At its General Meeting on 4 September 2024, Council adopted the proposed Better Housing Amendment and supporting Planning Scheme Policies Amendment No. 2. Both amendments commenced on and from 30 October 2024.

The Better Housing Amendment includes a range of updates to the Planning Scheme to enable Council to better address residents' concerns, including:

• lot sizes that can accommodate backyards for outdoor living
• appropriate setbacks and site coverage to avoid overcrowded neighbourhoods and loss of privacy, sunlight and breezes
• diverse types of housing in well-chosen locations that offer affordable lifestyles
• more greenery like open areas, trees and landscaping, so neighbourhoods look and feel good
• better parking requirements — to accommodate cars on-site and less on our streets.

In support of the Better Housing Amendment, an amendment to a number of the Planning Scheme Policies have also been adopted as part of Planning Scheme Policies Amendment No. 2. Planning Scheme Policies support the operation of the Planning Scheme by providing guidance, standards and specifications referenced by the scheme.

The changes to the Planning Scheme Policies Amendment No. 2 aligns with Council's updates to the Better Housing Amendment.

Planning Scheme Policies Amendment No. 2 also includes changes to the Planning Scheme Policy Township Character to better reflect and support the unique township character of D'Aguilar, Dayboro, Samford Village, Wamuran and Woodford.