Overview

Project Overview

Queensland councils can prepare a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) to respond quickly to changing or emerging planning issues. A TLPI addresses a specific, often localised planning matter. It must be approved by the State Planning Minister before it can proceed.

Sunshine Coast Council is proposing a TLPI to amend the planning framework for Birtinya Town Centre. The TLPI focuses on delivering more residential development in the town centre in response to the housing crisis on the Sunshine Coast.

Birtinya Town Centre is the last remaining greenfield site in the area covered by the Development Control Plan for Kawana Waters (DCP) and has always been intended as a Major Regional Activity Centre with retailing, offices and high-density residential development as permitted by the Approved Master Plan No. 100. It is an ideal location to provide more residential density as it already has the infrastructure capacity to support additional development and does not directly adjoin any low-rise residential neighbourhoods.

The TLPI will:

  • allow the maximum building height across the town centre to be increased from 10 storeys to 15 storeys, and up to three taller buildings of no more than 18 storeys
  • require new residential developments to contribute to the supply of housing diversity and affordability
  • shift unutilised population allocations from the already fully developed DCP precincts to the town centre, so the total population allowed under the Kawana Waters DCP will remain unchanged
  • allow for the development of hotel accommodation at Eastbank – next to Sportsmans Parade – to capitalise on the region’s tourism needs now, and as we prepare to co-host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Using a TLPI to make the changes to the DCP is considered appropriate given the urgent need to respond to the housing crisis and capitalise on the opportunities presented by the Kawana Sports Precinct in the lead up to and during the 2032 Games.

The process Council must follow when making a TLPI is set out in the Planning Act 2016 and the Minister’s Guidelines and Rules 2023.

Insights

Frequently Asked Questions

A TLPI is a statutory instrument created under the provisions of the Planning Act 2016. It temporarily suspends or overrides parts of an existing planning scheme to address a specific, often localised, issue for a period of up to two years.

A TLPI:

  • Does not amend or repeal a planning scheme.
  • Does not create a superseded planning scheme and is not an adverse planning change. Therefore, a superseded planning scheme request cannot be made, and compensation cannot be claimed for premises affected by a TLPI.
  • Once made, Council can incorporate a TLPI into its planning scheme (if required) through a planning scheme amendment or when making a new planning scheme.
  • Can be repealed by Council.
  • The operation of a TLPI cannot be extended beyond the period stated in the instrument. However, a TLPI can be replaced or remade.

Generally, Local Governments can progress with TLPI subject to meeting the provisions of the Planning Act 2016, obtaining the necessary resolutions from Council and obtaining approval from the State Planning Minister.

In this instance, Council is keen to hear our community’s views on the proposed changes to Development Control Plan 1 – Kawana Waters prior to Council making a decision.

Birtinya Town Centre is the last remaining greenfield site within the Kawana Waters master planned area. It is intended to be developed as a Major Regional Activity Centre comprising:

  • a medium to high density transit-oriented precinct that provides diversity in housing choice
  • a range of commercial and retail outcomes in an area that benefits from high levels of public and active transport infrastructure.

The master planning for the town centre has been evolving for more than 20 years and has been required to respond to changing market conditions and planning directions. The current approval has been in place since November 2017 (Approved Master Plan No. 100).

Given the more recent announcements regarding housing supply, housing affordability, population growth and that the Sunshine Coast will host some events associated with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, there is an opportunity to review the planning framework relating to Birtinya Town Centre. This will ensure the land use planning appropriately responds to current matters.

The key stakeholders include:

  • Master Developer (Stockland)
  • Sunshine Coast Council
  • State Department of Resources
  • State Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works
  • State Department of Transport and Main Roads

Community Engagement

Between 16 October and 12 November 2024, our community is invited to comment on the proposed TLPI via an online feedback form or at a community pop-up session. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. This engagement was one component of other targeted consultation being conducted.

Next Steps

Once community feedback has been considered, Council will decide whether to proceed with the TLPI. If so, it will be submitted to the State Planning Minister for approval. Subject to receiving the Planning Minister’s approval, Council can adopt the TLPI and it will apply for a period of up to two years. During this time Council is required to amend the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme to reflect the provisions if they are to be made permanent.


Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    16 October 2024

    Community consultation begins

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    12 November 2024

    Community consultation closes

  • Timeline item 3 - active

    December 2024

    Review of submissions and Council consideration

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    To be confirmed

    Consideration by Minister (timeframe outside of Council’s control)

  • Timeline item 5 - incomplete

    To be confirmed

    Adoption subject to Minister’s consideration

Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:

Name Council’s Urban Growth Projects Team
Phone (07) 5475 7272
Email urbangrowthprojects@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

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