Planning
Council is working to deliver a well-planned and prosperous Somerset. The planning section manages the assessment of development applications, undertakes development compliance inspections and field work, and strategically plans for the future of our region. Planning is a dynamic process that is constantly evolving in response to changes within the community.
Find what you need online
Access planning instruments
Somerset Region Planning Scheme
The Somerset Region Planning Scheme guides and controls development within the Somerset Region.
Infrastructure planning and charges
Council plans for the future trunk infrastructure networks through the Local Government Infrastructure Plan and partially funds these networks through infrastructure charges. Find out more about infrastructure planning and charges.
State planning instruments
The planning process is controlled by the Planning Act 2016 and related statutory instruments. Find out more about the state planning instruments and the referral agencies that apply to plan making and development assessment at the Queensland Government’s planning website, planning.qld.gov.au
Superseded planning schemes
The Former Esk Shire Planning Scheme and Former Kilcoy Shire Planning Scheme were superseded by the Somerset Region Planning Scheme from 1 March 2016.
Learn how planning affects you
Find out how the planning scheme affects your property
Council’s eServices Property Enquiry tool can assist you in understanding how the planning scheme affects your property. This tool will show you zoning and overlay information, as well as link you to state mapping and flooding information.
Be involved in planning
Public comments and submissions on development applications
Some applications include a public notification period where members of the public can have their say on a development proposal. Find out about making submissions on planning applications.
Prepare and apply for planning approval
Learn about the development assessment process
There is a standard development assessment process for planning applications across Queensland. The Queensland Government has information about the development assessment process, which can assist proponents and the community understand how an application will be assessed. Learn more at the Queensland Government’s planning website, planning.qld.gov.au/planning-framework/development-assessment.
Request planning advice
Before making an application, you can request pre-lodgement advice from Council. Council also provides written advice to support other applications, such as liquor and gaming licences or approved inspection station applications. Find out more about our planning advice options.
Prepare and apply for planning approval
There are many different types of planning applications, and each type has mandatory requirements that you must meet for Council to assess the application. Find out more about how to prepare and lodge an application with Council.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for?
The Queensland Government has a dedicated planning system website to assist in understanding plan making and development assessment processes. Visit planning.qld.gov.au for more information.
If you would like to discuss any matter relating to planning and development, please contact Council.