The Wide Bay-Burnett regional planning project is a regional growth management process which covers the 22 councils in the Wide Bay-Burnett region.

Regional plan

The Wide Bay-Burnett regional plan was launched on 23 May 2007, and provides policy principles and policy actions to guide balanced growth and sustainability within the region. The regional plan is managed by the Regional Planning Advisory Committee, which consists of representatives from all levels of government and the community.

The Regional Planning Advisory Committee provides a forum for key stakeholders to assess, consider, and advise the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning on the implementation of the regional plan. Read more about the Wide Bay-Burnett Regional Plan.

Project concept

In 1995 the Queensland Government and local councils in the Wide Bay-Burnett region identified the need for a regional planning process to guide future land-use planning, economic development, infrastructure provision and environmental protection of the area. In 2005 the regional planning area was expanded to include the all local councils in the Wide Bay-Burnett region.

While the coastal areas have been experiencing growth rates higher than the state average, population decline in some of the Inland Burnett areas means they are struggling to maintain appropriate levels of infrastructure and services to their residents. There is a strong need for a regional planning process to guide future land use planning, economic development, infrastructure provision and environmental protection of this area.

Project area

The project area includes the cities of:

• Bundaberg
• Hervey Bay
• Maryborough.

It also includes the shires of:

• Biggenden
• Burnett
• Cherbourg
• Cooloola
• Eidsvold
• Gayndah
• Isis
• Kingaroy
• Kilkivan
• Kolan
• Miriam Vale
• Monto
• Mundubbera
• Murgon
• Nanango
• Perry
• Tiaro
• Wondai
• Woocoo.

Further information

For further information about the Wide Bay-Burnett regional planning project contact the Planning Group.