City of Moreton Bay begins new planning scheme chapter

Published 29 January 2026

• City of Moreton Bay will replace the Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme 2016 after the scheme reached its 10-year milestone. 
• Under Queensland law all Local Government Areas must decide whether to amend or replace their planning scheme after 10 years.  
• The current planning scheme will remain in place until further direction is given to begin work on a new planning scheme and the new scheme is approved.  

City of Moreton Bay has taken its first steps towards the creation of a new planning scheme, by resolving to replace the Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme 2016. 

It has been 10 years since the current planning scheme was implemented, triggering a legal requirement under Queensland law, for Council to either amend or replace the scheme. 

Mayor Peter Flannery said with the changing needs of our growing city, Moreton Bay now needs a more contemporary planning framework. 

“It’s timely that we have this opportunity to create a new planning scheme, as we look to how we can best plan for the future of City of Moreton Bay,” he said. 

“Rather than patchworking a planning scheme that is now coming to the end of its lifespan, we can deliver a more contemporary scheme that better supports our residents needs and is easier to use. 

“A new planning scheme will help Council harness population growth now and into the future. 

“We’re creating a polycentric city, where our residents can choose a home for every stage of life; one that gives them more opportunities to work closer to home; and has the infrastructure, services and amenities we all need. 

“This decision is the first step in a long process that will help us deliver on all of the above, while also supporting locals now and considering the beautiful natural environment that makes City of Moreton Bay a great place to live.” 

Council officers will now prepare for the new scheme, with a further report noting principal project stages and planned delivery timeframes, as well as communication and community engagement strategies to notify and consult residents and stakeholders.  

The current planning scheme will remain in place until further direction is given to begin preparations for a new planning scheme, and the new scheme is approved.