Far North Queensland residents and stakeholders have been granted significant additional time to examine and provide feedback on the region's draft planning blueprint, with the state government confirming the review period will extend through to the end of 2024.
Extended Consultation Timeline
Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie has announced that the draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan will remain open for public consultation until December, providing what he describes as "plenty of time" for thorough community engagement.
The extended timeline comes after initial concerns were raised about the adequacy of the consultation period for such a comprehensive planning document. The plan outlines development pathways for the region through to 2041, addressing critical issues including housing supply, economic growth, and environmental management.
Stakeholder Engagement and Feedback Process
Mr Bleijie emphasized the government's commitment to genuine consultation, noting that the extended period would allow for more comprehensive input from across the diverse Far North Queensland region. "We want to make sure everyone has their say," the Deputy Premier stated.
The consultation process involves multiple channels for community participation, including public information sessions, written submissions, and direct engagement with local councils and industry groups. The government has particularly highlighted the importance of hearing from agricultural, tourism, and development sectors given their significance to the regional economy.
Balancing Growth and Environment
The draft plan seeks to address the complex challenge of accommodating projected population growth while protecting the region's unique environmental assets. Far North Queensland is expected to welcome approximately 60,000 new residents over the next two decades, requiring careful planning for housing, infrastructure, and employment lands.
Environmental considerations feature prominently in the document, with specific provisions for managing development in sensitive coastal areas and maintaining the ecological integrity of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics. The plan also addresses resilience measures in response to climate change impacts and natural disasters.
Local government representatives have welcomed the extended consultation period, noting the complexity of the issues at stake. Cairns Regional Council has previously emphasized the need for alignment between state planning instruments and local planning schemes to ensure coherent development outcomes.
The final version of the Far North Queensland Regional Plan is expected to be released in early 2025, following the completion of the consultation process and consideration of all community feedback.
