The Mill PDA - Frequently asked questions

Council has provided answers to range of frequently asked questions about The Mill at Moreton Bay PDA Development Scheme.

Questions


What is a Priority Development Area?

A Priority Development Area, or PDA, is a parcel of land that is identified for specific accelerated development with a focus on economic growth. Giving a site PDA status recognises its potential to drive economic growth, and streamlines the planning, approval and development processes to fast-track development for community benefit.

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What is a development scheme?

Each PDA is subject to a development scheme, a regulatory planning document intended to facilitate the purpose of the Economic Development Act 2012 and comprises a land use plan, an infrastructure plan and an implementation strategy. 

A development scheme will:

  • provide certainty to the community, local government, state agencies and land developers about the type and form of development that can occur in the PDA
  • set out processes and procedures for the assessment of PDA development applications
  • identify infrastructure requirements and sets out development charges for the provision of local infrastructure 
  • describes actions that support the delivery of economic development and development for community purposes.

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What is The Mill at Moreton Bay Priority Development Area and why is it important?

The Mill at Moreton Bay PDA was declared by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning, Jackie Trad in September 2016. Since this time, Council has worked closely the State Government to produce the Development Scheme. On 18 August 2017, the State Government adopted The Mill at Moreton Bay PDA Development Scheme.

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Why was the PDA declared?

The Mill at Moreton Bay PDA was declared to establish the necessary policy framework to support the intended development and community outcomes for the area. The redevelopment of the former paper mill site will include the construction of the proposed University of the Sunshine Coast campus, new health, retail, commercial and residential developments and community infrastructure. 

This will be central to the revitalisation of the broader community, whilst also enabling the regional importance of the project’s core to fill a significant gap in the tertiary education offering in the Moreton Bay Region.

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What is Council’s role within The Mill at Moreton Bay PDA?

Plan making and development assessment responsibilities have been delegated from the State Government to Moreton Bay Regional Council under the Economic Development Act 2012.

Council sought activation of a Priority Development Area (PDA) centred on the Moreton Bay Region University Precinct as a learning and employment hub of state significance. On 2 September 2016, the Queensland Government approved the declaration of The Mill at Moreton Bay PDA, recognising it as a regionally significant project to drive economic growth and employment and education opportunities for the future.

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How long will the PDA be in place?

Priority Development Areas are not limited to a specific timeframe. The University however is expected to reach full operating capacity by 2036.

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How do I apply to develop my land?

Development assessment responsibilities have been delegated from the State Government to Moreton Bay Regional Council. A PDA development application will be assessed under the Development Scheme and the Economic Development Act 2012 and must be lodged to Moreton Bay Regional Council. PDA Development Applications for the PDA are subject to Development Assessment timeframes under the Economic Development Act 2012.

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What is guidance material?

Guidance material (also referred to as Guidelines) support The Mill at Moreton Bay Priority Development Area Development Scheme (August 2017) and provide more detail on how to achieve high-quality design outcomes.

Guidance material is used to assess development applications.

Guidance material is to be taken into account in the preparation and assessment of PDA development applications in accordance with sections 2.1.3, 2.2.2 and 2.6 of the Development Scheme.

Current guidance material includes the Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme.

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