What’s happening?
Public consultation is now open on a major amendment to the Rockhampton Region Planning Scheme.
Rockhampton Regional Council is seeking feedback on changes focused on its Local Government Infrastructure Plan, known as the LGIP. Consultation is open until 5.00 pm on Friday, 13 February 2026.
The amendment updates how essential trunk infrastructure, including roads, water, sewerage and parks, is planned to support future growth across the region.
Why it matters
The LGIP guides where and when major infrastructure is delivered as the region grows.
Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said the changes will keep the Planning Scheme practical and based on the latest data.
“The LGIP plays a critical role in making sure infrastructure like roads, water, sewerage and parks are planned in a coordinated and sustainable way as our region grows,” Cr Mathers said.
“This amendment updates population data, growth projections and development assumptions using the latest census and Queensland Government information, so our planning reflects current and future needs.
“Importantly, it also refines where Council prioritises infrastructure delivery, helping to manage financial risk while still supporting development.”
Local impact
Infrastructure Councillor Marika Taylor said the changes support responsible infrastructure planning and quality development.
“Trunk infrastructure is the backbone of how our region grows, it’s what supports new homes, new businesses, and new communities,” Cr Taylor said.
“These updates ensure we are planning responsibly, using the best available data, and focusing investment where it is most needed.
“They also complement Council’s ongoing investment in maintaining and renewing existing infrastructure across the region.”
By the numbers, with context
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15 hectares will become the proposed minimum land size for regional sports parks, supporting larger scale sporting facilities.
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Two amendment components are proposed, changes to Part 4 and Schedule 3 of the LGIP, plus additional Planning Scheme changes outside those sections.
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One key network removed, the stormwater network will no longer form part of the LGIP, shifting responsibility to individual developments.
Zoom in
One major change is the removal of the stormwater network from the LGIP.
“As each development is now responsible for mitigating its own impacts, the need for Council-funded shared trunk stormwater solutions has been eliminated,” Cr Taylor said.
“This is a much more efficient way to manage our stormwater networks and ensures that the cost of development is met by the development itself.”
The amendment also strengthens requirements around parks, landscaping and stormwater management, particularly for large greenfield and brownfield developments.
Zoom out
The update replaces Olive Street as a major sport and recreation area in the Strategic Framework.
It will instead reference the Rockhampton Sports Precinct at CQUniversity, which is currently undergoing master planning. Strategic Framework maps will be updated to reflect this shift.
What to look for next?
Public consultation is open now and closes at 5.00pm on Friday, 13 February 2026.
Residents, landowners and the development industry are encouraged to review the amendment package and make a submission through Council’s Engage page.
