In Queensland, each local government prepares its own planning scheme in consultation with the State Government and the community. With a 20-year outlook, it helps balance where housing, jobs and infrastructure go, while protecting important natural areas.

It sets the rules that guide things like building heights, housing diversity, local identity and natural hazard risk management. It includes zoning for new homes, jobs, infrastructure, community facilities and protecting the environment.

We have one planning scheme for our city called Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme 2016 (MBRC Planning Scheme), as well as the Mango Hill Infrastructure Development Control Plan (North Lakes) and the Moreton Bay Central PDA (Priority Development Area) Development Scheme (Petrie). Draft PDA development schemes for Waraba and North Harbour are also currently being prepared by Economic Development Queensland. Visit Economic Development Queensland for more information.

The MBRC Planning Scheme commenced on 1 February 2016. The planning scheme supports growth and maintains the city's unique characteristics. It assists in maintaining future development throughout the city by identifying the preferred locations for land uses and the standards for new development.

To learn more, Council has developed a range of information sheets that provide further details about the MBRC Planning Scheme.

How we manage growth and development must be regularly reviewed and refined to stay relevant, be grounded in what our communities value and support sustainable well-planned places to live, work and play.

We update our planning scheme regularly and as this happens, we keep the conversation with our communities going so your feedback is considered.

All planning schemes in Queensland, including ours, use performance-based planning. This means developments are assessed on how well they meet the desired performance outcomes of the planning scheme, rather than having to meet strict rules. This flexible approach encourages more innovation and better development.