Planning Scheme amendment opens Somerset for business
Published on 29 May 2026
The amended planning scheme will start on Thursday, 4 June 2026. Picture: Esk in the Somerset region.
SOMERSET Regional Council has adopted significant updates to its planning scheme, through Major Amendment 2.
The planning scheme amendment, approved by the Deputy Premier in late April, has been designed to cut red tape, encourage sustainable development, and support local tourism and business growth while maintaining Somerset’s rural character.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the changes would make it easier to build, invest and contribute to the future of Somerset.
“These amendments are about streamlining processes and providing greater certainty, while still protecting the things that make Somerset special which is our open spaces, rural lifestyle and sense of community,” Cr Wendt said.
“Council has simplified the provisions for houses and sheds, with faster approval pathways and easier to use benchmarks for most projects.
“Unless a property is affected by natural hazards or protected areas, residents on residential, rural residential and rural areas will spend less time with Council for single dwellings, granny flats and new sheds.”
Key proposed changes include new provisions for holiday houses to be accepted development in anticipated zones, improvements to facilitate small-scale tourist parks and short-stay accommodation in the rural zone and improved clarity on subdivision provisions.
“Somerset is a key growth corridor with a strong tourism brand through Experience Somerset,” Cr Wendt said.
“We’re supporting sustainable growth in the right places, making it easier to do business, and encouraging the kind of tourism and small-scale development that helps Somerset thrive.
“These amendments give residents and businesses clearer, fairer rules that balance opportunity with environmental and community values.
“They make it easier to deliver projects that enhance Somerset’s appeal as a place to live, visit and invest.”
The amendments are designed to ensure future development continues to respect Somerset’s rural amenity, while embracing innovation, sustainable tourism, and small-scale enterprise.
Major Amendment 2 was on public consultation between 4 November and 5 December 2025, with only minor corrections made in the adopted version.
The amended planning scheme, the Somerset Region Planning Scheme Version 5.0, will commence on Thursday, 4 June 2026.
The amended planning scheme is available on Council’s website: somerset.qld.gov.au/planning-scheme