Updating overlay maps

What are overlay maps?

Planning schemes use overlay maps to show the location and extent of special features that need to be considered when assessing development. These could include where land may be subject to hazards or other characteristics like flooding, coastal hazards, bushfire and environmental areas.

Overlay maps may apply to all or part of your property and your property may be affected by more than one overlay. Having an overlay on your property will only affect you if you intend to undertake development on that part of your property. Development may include extending or building, changing use, subdividing, clearing native vegetation, filling or excavating.

For more information review the different types of overlays and requirements included in the current Moreton Bay Planning Scheme 2016.

How and when does Council amend overlay maps?

Mapping for the planning scheme has been created using a range of complex technical information. It is also informed by mapping from the State Government. Find out more about mapping datasets.

The data informing the overlay maps is subject to ongoing review which is required by State legislation. This review process can involve large studies, investigations and technical modelling. The State Government can also update technical information which also informs changes to overlay maps.

Council updates overlay maps in response to these matters. Overlay maps, like other parts of Council’s planning scheme, can only be updated through a statutory planning scheme amendment process that is set through State legislation. This can take between 12 months to 2 years from the start of an amendment process to adoption of the updated planning scheme.

For more information refer to planning scheme amendments fact sheets(PDF, 955KB).

What if the mapping on my property doesn’t look right?

If you believe an overlay map relating to your property requires review as part of Council’s future amendment processes, you can provide this feedback to Council via mbrcplanningscheme@moretonbay.qld.gov.au.

Please note that any such requests are likely to be registered for further review. Further consideration may need to form part of broader investigations and technical studies and be based on a wider area than just a single property. Any future overlay map changes will also be subject to the statutory amendment process which is explained in the planning scheme amendments fact sheet(PDF, 955KB).

What if my property’s site levels have changed - is the flood overlay still relevant?

Council provides access to a flood check property report portal.

A flood check property report can provide more up to date information on site levels, particularly following development approvals. Find out more about how the flood and coastal hazard overlays and the flood check property report work.   

If you believe that a flood check property report is not showing correct site levels following a recent development approval, contact Council.