the Central Highlands’ network of aquatic ecosystems comprises watercourses and wetlandsmapped as Matters of State Environmental Significance on the State Government’s State Planning Policyinteractive mapping system.

(c) Areas of significant aquatic biodiversity value are improved through the creation andrehabilitation of buffer areas and use of design elements to:-

(i) protect existing natural features and ecological processes;(ii) maintain the natural hydrologic behaviour of catchments; and(iii) protect water quality of surface and ground waters.

(d) Development avoids impacts on:-

(i) areas of significant aquatic biodiversity value including, but not limited to, Matters of StateEnvironmental Significance (Wetlands), and Wetland Protection Areas; and

(ii) the environmental values provided by aquatic ecosystems including habitat, irrigation,farm use, stock water, aquaculture, human consumption, recreation, industrial use andcultural and spiritual values.

(e) Development protects the natural function of the riverine floodplains throughout the region tomaintain the natural hydrological processes and function of the floodplain for flood waterconveyance and storage.

Ecosystem services

(a) The health and productivity of ecosystems is maintained, ensuring the benefit of the naturalprocesses they provide is available in perpetuity to support future generations.

(b) Land uses and development on or adjacent to land supporting an important ecosystem service islocated, designed, constructed and managed to avoid any adverse impacts on the identifiedvalue.



Note—in the context of the Central Highland’s region, important terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem servicesinclude:-(i) providing habitat, food sources, movement corridors, refuge and breeding grounds for all flora and

fauna species;(ii) supporting healthy waterways, as riparian vegetation maintains bank stability and provides a natural

filtration system for overland flows;(iii) maintaining air quality and sequestrating human induced carbon dioxide through the process of

photosynthesis;(iv) providing valuable water sources supporting all forms of life;(v) the filtering of water borne pollutants and nutrient loads, leading to the supply of clean water for

urban, rural and natural applications;(vi) flood mitigation; and(vii) providing aesthetic, spiritual and recreational values supporting the community’s wellbeing.

3.4.3 Element 2 – Natural waters


Great Barrier Reef catchments

(a) Development in or adjacent to a Wetland Protection Area (WPA) in Great Barrier Reefcatchments is planned, designed, constructed, and operated to prevent the loss or degradationof wetlands and their environmental values, or enhances these values.

Editor’s note—Strategic Framework Map SFM-002 identifies the Great Barrier Reef catchments within theCentral Highlands region, including:-(i) Lower Nogoa River / Theresa Creek Sub-basin;(ii) Upper Nogoa River Sub-basin;(iii) Comet River Sub-basin;(iv) Lower Dawson River Sub-basin;(v) Upper Dawson River Sub-basin; and(vi) Mackenzie River Sub-basin.

Waterways and wetlands

(b) Waterways and wetlands are maintained as healthy and productive aquatic ecosystems thatprovide habitat, food sources and breeding grounds for aquatic flora and fauna species.

(c) The riparian areas of major waterways and tributaries are protected to maintain bank stability andprovide bio-filtration for overland flows entering the waterways.

(d) Development, including high impact earthworks, is located outside Wetland Protection Areas(WPAs), Matters of State Environmental Significance (Wetlands), or high ecological significanceareas identified on the State Government’s Maps of Referrable Wetlands. Where that isunavoidable, development mitigates any adverse impacts.

Water quality

(e) Development, including community infrastructure, is planned, designed, constructed andoperated to manage stormwater and wastewater to protect environmental values and support theachievement of recognised water quality objectives and standards.

3.4.4 Element 3 – Environmental health


Air and noise quality

(a) A high quality of air and acoustic environments is maintained in urban and natural settings.

(b) The health, wellbeing, amenity and safety of communities and individuals are protected from theadverse impacts of air, noise and odour emissions.

(c) Development with the potential to cause environmental harm or nuisance as a result of air ornoise emissions is appropriately located, designed and managed.



(d) Land uses and development, including the following, that generate elevated air or acousticpollution are adequately separated from sensitive urban and natural receiving environments:-

(i) wastewater treatment and disposal facilities;(ii) solid waste transfer and landfill sites;(iii) Emerald Airport;(iv) Rail systems;(v) Natural resource activity;(vi) Industrial uses that involve hazardous materials or hazardous chemicals;(vii) coal loading facilities;(viii) intensive animal husbandry and intensive agriculture;(ix) major sport, recreation and entertainment facilities; and(x) State-controlled roads.

Note—the mitigation of air and acoustic pollutants may occur at the source or the receiving environment tomaintain acceptable standards of amenity for sensitive uses. Without duplicating the requirements of theEnvironmental Protection Act 1994, the Planning Scheme seeks to avoid and minimise potential air qualityand noise related impacts.

Pest and weed management

(e) Terrestrial and aquatic environments are managed to ensure the risk of invasion from pest andweed species is minimised.

(f) Pest and weed species are not introduced into the environment as a result of a new land use ordevelopment.

Climate change impacts

(g) Urban, agricultural and mining developments and infrastructure take appropriate account of, andare resilient to, the potential adverse impacts of climate change.

Salinity

(h) Development prevents an increase in soil salinity and, where located within a salinity affectedarea, is located, designed and constructed in a manner to mitigate the impacts of salinity uponthe development.

Geotechnical conditions

(i) Development is responsive to the geotechnical conditions of the development site and avoids ormanages potential impacts associated with construction on black soils and the disturbance ofAcid Sulfate Soils (ASS).

Theme 3 – Natural resources and landscape


3.5 Natural resources and landscape theme3.5.1 Strategic outcomes

The strategic outcomes for the natural resources and landscape theme are the following:-

(a) The scenic amenity values of natural and rural landscapes within the Central Highlands areprotected, maintained and enhanced for current and future generations, including CarnarvonGorge, Sandstone Belt and Gorges, Expedition Ranges, Blackdown Tablelands, Bedford Weir,Peak Downs district and Mount Zamia.

(b) Natural and rural landscape features are appropriately managed, utilised and protected to ensurethat the Central Highlands maintains its unique character and identity whilst also allowing itsnatural resources, such as mineral and agricultural assets, to be sustainably used and managed.

(c) Management and development practices reflect best practice methods for the sustainable use ofthe rich deposits of natural resources within the region, while encouraging new renewable andcleaner natural resources development.

(d) Key natural resources including biological, energy, extractive, land, air and water resources areprotected and sustainably managed to allow communities to meet present needs while notcompromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

(e) Use of land and its natural resources is undertaken in a way that does not cause an adverseimpact on the environment.

(f) Natural ecosystems and water resources are protected and conserved as critical elements to thesustainability of all activities in the Central Highlands region.

(g) Development in and adjacent to natural resource areas within Central Highlands is managed tofacilitate co-existence between traditional rural and agricultural pursuits and resource activitiesand avoid or otherwise mitigate negative impacts on the continued and future use of theseresource areas.

3.5.2 Element 1 – Scenic amenity


(a) Areas having high scenic amenity value are protected from land use and development with thepotential to cause significant adverse visual or other impacts on natural landscape values.

(b) Natural areas of high scenic amenity value are sustainably managed within the region andinclude:-

(i) rich, fertile soil for agricultural activity;(ii) waterways, wetlands and water bodies; and(iii) vegetated landscapes including National Parks, State Forests, open space reserves,

riparian corridors and remnant vegetation communities on private and public land.

(c) Development for urban purposes is not located within or directly adjacent to National Parks andother areas having high scenic amenity values, unless directly ancillary and appropriately relatedto the management, protection and enhancement of the area for conservation or tourism relateduses.

(d) The location of supporting land use activities that reinforce the natural and rural character remainancillary to the natural resource or feature it supports and results in no further fragmentation oflots.

(e) Significant intrusions on natural landscape values or resources, such as urban development andextractive industry are designed, located and operated to mitigate and reduce any negativeimpacts on scenic character and amenity.



(f) Areas of scenic amenity value in the Central Highlands are accessible and utilised as key tourismdestinations provided that development is designed and located to protect and enhance theinherent scenic amenity values.

3.5.3 Element 2 – Natural resource management


Agricultural and soil resources

(a) Important Agricultural Areas (IAAs) and Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) Class A and ClassB land as identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM003 is protected from incompatible urbanand rural residential development and remains available for productive and sustainableagricultural and rural activities, unless:-

(i) on the balance of social, economic and environmental considerations it is demonstratedthat the development is in the interests of the community; and

(ii) there is no alternative site suitable for the particular purpose.

(b) To help maintain the productive capacity of existing and potential future rural activities andminimise land use conflicts, effective buffers and/or separation distances are established andmaintained between Important Agricultural Areas (IAAs), Agricultural Land Classification (ALC)Class A and Class B land, and land allocated for urban and rural residential development.

(c) Further subdivision or fragmentation of Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) Class A and ClassB land is minimised to maintain viable farm sizes and to support the ability of landowners tocontinue rural pursuits.

(d) Land included in a Priority Agricultural Area (PAA), as identified in the Central QueenslandRegional Plan, gives land use priority to:-

(i) Priority Agricultural Land Uses (PALUs);(ii) agricultural land uses with significant infrastructure investment; and(iii) agricultural land uses that have the potential to be significantly adversely impacted by

resource activities and have limited scope to modify their agricultural practices inresponse to these impacts.

(e) The productive capacity of the Emerald Irrigation Area, Mackenzie River Big Bend Irrigation Areaand other irrigated areas along the Comet River, Nogoa River and Mackenzie River as identifiedon Strategic Framework Map SFM-003 is protected from fragmentation and the encroachmentof incompatible land use and development.

(f) Development is controlled and managed in a manner which provides for effective soilmanagement practices so as to ensure that significant soil values are protected and mitigateand/or prevent the following issues/problems from arising:-

(i) salinity;(ii) soil erosion and degradation;(iii) rising ground water table levels; and(iv) ground water contamination.

(g) Development is controlled and managed to provide for effective weed and pest management toensure the protection of agricultural assets and natural resources and prevent biosecurityhazards, particularly the introduction, spread or establishment of non-native weeds and pests.

Water catchment resources

(a) Water supply catchments, including the catchment for Fairbairn Dam as identified on StrategicFramework Map SFM-003, are protected from encroachment by incompatible land use activitiesto ensure the quality and safe supply of water to meet the needs of the current population andfuture generations.

(b) Development protects and maintains the waterways and catchments which form an integral partof the unique landscape, and which provide water for environmental biodiversity and agriculturaland rural activities, production and products.



(c) Groundwater resources are protected from the adverse impacts of land use and development toensure a sustainable, safe and equitable supply of water that balances ecological function withthe needs of the community.

(d) Development is designed, operated and managed to ensure wastewater discharges have noadverse impacts on the water quality or environmental values of receiving waterways.

Mineral and extractive resources

(a) Key Resource Areas (including transport routes) at Bedford Weir, Shepton, Springsure, andTolmies Creek, as identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-003, are protected frominappropriate land uses and development that has the potential to prevent or severely constraincurrent or future extraction activities when the need for the resource arises.

(b) Extractive industry activities not located within a Key Resource Area:-(i) are compatible with ongoing rural production on the same site or any adjoining sites;(ii) are located, designed and operated to protect and maintain the amenity and

environmental values of surrounding development; and(iii) protect the safe and efficient functioning of the surrounding road network.

(c) Development for urban purposes is located within a Priority Living Area (PLA) identified under theCentral Queensland Regional Plan to ensure the continuing productivity, capability, and potentialof the mining industry is not detrimentally impacted.

(d) The economic benefits of extracting deposits of non-renewable resources and minerals fromwithin the region are balanced against:-

(i) socio-economic and environmental impacts; and(ii) the long term sustainable use of the land for non-extractive renewable activities and

agricultural or pastoral uses.

(e) Development within the Bowen Basin, as identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-003, isappropriately designed and located to maximise opportunities for co-existence between mineral,petroleum and coal resource development and other land uses and sensitive environments.

(f) Development in the declared fossicking lands and declared fossicking areas of the Gemfields, asidentified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-003, is compatible with the continuing use of theland for gem fossicking activities.

Forestry

(a) Forestry resources are utilised in an efficient and sustainable manner and are protected fromincompatible development which may compromise the future use of these resources and theircontribution to the Central Highland’s economy.

(b) Timber processing industries are predominantly located within and adjacent to existing timberindustrial activities in Dingo where compatible with the scale and amenity of surrounding urban orrural development and natural values. Timber processing and stockpiling activities in other areasmay be appropriate where they support economic diversification and resilience and do notcompromise the environmental and amenity values of surrounding land uses.

(c) Sustainable farm forestry practices may be established on rural landholdings.

Theme 4 – Access and mobility


3.6 Access and mobility theme3.6.1 Strategic outcomes

The strategic outcomes for the access and mobility theme are the following:-

Integrated transport system

(a) The Central Highlands is serviced by a sustainable integrated transport system that provides aneffective network of State-controlled and local roads, rail, air and active transport connections forthe safe and efficient movement of people and freight within and beyond the region. Thetransportation options available ensure the continuity of strong and resilient communities withinthe region, by providing connection and mobility for all.

(b) Access, mobility and connectivity within and through the Central Highlands is enhanced andimproved via the integration and appropriate location of transport infrastructure that caters for alltransportation modes, where required, including:-

(i) private vehicles and road network;(ii) active transport network including local streets, walking and cycling pathways and end of

trip facilities;(iii) freight movement corridors;(iv) aviation (particularly Emerald Airport);(v) heavy rail; and(vi) public transport (bus network);

(c) Urban development is supported by the transport infrastructure that is required to meet thecommunity’s needs in a timely and cost efficient manner.

Road network

(d) The Central Highlands road network comprises:-

(i) characteristic unsealed rural roads that effectively link rural residents to key transportroutes that provide access to essential community facilities and services for theseresidents;

(ii) a network of sealed rural and urban roads that support the needs of the community andthe functions of freight, passenger transport and active transport;

(iii) higher order arterial roads that support significant inter-regional and intra-regional vehiclemovements for freight and people and connections, including Capricorn Highway, GregoryHighway, Dawson Highway, Carnarvon Highway, Dawson Developmental Road, FitzroyDevelopmental Road and Rubyvale-Capella Road;

(iv) local roads that provide for local movements and connections to the greater regional roadnetwork thus enhancing the level of accessibility and mobility for neighbourhoods andrural areas; and

(v) roads which retain the unique character elements within the region throughcomprehensive landscaping and street design.

Air transport

(e) Development protects the safety and efficiency of airports and aviation facilities within the CentralHighlands.

(f) Options to expand Emerald Airport, as the main aviation facility servicing the region, areaccommodated, including provision of an additional runway or extension to the existing runway.These improvements provide greater opportunities for access into and out of the region forresidents, visitors and workers.

Rail network

(g) The rail network is enhanced and protected in recognition of the critical role that the networkplays within the Central Highlands in terms of economic prosperity and diversity, access,connectivity and tourism.



(h) The Central Highlands rail network provides for efficient passenger and freight (ruralcommodities, goods and mining exports) connections to Rockhampton, linking key centres withinthe region, such as Emerald, Duaringa, Blackwater and Capella to the east coast.

Integrated land use and transport planning

(i) Development is supported by transport infrastructure that is required to meet the access andmobility requirements of the community and businesses in the Central Highlands. Thesuccessful integration of land use and transport planning encourages:-

(i) effective use of existing, planned and future infrastructure;(ii) effective use of appropriate land with good access to transport services and infrastructure;

and(iii) appropriate levels of built form in terms of densities and activity types, with regards to the

location and access to and availability of transport services.

(j) Development supports and protects key transport infrastructure corridors which provide the vitalconnections and links between residents and destinations.

Equal access, opportunity and safety

(k) Transport infrastructure in the Central Highlands supports increased levels of communityparticipation and maximises the public’s use of facilities and services by ensuring safe andequitable access opportunities are available for all residents and visitors regardless of theirphysical or financial abilities.

(l) Development incorporates safe evacuation routes and provides for high levels of access foremergency services during and immediately following a natural hazard event such as flood orbushfire.

Active transport

(m) An efficient and effective active transport network is established that:-

(i) provides connectivity to key destinations within towns and townships across the CentralHighlands;

(ii) provides an accessible, safe and convenient alternate travel option for persons without orchoosing not to travel by personal vehicle or public transport;

(iii) responds to the local climate through provision of shading and other amenities such asseating and water fountains; and

(iv) encourages an active lifestyle for residents of and visitors to Central Highlands.

Stock routes

(n) Stock routes within the Central Highlands are protected from inappropriate development within oradjoining the stock route.

3.6.2 Element 1 – Integrated transport system


(a) Activity centres and other place types within the region are accessible and supported by a highlyintegrated transport network, including active and public transport, that provide connections toother activity centres, key business areas, and trip generators within and outside the region.

(b) Key transport networks and facilities including State-controlled and local roads, rail and airports,as identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-004, are protected from encroachment byincompatible land use and development.

(c) Effective transport connections between existing and planned areas of economic activity withinthe region are provided and maintained.

(d) A network of interconnected streets and transport systems make it easy for people to get aroundand connect with others within the community.



(e) Integrated infrastructure and services across all modes of transport within the region creates aninterconnected and coordinated public transport system.

(f) Public transport infrastructure is integrated within residential and activity centre developmentsthat generate significant vehicular movements.

(g) Capacity to accommodate public transport infrastructure is provided in the trunk transportnetwork.

(h) New transport corridors are planned and designed to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts uponareas that contain a Matter of State Environmental Significance and conservation corridors.

3.6.3 Element 2 – Road network


(a) The Central Highlands’ road network reinforces the distribution of urban land uses and growthestablished by the Settlement Pattern.

Note—major elements of the Central Highlands road network are identified on Strategic Framework MapSFM-004.

(b) Development supports and appropriately connects to the Central Highlands’ road network tofacilitate the safe and efficient movement of people and goods by road within and beyond theregion.

(c) Development maintains the operational integrity, safety, efficiency and, where applicable, futureupgrading of the road network.

3.6.4 Element 3 – Air transport


(a) A network of public and private airports and airstrips, as identified on Strategic Framework MapSFM-004, is maintained and enhanced to facilitate intra-regional aviation services to residents,visitors and business across the Central Highlands.

(b) The function of public and private airports and airstrips is enhanced through the provision ofhangers or other ancillary built forms.

(c) Land in public and private airports and airstrips is used and developed for aviation relatedactivities, including facilitating aerial spraying, mustering, and other aviation activities associatedwith agricultural activities.

(d) The function of airports, airstrips and aviation facilities within the Central Highlands is protectedfrom encroachment of development that could directly or indirectly undermine safety oroperational efficiency.

Emerald airport

(e) Emerald Airport reinforces its role as the Central Highlands’ primary airport and passengerterminal servicing the inter-regional aviation requirements of residents, visitors and businesses.

(f) Emerald Airport’s function is supported by a carpark, hangers, warehouses, fuel depots, and apassenger terminal that incorporates a range of complementary business and personal services.

(g) Provision is made for the future expansion of Emerald Airport so that it may service theanticipated increase in air traffic utilising the airport.

(h) Land in Emerald Airport is used and developed for regional aviation related activities

(i) Land use and development surrounding Emerald Airport:-

(i) is compatible with its operational, servicing and safety requirements; and



(ii) does not increase the number of people living, working, congregating or attendingeducation establishments, hospitals or public buildings on land subject to unacceptablenoise levels.


(a) Preparation and implementation of an Emerald Airport master plan includes strategic acquisitionof surrounding land for compatible uses that will provide a buffer to nearby residential uses.Compatible transport hub related uses can include utilities and industrial and associatedcommercial activities such as freight and hire car facilities.

3.6.5 Element 4 – Rail network


(a) The Central Highlands’ rail network, as identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-004, andassociated infrastructure is enhanced and protected from encroachment by incompatibledevelopment.

(b) The Blackwater and Goonyella rail systems are protected as a key infrastructure corridorsfacilitating economic development in the Central Highlands.

(c) Significant rail-related infrastructure is located proximate to existing and planned future railinfrastructure.

(d) The development of new commodity loading facilities and other non-passenger rail relatedinfrastructures are located outside urban areas (including within Special Industry Areas orlocations that have been the subject of specific Environmental Impact Statement processes) andare appropriately separated from sensitive land uses to minimise adverse amenity impacts.

(e) Significant rail-related facilities and industries are generally located in strategic locations whichprovide high levels of access between mines and road freight routes.

(f) The Spirit of the Outback rail tourist route is maintained and promoted as a key tourist attractionwithin the region, connecting to other destinations such as Longreach.

3.6.6 Element 5 – Integrated land use and transport planning


(a) Development optimises the use of existing resources and infrastructure.

(b) Development ensures existing transport facilities retain their function and planned capacity, andpreserves corridors for future transport facilities and opportunities.

(c) The location, density and design of development is matched with transport routes and services toensure efficiency, connectivity and amenity.

(d) Freight routes and industrial land use and development are co-located in a way which ensuresthe safe transport of bulky and dangerous goods and the maintenance of the health and safety ofthe community.

(e) The existing and future transport system supports future sustainable urban developmentincluding higher density urban residential development.

(f) New transport networks are delivered to support the planned sequence of development at infilland broadhectare areas across the Central Highlands.

(g) The intensification of urban development occurs at locations that are supported by a completerange of access and mobility options.



3.6.7 Element 6 – Equal access, opportunity and safety


(a) Urban environments are serviced by a transport system that ensures communities within theregion remain connected in times of emergencies and natural disasters (e.g. flooding), withtransport networks providing for effective disaster response and recovery through provision ofsafe evacuation routes, access for emergency services, and the ongoing supply of essentialgoods and services.

(b) The transport system and its surroundings are designed in a manner that enhances safety andsecurity for people and their property, including those who use public transport, walk, cycle orhave restricted ability.

(c) Urban environments, active transport networks and public transport facilities adopt principles forcrime prevention through environmental design.

(d) Development and infrastructure design is of an appropriate standard and helps to ensure that thetransport system provides fair and equitable access for all, including those people or groups insociety that are disadvantaged in mobility.

3.6.8 Element 7 – Cycleways and footpaths


(a) Development supports and contributes to the provision of a safe, convenient, connected andlegible active transport network that is comprised of a hierarchy of infrastructure including:-

(i) footpaths – providing for pedestrian and cyclist mobility in activity centres and urban andsuburban neighbourhoods;

(ii) on street cycle lanes – providing for cyclist mobility on select urban streets in urban andsuburban neighbourhoods; and

(iii) pathways – providing for pedestrian and cyclist mobility in sport and recreation parks.

(b) The active transport network provides a viable alternative to individual car-based travel for shortdistance trips between residential areas, activity centres, public open spaces and communityfacilities and services.

(c) Development provides for a public realm that is highly permeable and walkable, with directaccess to open space, sport and recreation by on or off-road pedestrian and cycle pathways.

(d) Pedestrian and cycle pathways incorporate natural shade, seating, signage and water.

(e) Major commercial / office developments provide sufficient bike storage, employee showers andchange rooms.

(f) In urban areas:-

(i) new urban development contributes to the provision of off-road pedestrian and cyclepathways; and

(ii) end-of-trip facilities are provided on key pedestrian and cycle pathways to encourageresidents to utilise active transport as part of their daily routine.

3.6.9 Element 8 – Stock routes


(g) The network of stock routes in the Central Highlands, as identified on Strategic Framework MapSFM-004, is protected to facilitate the seasonal movement of stock as an alternative to truckingand other motorised transport methods.

(h) Land use activities and development:-



(i) maintains the long term accessibility and viability of stock routes allowing for them to beutilised for the movement of stock without undue restriction; and

(ii) does not restrict access to stock route water facilities where an agreement to use thefacilities is in place.

Theme 5 – Infrastructure and services


3.7 Infrastructure and services theme3.7.1 Strategic outcomes

The strategic outcomes for the infrastructure and services theme are the following:-

General

(a) The Central Highlands has a well-planned, coordinated, safe and efficient network ofinfrastructure that supports community and business development, including the provision ofcommunity facilities and land, potable water, wastewater, stormwater, waste management,transport, and energy and telecommunications infrastructure.

Editor’s note—strategic outcomes and specific outcomes for transport infrastructure and services areincluded in the Access and mobility theme.

(b) Infrastructure and services are well maintained and underpin the social, economic andenvironmental prosperity of the region.

(c) Infrastructure and emergency service facilities are located and designed so that they are notsusceptible, or have a low level of susceptibility to, natural hazard events so that they are able toprovide support to the community during such events.

(d) Infrastructure and services are located and designed to be provided to communities in a timely,economical and efficient manner in order to consolidate the planned and desired urban form andsupport community needs.

(e) The provision of infrastructure in urban expansion areas and infill or redevelopment areas isprovided in advance of, or at the time of, the new development.

(f) As far as reasonably practicable, community and critical infrastructure is located and designed tofunction effectively during and immediately after natural hazard events.

Local government infrastructure plan

(g) Land use and development is planned to integrate with the provision of State and localinfrastructure and is complemented by a Local Government Infrastructure Plan to ensure that thecosts of infrastructure required to support growth in the Central Highlands is met.

Key infrastructure corridors

(h) Key infrastructure corridors:-

(i) accommodate linear infrastructure items and ancillary facilities that support populationand economic growth in the Central Highlands;

(ii) are protected from intrusion by incompatible land use and development; and(iii) where practical, accommodate multiple linear infrastructures and ancillary facilities

through co-location so as to maximise the efficient use of designated corridors andminimise the fragmentation of landscapes and properties which corridors traverse.

Integrated water management

(i) The availability and quality of water for natural, rural and urban purposes is maintained inperpetuity through the integration of sustainable water management infrastructure thatrecognises and responds to the total water cycle.

(j) Potable water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure networks are integrated to reduce theimpacts of land use and development on the water cycle through:-

(i) reductions in overall potable water demand and use;(ii) minimising wastewater generation;(iii) incorporating water reuse infrastructure to maximise recycling opportunities; and



(iv) protecting environmental values by improving stormwater quality and reducing runoffentering natural water bodies.

Parks and open space

(k) The parks and open space network accommodates and supports a range of values and functionsincluding social, environmental, economic, cultural, scenic amenity, historical, recreational, sport,access and connectivity corridors and floodway management.

(l) Parks are planned as part of a broader greenspace network that incorporates conservationareas, fauna movement corridors, vegetated nodes, waterways and wetlands. Where practicable,parks contribute as network linkages, buffers to sensitive ecological values and corridorrehabilitation areas. Planning for open space and recreation uses and facilities is to be inaccordance with the Central Highland Regional Council Open Space and Recreation Plan.

(m) The park network provides recreational opportunities and allows safe and convenient access forall residents of Central Highlands. Recreation and sport parks are accessible by public and activetransport modes as well as by car.

Community land and social infrastructure

(n) The residents of, and visitors to, Central Highlands have access to a network of well-locatedcommunity infrastructure and social services that supports personal and communal activity.

(o) Community infrastructure is well maintained and underpins the social prosperity of the region byproviding places and space for residents and visitors to gather, participate and access a broadrange of social pursuits and services.

(p) Community infrastructure and services are located and designed to reflect the community’svalues and are provided and maintained in a timely, economical and efficient manner thatsupports diverse community needs. Individuals, families and groups all have the opportunity forequitable access to community land and social infrastructure supporting healthcare, education,social, special interest, cultural and demographic specific uses.

Waste management and recycling

(q) Land use and development across the Central Highlands is supported by the efficient collectionand disposal of waste material in an environmentally responsible manner.

(r) Waste disposal and recycling is facilitated at designated collection points, transfer stations andrecycle centres which are progressively established at all landfill sites.

(s) The location of waste management facilities minimises exposure of undesirable impacts uponsensitive receptors including the community and natural environment.

Energy and telecommunications

(t) Communities, businesses and visitors to the Central Highlands have access to reliable energyand telecommunication infrastructure which enables population growth and economicdevelopment. Energy and telecommunications infrastructure is generally delivered via linearinfrastructure corridors and is co-located with other linear infrastructure items, including road orrail corridors.

(u) Information and communications help to close the gap between rural and urban communities,providing Central Highlands with high speed broadband technology and infrastructure.Communications technology infrastructure increases the connectedness of Central Highlandswith local, regional and international networks, encouraging and providing increasedopportunities including:-

(i) the ability to increase skills and training online;(ii) generation of a greater number of investment and home employment opportunities using

high speed broadband technologies;(iii) putting Central Highlands onto the international sphere/stage without having to leave the

region; and



(iv) encouraging retention of residents and workers within the region, by providingopportunities which were previously only available in the larger coastal cities withinQueensland.



3.7.2 Element 1 – Local government infrastructure plan


(a) The location and design of essential infrastructure is planned for and delivered in accordancewith the sequencing as identified in the Local Government Infrastructure Plan.

(b) Out-of-sequence development occurs only where:-

(i) an orderly and efficient settlement pattern can be achieved;(ii) adequate infrastructure and services are provided; and(iii) the proponent is prepared to pay the full cost to bring forward the complete network of

essential infrastructure required to support out-of-sequence development.

(c) Land use and development is provided with infrastructure and services in accordance with thestandards established by the Local Government Infrastructure Plan.

(d) The provision of urban infrastructure in Tieri accords with the terms of the Memorandum ofUnderstanding between Xstrata Coal Queensland (or the previous entity) and the former PeakDowns Shire Council.

3.7.3 Element 2 – Key infrastructure corridors


(a) Key infrastructure corridors within Central Highlands, including those corridors identified onStrategic Framework Map SFM-005, provide for a multiplicity of functions including:-

(i) road transport corridors – allow for the efficient movement of goods and people by roadand provide connections to locations within and beyond the Central Highlands;

(ii) rail transport corridors – are important infrastructure for economic development thatenables the movement of bulk mineral and agricultural commodities to export markets;

(iii) electrical powerline corridors – facilitate the transmission of bulk electricity throughout theCentral Highlands supporting domestic and commercial users;

(iv) gas pipeline corridors – facilitate the transmission of bulk gas to domestic and commercialusers; and

(v) bulk water pipeline corridors – facilitate the transfer of bulk water supplies between bulkstorage facilities ensuring that domestic and commercial users have sufficient supply ofquality water.

(b) Efficient infrastructure delivery and service is facilitated by co-location of infrastructure corridorswherever possible.

(c) The function and maintenance of key infrastructure corridors is preserved by ensuring sufficientbuffers to restrict the encroachment of sensitive land uses and development.

(d) Controlled access and buffers from sensitive land uses maintain the function of existing andplanned key road transport corridors including:-

(i) Capricorn Highway;(ii) Gregory Highway;(iii) Dawson Highway;(iv) Fitzroy Development Road; and(v) Emerald Heavy Vehicle Bypass Route (not a gazetted future State controlled road and

subject to further detailed planning and funding considerations) .

(e) The Blackwater and Goonyella systems are maintained as the key rail transport corridors in theCentral Highlands and are protected from encroachment by sensitive land uses anddevelopment.



3.7.4 Element 3 – Integrated water management


Water management

(a) Water infrastructure is planned, designed, constructed and operated in a manner that issustainable and effectively integrates water cycle management techniques to help protect theenvironmental values of water.

(b) Land use and development incorporate integrated water cycle management techniques andinfrastructures.

(c) New development is located and scaled to ensure that sufficient water is available toappropriately service the development.

Potable water

(d) Water supply catchments are protected from the encroachment of incompatible land useactivities to ensure the quality and supply of water to meet the needs of the current populationand future generations.

(e) Bulk water supply facilities and water treatment plants ensure a secure supply of potable waterthat supports the growth and development of communities and businesses across the CentralHighlands.

(f) Residential, commercial, and industrial land is supplied with reticulated potable water.

Wastewater

(g) Wastewater infrastructure maintains the health, safety and amenity of local communities andnatural environments.

(h) Existing and proposed wastewater treatment and disposal facilities are appropriately separatedand buffered from sensitive receiving environments.

(i) The generation of wastewater is reduced through advances in water efficiency and reuse.

(j) The beneficial re-use of treated wastewater is facilitated to reduce demand for potable waterprovided that public health and amenity is maintained.

(k) Development does not discharge wastewater to a waterway or external to the site unlessdemonstrated to be best practice environmental management for that site.

Stormwater

(l) Stormwater collection, storage, treatment and discharge infrastructure controls the quality andquantity of stormwater discharges and overland flows entering natural waterways.

(m) The collection, storage and use of stormwater for suitable purposes is facilitated to reducedemand for potable water.

(n) Land use and development incorporate stormwater infrastructure that is designed to ensure thatwater quality is maintained and improved as it passes through the network.

(o) The entry and transport of contaminants through stormwater flows is avoided, and whereunavoidable, minimised, to protect runoff water quality entering natural water bodies.

(p) Stormwater collection, storage and treatment is designed, located and managed to avoidstanding water becoming a breeding ground for mosquitos or other pests or nuisances.

Water sensitive urban design



(q) Land uses, urban design and built form include appropriate water sensitive urban designelements to:-

(i) protect existing natural features and ecological processes;(ii) maintain the natural hydrologic behaviour of catchments;(iii) minimise stormwater run-off;(iv) protect water quality of surface and ground waters;(v) minimise demand on the reticulated water supply system;(vi) minimise sewage discharges to the natural environment; and(vii) integrate water into the landscape to enhance visual, social, cultural and ecological

values.

Demand management

(r) Land uses, urban design and built form encourage efficiency in the demand for and use ofwater:-

(i) through the use of appropriate water infrastructure;(ii) by recognising stages of the water cycle; and(iii) through the collection, storage and use of wastewater and stormwater for suitable

purposes.

3.7.5 Element 4 – Parks and open space


(a) Development provides and/or contributes to the provision of land and/or embellishments forpublic open space that:-

(i) is appropriately located and designed;(ii) meets the needs of the community;(iii) provides for a diverse range of open space values, functions, experiences and settings;(iv) maximises integration with the broader open space network; and(v) maximises opportunities for co-location of complementary activities and facilities.

(b) The community is serviced by a suitable hierarchy of recreation and sport parks providingdiversity in setting, opportunity and access. The recreation and sport park hierarchy includes:-

(i) local recreation and sport parks;(ii) district recreation and sport parks; and(iii) regional recreation and sport parks.

(c) Recreation parks are:-

(i) attractive and functional public open spaces providing opportunity for social, cultural andinformal recreational activities; and

(ii) distinctively pedestrian oriented, providing flexible open space areas, amenity and visualrelief from the surrounding urban environments.

(d) Sport parks:-

(i) primarily provide a range of facilities for practising and playing structured or organisation-based sports for teams or individuals; and

(ii) may include:-(A) facilities specifically for undertaking competition and recurring organised activities;(B) ancillary facilities for clubs or organisations to support sporting activities (such as

canteens, clubhouses and storage); and(C) multi-use facilities or space that may be leased or licensed to sport and recreation

clubs or organisations that need to be located on or adjacent to the park.

(e) Sports parks are appropriately located to provide reasonable access while avoiding impactingnegatively on adjoining land uses (i.e. by field lighting, noise and car parking).

(f) New urban development in Emerald provides:-



(i) district level recreation parks that facilitate a range of passive recreation opportunities andflexible spaces for community celebrations; and

(ii) suitable land for the development of district level, multiple use sports grounds capable ofhousing a number of clubs and sporting codes.

(g) The Nogoa River Open Space corridor in Emerald and the Zamia Creek Open Space corridor inSpringsure are developed and protected for nature conservation, recreation and connectivity.

(h) A wildlife corridor on non-urban land extending from the Nogoa River eastwards to Rifle RangeRoad and southwards to the irrigation channel is incrementally established and protected fornature conservation, recreation and connectivity as adjoining land is developed for urbanpurposes.

(i) The open space and sport and recreation resources of the Central Highlands region areprotected from encroachment by incompatible land use and other adverse impacts ofdevelopment.

3.7.6 Element 5 – Community land and social infrastructure


(a) Where possible, community facilities and services are co-located and integrated to improveservice delivery and form accessible hubs and focal points for community activity.

(b) Community land is utilised as a multi-purpose, flexible and adaptable asset that is able torespond to the changing and emerging needs of the community.

(c) Community land is well located and accessible by a variety of transport modes to ensure itsfunction is maximised to service the greatest portion of the population.

(d) Community facilities are designed to a quality standard allowing for restricted mobility users andequitable access.

3.7.7 Element 6 – Waste management and recycling


(a) Local communities are supported by appropriately located waste disposal facilities.

(b) Waste transfer and waste disposal facilities are protected from the encroachment of incompatibleland use activities.

(c) Transfer stations are established in well buffered locations on the periphery of townships orwithin industrial areas.

(d) Waste disposal activities and facilities are not located in areas with highly permeable soils or ahigh groundwater table and take account of topography and existing facilities.

3.7.8 Element 7 – Energy and telecommunications


Energy

(a) Residential, rural, industrial and commercial activity in the Central Highlands is supported byenergy infrastructure to facilitate population growth and economic development.

(b) The function of bulk power generation and transmission facilities, including power generationfacilities, electrical substations and transmission corridors is maintained by ensuring thatadequate buffering and separation is provided to sensitive receptors.



(c) Energy generated from renewable sources supplements and reduces demand on base loadpower generation from non-renewable sources.

(d) Renewable energy generation facilities are appropriately located and designed to protectagricultural land and landscape values and are adequately separated from sensitive receivingenvironments to avoid adverse amenity impacts.

Telecommunications

(e) Residents, business and visitors to the Central Highlands have access to reliable and efficienttelecommunication networks comprised of high quality telecommunications infrastructureincluding conduits for fibre optics or secure wireless networking that enables the deployment ofhigh speed broadband services.

(f) High capacity communications infrastructure is provided in all new development to support:-

(i) home based business and other enterprise activities; and(ii) business opportunities at a local, national and global scale.

(g) Telecommunications towers are strategically located to ensure maximum efficiency in theirservice coverage while being adequately separated from sensitive receptors.

(h) Urban development in allocated broadhectare areas and activity centres is provided with conduitsfor fibre optics or secure wireless networking that enables the deployment of high speedbroadband services.

Theme 6 – Economic development


3.8 Economic development theme3.8.1 Strategic outcomes

The strategic outcomes for the economic development theme are the following:-

(a) The Central Highlands has a clearly defined hierarchy of activity centres that provide goods,services, facilities, and enterprise and employment opportunities to local and sub-regionalcatchments within the region.

(b) Activity centres are local hubs for social interactions and provide a mix of retail, commercial,employment, residential, health services, administrative, community, cultural, recreational andentertainment activities and other uses depending on their respective roles within the hierarchy.

(c) Activity centres function as the focal point of the Settlement Pattern with a distinct built form thatcreates a sense of place and community identity.

(d) As the region’s Principal Activity Centre, Emerald maintains and strengthens its role and functionas the key hub of economic activity providing a mix of employment and economic servicessupporting both the local and broader regional community including agriculture, tourism, mining,industry, retail, education, government administration, professional services and manufacturing.

(e) The Central Highlands region has a prosperous and progressive economy that supports thegrowth of both rural and urban communities and contributes to the unique character and lifestyleof the region.

(f) A diverse range of employment opportunities are available through business, mining andextractive industries, agriculture and rural industries, tourism, education, manufacturing andconstruction, retail and other resilient and innovative industries.

(g) Home based businesses:-

(i) provide flexible work arrangements and small scale business opportunities in towns andtownships;

(ii) support the provision of services in rural areas and townships; and(iii) act as an incubator to assist in the establishment of small business opportunities.

(h) The location of industrial land uses is strategically planned and managed to ensure that anyinterface with sensitive land uses maintains the productive capacity of industrial land.

(i) The Central Highlands region has a thriving knowledge based industry sector that supportsbusiness innovation and encourages and attracts new investment to build upon the region’seconomic strengths, competitive advantages and natural resources.

(j) Rural places in the Central Highlands accommodate a diverse range of activities, includingirrigated and dry land horticulture, pastoral industries, intensive animal industries, tourism and thenatural resources sector, that continue to have a significant role in the economic development ofthe region.

(k) Agricultural production and rural activities that contribute to the local and regional economy areprotected from encroachment by incompatible land uses.

(l) Opportunities for new value-adding and related rural industries are encouraged and nurtured,including greater sophistication in existing processing operations, expansion of beef cattleproduction (including organic beef operations), intensive animal industries where environmentaland amenity impacts are appropriately managed, and the expansion of existing, as well as theestablishment of new, horticultural and aquaculture operations, resulting in increased exportvolumes or supplies to processing operations.

(m) Economic development in the region is supported by an efficient, sustainable and effective air,road and rail freight system, and water supply and sewerage networks that meet the needs of thepredominant agricultural, rural, extractive, and mining industries in the Region. The road and railnetwork allows for easy transport of goods to locations including interstate, Brisbane, Gladstoneand Rockhampton for further transport to national and international markets.



(n) Economic development benefits from the growth in the digital economy including increasingcapacity of high speed internet connections and telecommunications networks that connectbusinesses within the Central Highlands to the broader regional, national and global economies.

(o) Tourist attractions and facilities within the Central Highlands are maintained and expanded withnew opportunities developed to consolidate the region as a key tourism destination and ensurethat tourism makes a significant contribution to the regional economy.

3.8.2 Element 1 – Hierarchy of activity centres


(a) Activity centres generally:-

(i) have concentrations of centre based retail, commercial and community land use activitiesin a consolidated location;

(ii) are a focus of transport networks and services;(iii) contain various forms of development to provide residents with ready access to a range of

services, accommodation options, leisure and cultural facilities, and employmentopportunities appropriate to the function of that centre type; and

(iv) are important meeting places and focal points for the community.

(b) Development that seeks to establish centre activities outside an identified activity centre orproposes uses of a higher order or larger scale than intended for an identified activity centre isavoided.

(c) To reflect and support the Settlement Pattern, development is consistent with the CentralHighlands hierarchy of activity centres identified conceptually on Strategic Framework MapSFM-006 and detailed in the table below.

Activity centreand location

Role and function ofactivity centre

Specific outcomes for activity centre

Principal activitycentre:-

Emerald

The Principal Activity Centrehas the widest range andhighest order of uses andactivities that forms the coreof this urban settlement. Itincludes key concentrationsof high-order retail,commercial, employment,residential, health services,administrative, community,cultural, recreational andentertainment activities andother uses, capable ofservicing the CentralHighlands region.

(i) The Principal Activity Centre maintains its role andfunction as the region’s primary retail and commercialcentre.

(ii) The boundary of the Principal Activity Centre is clearlydefined and out-of-centre development that couldcompromise the role and function of the Principal ActivityCentre does not occur.

(iii) The Principal Activity Centre is intended toaccommodate:-

(A) offices, as standalone uses and components ofmixed use developments; and

(B) additional retail floor space providing:-

1. high order and convenience retail outlets;2. health facilities and services;3. entertainment and food premises;4. high density accommodation; and5. tourist accommodation.

(iv) It is not intended that a fourth shopping complex will beaccommodated in the Principal Activity Centre in theperiod to 2031.

(v) The Principal Activity Centre:-

(A) has an identifiable and attractive traditional mainstreet format where buildings accommodatingcommercial, retail, entertainment, community,administrative and residential uses activelyaddress street frontages with minimal boundarysetbacks; and

(B) integrates with the surrounding land uses througha well formed street network that is laid out in agrid which provides strong connectivity forpedestrians, cyclists, public transport and cars.






(vi) The Principal Activity Centre provides for mixed usedevelopment where residential components are generallydeveloped above ground level retail, commercial oradministrative uses.

(vii) The Principal Activity Centre is designed to have a highquality visual appearance and amenity, being the pre-eminent centre for the Central Highlands.

(viii) The Principal Activity Centre may expand over time intothe High density residential area adjoining to the northsubject to demonstrated economic need.

(ix) Expansion of the Principal Activity Centre may take theform of:-

(A) home based businesses;(B) commercial uses in converted dwelling houses;

and(C) mixed use development up to seven (7) storeys in

height where the internal allocation of residentialand commercial uses may alter over time inresponse to demonstrated need.

Major activitycentre:-

Emerald(CodenwarraRoad area)

Blackwater

Note -Development inthe PriorityDevelopmentAreas ofBlackwater andEast Blackwater isassessed againstthe BlackwaterUDADevelopmentScheme or theEast BlackwaterUDADevelopmentSchemeadministered byEconomicDevelopmentQueensland.

The Major Activity Centreprovides a mix of uses andactivities and includesconcentrations of higherorder retail, commercial,offices, residential,administrative and healthservices, community,cultural and entertainmentfacilities and other usescapable of servicing a sub-region in Central Highlands.

(x) The Major activity centre in Emerald comprises of theexisting Central Highlands Marketplace shopping centreand a new centre adjacent to the Nogoa River.

(xi) The two shopping centres (although separated) providefor a Major activity centre that operates as an integratedactivity centre through provision of a complementaryrange, scale and type of uses.

(xii) Development within the Emerald Major activity centrecontributes to the provision of access and linkagesbetween the two centres, progressively improving thephysical integration of the centre over time.

(xiii) The existing Central Highlands Marketplace shoppingcentre provides a mix of retail and business usesincluding a full-line supermarket, discount departmentstore, shops and office based business services thatsupport the needs of Emerald and the surroundingcommunity.

(xiv) The western part of the Major activity centre adjacent tothe Nogoa River provides for a range of shopping(including a supermarket and bulky goods), localservices and facilities, leisure, and entertainmentactivities within an integrated, walkable and high qualitypublic realm that responds to the waterfront location.

(xv) Residential development in the western part of the Majoractivity centre is predominantly for multiple dwellingswithin mixed use development where a high qualityresidential amenity and pedestrian safety are provided.

(xvi) Land uses and the level of services and facilitiesprovided in the Major activity centre are not of a scale orintensity that is likely to compromise or unreasonablyadversely impact upon the role and function of theEmerald Principal Activity Centre.

District activitycentres:-

Springsure Capella

District Activity Centresprovide a range of retail,commercial, community andresidential uses that supporta surrounding low densitysub-regional catchment.

They include provision oflocal shopping, localemployment, commercial,cafe and restaurant dining,

(xvii) District Activity Centres are of a size and compositionthat will not compromise the role and function of theEmerald Principal Activity Centre or the Blackwater MajorActivity Centre.

(xviii) Residential development, short-term accommodation andtourist accommodation is provided at an appropriatescale and integrates with and enhances the fabric of aDistrict Activity Centre.

(xix) Where appropriate, service industries may be located in






entertainment, communityservices and residentialdevelopment where theseuses can be integrated withthe Activity Centre withoutbeing the predominant use.

a District Activity Centre.

(xx) District Activity Centres:-(A) provide a high level of amenity which is reflective

of the surrounding character of the area; and(B) facilitate the future provision of public transport and

active transport networks that promote accessibilityand use of alternative transport modes.

Local ActivityCentres:-

Tieri Rubyvale Sapphire Rolleston

Local Activity Centresprovide a range ofconvenience retail,commercial, community andresidential uses that supportthe local community andbroader sub-regional ruralcommunities.

(xxi) Development within a Local Activity Centre does notcompromise the viability of higher order centres in theactivity centres hierarchy.

(xxii) The boundary of a Local Activity Centre is clearly definedand out-of-centre development which could compromisethe role and function of the hierarchy of activity centresdoes not occur.

(xxiii) Development within a Local Activity Centre reflects thedistinct character, values and built form of thesurrounding community.

(xxiv) A Local Activity Centre may accommodate uses thatvalue-add to local rural production.

(xxv) Tieri’s Local Activity Centre expands to meet the needsof the local community without compromising theeconomic viability of activity centres located at Emeraldor Capella.

(xxvi) The Rubyvale Local Activity Centre is revitalised tocreate a recognisable hub.

(xxvii) The decentralised nature of retail and commercial activityin Sapphire is maintained with accessible pedestriannetworks providing connectivity between commercialactivity areas.

NeighbourhoodActivity Centres

Emerald

Neighbourhood ActivityCentres are small centreslocated within varioussuburbs of Emerald andprovide a range of small-scale convenience retail,commercial and communityuses servicing theimmediate local community.

(xxviii)Neighbourhood Activity Centres comprise of small-scale convenience shopping, professional offices,community services and other uses that service theimmediately surrounding residential catchments in whichthey are located.

(xxix) Neighbourhood Activity Centres are located withindefined areas of Emerald as shown on StrategicFramework Map SFM-001b.

(xxx) Neighbourhood Activity Centres provide a high level ofamenity which is reflective of the surrounding characterof the area.

SpecialisedActivity Centre

Emerald Capella

The Specialised ActivityCentre in Emerald is a singlepurpose centre thatpredominantly provides forlarge format bulky goodsand showroom uses.

(xxxi) The Specialised Activity Centre accommodates thespecific land use needs of large format and landconsumptive bulky goods and showroom uses, andprovides for these uses to consolidate in a location withgood access and exposure to major road corridors.

(xxxii) The Specialised Activity Centre may also accommodatea limited range of ancillary uses (food and drink outlets,low impact industry or service industry activities) that arecompatible in terms of scale and impact with thepredominant bulky goods and showroom uses.

(xxxiii)Development within the Specialised Centre is of a natureand type that does not unduly compete with higher ordercentres in the hierarchy of activity centres.

(xxxiv) The built form of the Specialised Activity Centreprotects the amenity of surrounding development, andpresents as an integrated centre that incorporates activeand articulated frontages that address streets and publicspaces.

(xxxv) Development in the Specialised Activity Centrereinforces its identity as a bulky goods retail precinct,






with ancillary uses being sleeved behind the predominantShop and Showroom uses addressing the road frontage.

3.8.3 Element 2 – Industrial activities


(a) Industrial activities and uses are located within the allocated areas of the region’s towns andtownships, and provide for business and industrial activities at a range of scales that areappropriately separated and buffered from sensitive land uses.

(b) Industrial activities on land not specifically identified for industrial purposes in the townships ofBogantungan, Willows, Gemfields, Anakie, Sapphire, Rubyvale, Comet, Bluff, Dingo, Duaringaand Rolleston and Bauhinia are limited to low impact industry and service industry uses that:-

(i) are of a scale consistent with the prevailing character and amenity of surroundingdevelopment; and

(ii) meets the needs of the surrounding rural district.

(c) Industrial activities in Bluff, Dingo, Duaringa and Rolleston may include more intensive industrialuses where appropriately located and buffered to protect the character and amenity of nearbysensitive land uses.

(d) High impact and special industries are supported where located in appropriate areas whichensure adverse impacts on surrounding sensitive uses and activities are mitigated.

(e) The Special Industry Areas at Yamala and Selma Ridge (identified in Strategic Framework MapSFM-006) provide for high impact industry, special industry and other novel industrial activitiesrequiring very large areas or having potential off-site impacts that require significant separationfrom incompatible urban land uses.

(f) Land included in the Industry investigation zone at Blackwater, Emerald, Selma Ridge, Rollestonand Yamala is not alienated by uses or activities that would preclude their potential future use forindustrial purposes. Development on the land for industrial purposes does not occur until furtherinvestigations and structure planning exercises that set out a coordinated development and sitemanagement strategy are carried out and approved.

(g) Industrial development does not occur on land not identified for industrial purposes unless it canbe demonstrated that:-

(i) there is a need for additional industrial land (including demonstration that existing vacantand under-utilised industrial land supply is not suitable for industrial uses);

(ii) the land is not subject to significant physical constraints or natural hazards;(iii) appropriate access and essential servicing can be provided;(iv) adverse impacts on any sensitive receivers can be avoided through appropriate

separation, buffering, or other operational or management responses; and(v) the development is in general conformity with the Central Highlands Settlement Pattern.

(h) Any additional industrial land supply, as referred to in the specific outcome immediately above, islocated:-

(i) predominantly close to Emerald;(ii) adjacent to other industrial uses and activities; and(iii) where it is readily accessible to residential populations in towns and townships, whilst

maintaining appropriate separation distances.

(i) New or intensified industrial development on land that is subject to natural hazard does notincrease the numbers of people or property subject to an unacceptable risk of exposure to thehazard.

(j) Development in allocated industrial areas is limited to predominantly industrial activities and otheruses that are compatible with and provide a desirable support activity to the industrial area andworkforce.



(k) Industrial activities are designed to have a high quality visual appearance and amenity,presenting as a commercial facade along major road frontages, with industrial activities locatedfrom immediate view of the street where practical.

3.8.4 Element 3 – Knowledge based industry and education


(a) Creative and knowledge-based industries and skills training centres are supported and facilitated.Where possible, such facilities are co-located with or in close proximity to significant educationalor skilled labour attractors in the Principal Activity Centre (Emerald), Major Activity Centre(Blackwater) or District Activity Centres (Capella and Springsure), including:-

(i) Emerald TAFE;(ii) Emerald Agricultural College;(iii) Blackwater International Coal Centre;(iv) Emerald Airport;(v) Emerald High School (Old Airport Drive);(vi) Emerald Christian College (Gregory Highway);(vii) CQ University;(viii) Marist College;(ix) Blackwater Secondary School; and(x) Capella Secondary School.

(b) The expansion and diversification of existing schools and educational facilities in CentralHighlands is supported and facilitated where appropriate.

(c) Health-based education and training opportunities are provided to the community and are:-

(i) co-located with or in close proximity to existing health related infrastructure and servicessuch as the Emerald Hospital, Blackwater Hospital and Springsure Hospital; or

(ii) accommodated in new locations, where appropriate.

3.8.5 Element 4 – Mineral resource industry


(a) Development supports the long term viability of small scale gem fossicking operations on MiningClaims and Leases across the Gemfields.

(b) The use of land granted licences for fossicking is limited to fossicking activity with limited ancillarybuildings directly related to fossicking.

(c) Significant coal mining, coal seam gas extraction and other mining resource activities areprotected from encroachment by inappropriate land uses whilst maintaining opportunities for theongoing viability and co-existence of productive rural land uses.

(d) Urban development is consolidated within the Priority Living Area (PLA), as identified in theCentral Queensland Regional Plan, to maintain appropriate separation from mineral resourceactivities.

3.8.6 Element 5 – Rural industry


(a) A diverse range of sustainable rural production and value-adding activities are maintained,encouraged to grow and expand (where appropriate) in the Central Highlands, including but notlimited to:-

(i) aquaculture;(ii) animal husbandry;(iii) intensive animal industries;(iv) horticulture; and(v) rural industry.



(b) A range of rural support and small scale semi-rural commercial, tourism and recreation activitiesare established in rural areas, including the following:-

(i) agricultural supplies;(ii) animal keeping;(iii) low-impact tourist facilities, cafés and tea rooms;(iv) community facilities;(v) nature-based facilities and tourist cabins;(vi) farmers markets;(vii) outdoor sport and recreation; and(viii) roadside stalls.

Such activities are appropriately located so as to not conflict with the values, amenity and long-term use of the land.

(c) The region’s rural industries and supporting rural infrastructure (e.g. irrigation channels) are notadversely impacted from encroachment by incompatible land uses and development that wouldinhibit their productive use and operation.

(d) The region’s Priority Agricultural Land Uses (PALUs) are not adversely impacted byencroachment or displacement by mineral resource activities or other incompatible land uses.

(e) Land use priority is given to sustainable agricultural activities and associated rural industries onland identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-006 as an Important Agricultural Area (IAA) orAgricultural Land Classification (ALC) Class A and Class B land.

(f) Further subdivision or fragmentation of Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) Class A and ClassB land as identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-006 is minimised to maintain viable farmsizes and to support the ability of landowners to continue rural pursuits.

(g) Separation areas are incorporated into new development adjoining rural and agriculturalactivities, and existing separation areas and buffers protecting rural and agricultural activities arenot compromised.

(h) The Emerald Sales Yards are maintained and protected as an important element of economicinfrastructure supporting rural industry in the region.

(i) Opportunities to establish renewable energy facilities and carbon sequestration as asupplementary use on rural land are provided where these activities are appropriately locatedand any potential adverse impacts can be adequately mitigated.

3.8.7 Element 6 – Growing tourism industry


(a) Tourism infrastructure and short term accommodation facilities are established in accessiblelocations that are serviced by necessary supporting infrastructure to support key tourismattractors and destinations.

(b) Tourist accommodation in urban areas is designed as an adaptable accommodation productwhere practicable so that it can be used for other accommodation purposes as demandfluctuates.

(c) The region’s tourism attractions and destinations, including key tourism sites identified onStrategic Framework Map SFM-006, are not adversely impacted from encroachment byincompatible land uses or infrastructure that would inhibit their use or attraction for tourism.

(d) Rural and nature-based tourism activities are facilitated where they co-exist with the productiveuse of agricultural land and maintain the rural and natural landscape character of the region.

(e) Tourist accommodation and facilities complement the distinctive character of the various parts ofthe region, and occur at a scale and intensity that is consistent with the intended character andbuilt form of the area.



(f) Development ancillary to activities within the Carnarvon Gorge and Blackdown Tablelands thatare targeted to a similar tourism market are encouraged.

(g) The design, location and operation of new tourism attractions:-

(i) complements existing and planned attractions and unique community character;(ii) promotes a positive image of the region; and(iii) reinforces existing key tourist markets and adds diversity to the Central Highlands visitor

experience.

(h) New or intensified tourism development on land that is subject to natural hazard does notincrease the numbers of people or property exposed to an unacceptable risk of exposure to thehazard.

Theme 7 – Community identity and diversity


3.9 Community identity and diversity theme3.9.1 Strategic outcomes

The strategic outcomes for the community identity and diversity theme are the following:-

(a) The Central Highlands is comprised of 13 unique communities and their surrounding rural areas.These are Arcadia Valley, Bauhinia, Blackwater, Bluff, Capella, Comet, Dingo (Karramara),Duaringa (Apis Creek), Emerald (Gindie and Fernlees), Gemfields (Anakie, Bogantungan,Rubyvale, Sapphire and Willows Gemfields), Rolleston (Toprain), Springsure (Buckland,Lochington, Orion and Tresswell) and Tieri.

(b) Land use and development recognises that each community has its own history and identity as atown, township, mining community or rural enclave that is characterised by its people, built form,surrounding environment and range of services and facilities.

(c) Development ensures that residents and visitors to Central Highland’s communities are able toexperience a sense of place in each community and access a range of facilities and services thatreflect the size of that community and its relative accessibility to other higher order facilities andservices in neighbouring communities.

(d) The quality of life and wellbeing of residents of the Central Highlands is enhanced through theprovision of healthy and safe environments.

(e) Buildings, places and areas of Aboriginal and post-settlement cultural heritage significance areidentified and their cultural heritage values protected from the adverse impacts of development.

(f) Community, educational, civic, cultural, recreation and sporting facilities are located anddesigned to maximise opportunities for community interaction in a wide variety of ways whichstrengthen social networks and encourage active and healthy lifestyles. Social infrastructureengenders a sense of community and is designed for flexible use and is adaptable to supportdiverse activities for small and large groups of people across a full spectrum of physical abilities.

(g) New dwellings are predominantly located within towns and townships in broadhectare and infillareas. To respond to the supply mismatch of small and large dwellings, new dwellings in activitycentres and urban neighbourhoods are generally small dwellings which encourage an increase inresidential density in areas that are well located with access to services and facilities.

(h) New housing meets current and future population growth, housing demand and need, isaffordable and is serviced by appropriate urban services.

(i) New housing provides an increase in housing choice and a variety of housing forms to improveaffordable living options, provide housing for people of all income levels and disabilities, andallow people the opportunity to age in place.

(j) The location of new housing in close proximity to employment, education facilities and medical orother social services facilitates affordable and appropriate housing options for youth, homeless,disabled persons and the aged (including retirement housing, hostel accommodation and nursinghome beds).

3.9.2 Element 1 – Diverse, healthy and safe communities


Urban communities

(a) Communities established in towns across the Central Highlands are characterised by aconsolidated settlement pattern that supports increased population and a mix of built forms andland uses including suburban, urban, commercial and industrial areas.

(b) Communities in towns have access to a diverse range of community, social, cultural andcommercial facilities.



(c) Communities established in townships across the Central Highlands are characterised by lowdensities of population and built forms that are supported by a limited range of community, social,cultural and commercial facilities.

(d) Towns and townships function as the focal point of community activity and services to thesurrounding rural community.

(e) A choice of accommodation types is available in towns and townships to meet the community’sdiverse housing needs and achieve affordable living outcomes in well-serviced locations.

Editor’s note—the name and location of the respective ‘towns’ and ‘townships’ across the Central Highlands areidentified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-001a.

Rural communities

(f) Rural communities across the Central Highlands are characterised by the dominant surroundingenvironment which accommodates a variety of agricultural practices and natural environments,interspersed with occasional and very low intensity built forms and sparse population densities.

(g) Rural communities have identified strategies for economic development and growth thatcapitalise on their rural character, local attributes and cultural heritage values.

(h) The surrounding landscape is synonymous with the heritage and character of the ruralcommunity’s lifestyle and livelihood.

(i) The development of rural communities occurs consistent with the intent for rural places asestablished throughout the Strategic Framework.

Editor’s note— rural communities in the Central Highlands include Arcadia Valley, Rolleston and Bauhinia.

Mining communities

(j) Mining communities across the Central Highlands are characterised by increased densities ofpopulation and built forms including suburban, urban, commercial and industrial areas within aconsolidated settlement pattern.

(k) Mining communities may also accommodate an increased concentration of non-residentworkforce accommodation which may be integrated within or located adjacent to a town‘s urbanform.

(l) Non-resident workforce accommodation has either a close-out rehabilitation plan or an adaptivere-use strategy for the future use of any permanent buildings and infrastructure at cessation ofthe use.

(m) Development of additional non-resident workforce accommodation in Tieri respects the town’sfamily-oriented nature and minimises travel time between accommodation and the mine site.

(n) Development addresses the known and inferred conflicts between permanent residents and non-resident workforces in regional communities associated with fly-in/fly-out or drive-in/drive-outemployment.

(o) Mining communities share a nexus with nearby mining activities which are synonymous with theheritage and character of a mining community’s lifestyle and livelihood.

(p) Development is sympathetic to the unique character and amenity of the Gemfields communitywhich is characterised by a unique urban form that combines dwelling, business and fossickingactivities on individual self-serviced properties.

(q) Appropriate separation distances are provided between known mining leases and urbandevelopment areas to ensure there is no encroachment of incompatible land uses.

Editor’s note— mining communities in the Central Highlands include Blackwater, Tieri and Capella.

Community health and safety

(r) Communities across the Central Highlands enjoy a healthy and safe quality of life that isenhanced through the effective design and servicing of urban and suburban neighbourhoods.



(s) The Central Highlands settlement pattern establishes an orderly distribution and separation ofland uses minimising risk of impacts as a result of incompatible neighbouring land uses.

(t) Development incorporates appropriate crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)principles to ensure communities are kept safe through design.

(u) Development provides opportunities to facilitate active and healthy communities, throughprovision of parkland and/or private open space and recreation areas; and contributes towardsthe provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities and the like, in accordance with the requirementsof the Local Government Infrastructure Plan.

3.9.3 Element 2 – Cultural heritage


(a) Development on land that is identified as containing an item or place of Aboriginal culturalheritage significance ensures that the heritage value is not diminished and is protected inaccordance with the requirements of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003.

(b) Landscape elements of Aboriginal cultural significance are protected in partnership withtraditional owners.

(c) Buildings and places of local, State and Federal cultural heritage significance are conserved andenhanced to ensure their values and relationship with the Central Highlands is maintained inperpetuity.

3.9.4 Element 3 – Social infrastructure


Open space for sport and recreation

(a) The Central Highlands is a healthy, active and connected community with well-resourcedsporting, recreation and leisure facilities.

(b) A range of flexible and informal sport and recreation opportunities are provided to cater for thelifestyle of the local community.

(c) Recreation parks contribute to a community’s identity and sense of place and in many casesprovide facilities that support informal outdoor activities.

(d) Sport and recreation is an important component of the community’s identity and heritage, whichis supported by the provision of an accessible hierarchy of sporting facilities, recreation parks andcommunity support networks.

(e) Where practicable, open space is co-located with community facilities and activity centres toencourage use.

(f) Recreation parks are designed to be safe for all users, with crime prevention throughenvironmental design (CPTED) principles ensuring appropriate surveillance from parkboundaries and clear views into the park from the street/road and nearby residences.

(g) Showgrounds preserve the character and heritage of towns and townships within the CentralHighlands and provide access to community and sporting opportunities.

(h) Prominent open space facilities that contribute to the community’s health, wellbeing andcharacter are protected and enhanced, including:-

(i) Emerald Botanic Gardens;(ii) Morton Park (Emerald);(iii) Bridgeman Park Sports Complex and Capella Covered Arena;(iv) Rundle Park Precinct (including the Aquatic Centre);(v) Hunter Street Sports Complex;(vi) Emerald Racecourse;



(vii) The Central Highlands Driver Training and Motor Sport Precinct;(viii) Capella Nature Walk and Capella Parklands;(ix) Roy Dark Park (Gemfields);(x) Tieri Oval #1;(xi) Zamia Parklands (Springsure);(xii) Bedford Weir;(xiii) Nogoa River Corridor (Emerald); and(xiv) Fairbairn Dam.

Community facilities and services

(i) Communities in the Central Highlands have access to quality social, medical and educationfacilities and services, including entertainment and attractions, community meeting places,hospitals, schools and higher education facilities and the like.

(j) Key community facilities and services within the Central Highlands are facilitated, protected andenhanced to promote increased social inclusion, interaction and community participation in arange of formal and informal activities that meet the needs of all ages and abilities

(k) Where practicable, social infrastructure is co-located with other frequently utilised services andfacilities in highly visible and accessible locations, to ensure their convenient availability to thegreatest cross section of the community.

Arts and cultural infrastructure

(l) Key arts and cultural infrastructure across the Central Highlands is facilitated, protected andenhanced to help celebrate community diversity and promote a sense of community identity..

(m) Where practicable, arts and cultural infrastructure is co-located with other frequently utilisedservices and facilities in highly visible and accessible locations to ensure their convenientavailability to the greatest cross section of the community.

3.9.5 Element 4 – Diverse and affordable housing


(a) The Central Highlands Settlement Pattern facilitates the delivery of diverse, affordable and well-located housing.

(b) Central Highlands has equal access to affordable, quality, housing through:-

(i) increasing housing diversity and choice through a mix of housing tenure, size, type andintensity, resulting in a range of price points for housing stock;;

(ii) locating new housing in existing communities within close proximity to infrastructure,centres, services, transport and open space; and

(iii) providing higher density housing in the Principal, Major and District Activity Centres,particularly where part of a mixed use development, to meet the changing needs of thecommunity, especially providing housing for the aged, the disabled, and key serviceworkers.

(c) A choice of accommodation types is provided in towns and townships to meet the community’sdiverse housing needs and achieve affordable living outcomes in well-serviced locations. Suchhousing options potentially include dual occupancy, dwelling house, multiple dwelling, retirementfacility, residential care facility, short term accommodation and tourist parks.

(d) Social housing (including public housing and housing provided through community based, not-for-profit entities and housing cooperatives) that meets the particular needs of the community isalso encouraged in towns and townships.

(e) Additional housing is located in areas of greatest economic benefit and community need.

(f) New housing provision is predominantly supplied through infill development and broadhectaredevelopment within Expansion Areas as identified on Strategic Framework Map SFM-001b toSFM-001h.



(g) The highest mix of housing options is provided within walking distance to existing or plannedactivity centres.

(h) Multiple dwelling complexes include a proportion of one (1) bedroom units to diversify housingstock in infill areas within 400m of an Activity Centre.

(i) Accommodation is encouraged and facilitated on educational campuses for the use of students.

(j) Dwelling houses may be supplemented with secondary dwellings to encourage housing diversity.

(k) Housing construction is innovative and flexible, allowing for changes in the use of suchaccommodation to respond to changing needs over time (including the incorporation of universaldesign principles to assist the ageing population to age in place).

(l) Residential buildings located within identified flood hazard areas are raised to ensure appropriatehazard immunity.

(m) Building design applies contemporary measures to sensitively respond to the local climaticconditions and conserve and reduce demand on water and energy usage.


Strategic Framework Map SFM-001a - Settlement Pattern – Hierarchy ofTowns and Townships


Strategic Framework Map SFM-001b - Settlement Pattern – Emerald


Strategic Framework Map SFM-001c - Settlement Pattern – Blackwater


Strategic Framework Map SFM-001d - Settlement Pattern – Springsure


Strategic Framework Map SFM-001e - Settlement Pattern – Capella


Strategic Framework Map SFM-001f - Settlement pattern – Tieri


Strategic Framework Map SFM-001g - Settlement Pattern – Gemfields


Strategic Framework Map SFM-001h - Settlement Pattern – Townships


Strategic Framework Map SFM-002 - Natural Environment


Strategic Framework Map SFM-003 - Natural Resources and Landscape


Strategic Framework Map SFM-004 - Access and Mobility


Strategic Framework Map SFM-005 - Infrastructure and Services


Strategic Framework Map SFM-006 - Economic Development

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