Whitsunday Planning Scheme 2017

The Whitsunday Regional Council Planning Scheme commenced on 30 June 2017 and was updated on 20 January 2023 to Version 3.9. The Planning Scheme will facilitate development to accommodate future growth of up to 20,000 people and over 9,000 more jobs region wide by 2036 in a manner that is environmentally sustainable, boosts industry development and supports the rich lifestyle enjoyed by the Whitsunday community. It is the first Planning Scheme for the Whitsunday Region since amalgamation between Bowen and Whitsunday Shires in 2009 and is a key step for delivering a successful, stronger and more resilient Region into the future.

The Planning Scheme Amendment to update the Development Manual commenced 20 January 2023. The amendment included:

  • Updates to align with Australian standards
  • Amendments to parks and roads network desired standards of service
  • Rectifying historical issues and design improvement within the following themes:
    • Erosion and sediment control
    • Parks and open space design
    • Stormwater management Roads hierarchy and design standards
    • Water and sewer design standards

To review all amendments to the Whitsunday Planning Scheme 2017 and commencement dates, please view Appendix 2 – Table of Amendments below, or review in more detail on our amendments page.

If you are a developer or owner-builder, there are important Commonwealth telecommunications rules you need to comply with. For more information visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/tind

To view the Planning Scheme and the associated maps, please click on the links below:

Title and Contents Page PDF 1.22 KB
Part 1 - About the Planning Scheme PDF 157 KB
Part 2 - State Planning Provisions PDF 88.9 KB
Part 3 - Strategic Framework PDF 96.2 KB
Part 4 - Local Government Infrastructure Plan PDF 329 KB
 *Part 4 of the Planning Scheme commenced on 29 June 2018*
Part 5 - Tables of Assessment PDF 824 KB
Part 6 - Zone Codes PDF 343 KB
Part 7 - Local Plan Codes PDF 114 KB
Part 8 - Overlay Codes PDF 510 KB
Part 9 - Development Codes PDF 1.41 MB
Part 10 - Other Plans PDF 30.6 KB
Schedule 1 - Definitions PDF 322 KB
Schedule 2 - Mapping PDF 69.1 KB
*See table below for maps associated with the Planning Scheme*
Schedule 3 - LGIP Mapping and Supporting Material PDF 512 KB
*Schedule 3 of the Planning Scheme commenced on 29 June 2018*
Schedule 4 - Notations required under PA PDF 82.2 KB
Schedule 5 - Land Designated for Community Infrastructure PDF 64.1 KB
Schedule 6 - Planning Scheme Policies PDF 571 KB
The Whitsunday Development Manual PDF 2.16 MB 
Standard drawings  
Appendix 1 - Glossary of Abbreviations & Acronyms PDF 63.8 KB 
Appendix 2 - Table of Amendments PDF 57.5 KB 

The maps associated with the Planning Scheme are available through our Online Planning Services or can be downloaded in pdf version below:

Map Number Map Title Size
SC2.2 - Overview Map
SFM - 01:05 Local Government Planning Scheme Area and Content PDF  1.6 MB
SC2.3 - Strategic Framework Maps
SFM - 01:05 Strategic Framework Map PDF 7.4 MB
SC2.4 - Zone Maps
ZM - 01:29 Zoning Map PDF 85.9 MB
SC2.5 - Local Plan Maps
HILP - 01 Hamilton Island Local Plan: Heights Plan PDF 696 KB
SC2.6 - Overlay Maps
ASS - 01:14A Acid Sulphate Soil Overlay PDF 27.3 MB
AL - 01:29 Agriculture Land Overlay PDF 44.0 MB
AE - 01:02 Airport Environs Overlay PDF 3.9 MB
BH - 01:29 Bushfire Hazard Overlay PDF 38.5 MB
CP1 - 01:14 Coastal Protection Overlay: Storm PDF 58.8 MB
CP2 - 01:14 Coastal Protection Overlay: Erosion Prone Areas and Permanent Inundation PDF 9.4 MB
ES - 01:29 Environmental Significance Overlay PDF 124.6 MB
ER - 01:29 Extractive Resources Overlay PDF 14.7 MB
FH - 01:29 Flood Hazard Overlay PDF 13.9 MB
HER - 01:29  Heritage Overlay PDF 21.03 MB
INF1 - 01:29   Infrastructure Overlay: Transport Infrastructure PDF 29.9 MB
INF2 - 01:29  Infrastructure Overlay: Utility Infrastructure PDF 33.4 MB
LH - 01:29  Landslide Hazard Overlay PDF 44.36 MB
WW1 - 01:29  Waterways and Wetlands Overlay PDF 43.05 MB
WW2 - 01  Waterways and Wetlands Overlay: Climatic Region  PDF 1.6 MB
SC3.3 - Local Government Infrastructure Plan Maps  
PAM - 01:06 Projection area map PDF 170 MB
PFTI WN - 01:06 Water network plans for trunk infrastructure map PDF 39.02 MB
PFTI SN - 01:05 Sewerage network plans for trunk infrastructure map PDF 9.78 MB
PFTI SWN - 01:05 Stormwater network plans for trunk infrastructure map PDF 9.47 MB
PFTI TN - 01:05 Transport network plans for trunk infrastructure map PDF 9.86 MB
PFTI PCFN - 01:06 Parks and land for community facilities network plans for trunk infrastructure map PDF 6.82 MB