Revocation of Moranbah Priority Development Area
On 13 February 2025 the Governor in Council approved amendments to the Economic Development Regulation 2023 to give effect to the revocation of the Moranbah Priority Development Area in accordance with section 42 of the Economic Development Act 2023.
From 14 February 2025, all new development applications over land previously in the PDA will be assessed in accordance with the development assessment framework under the Planning Act 2016 , which may require assessment against the Isaac Regional Planning Scheme 2021.
The Economic Development Act 2012 provides transitional provisions for development applications lodged prior to 14 February 2025 and not yet decided, and for PDA development approvals.
The relevant local government planning instrument that takes effect over land that was previously within the priority development is the Isaac Regional Planning Scheme 2021, version 1.1.
The effects of the cessation of the priority development area and relevant regulatory transitional provisions are contained in Subdivision 2 of the Economic Development Act 2012.
For further information about the revocation of the Moranbah Priority Development Area or the Isaac Regional Planning Scheme 2021, including making an appointment with a Council Officer please:
FAQs
The Moranbah PDA was put in place by the Queensland Government in 2011 to facilitate land development for housing and other urban projects. It included areas within and around the Moranbah township, including Bushlark and Grosvenor Estates, as well as a large portion of land to the west of Grosvenor Creek.
The Moranbah PDA was designated under the Economic Development Regulation 2023 and required that development be regulated against the State Government’s Moranbah Urban Development Area Development Scheme in accordance with the statutory provisions of the Economic Development Act 2012.
The Moranbah PDA was revoked by the Queensland Government on 13 February 2025, with the revocation taking effect from 14 February 2025.
The Moranbah PDA has been revoked at the request of Isaac Regional Council who have advocated for its cessation and the return of planning powers to Isaac Regional Council for the past 10 years.
Council has long advocated that the planning of our communities is best served with local input, by local people and with local knowledge. Council adopted the Isaac Regional Planning Scheme in 2021 which provides a contemporary local planning instrument that underwent significant community consultation and reflects the aspirations of the region’s communities. Development in the former Moranbah PDA will now be regulated by the Planning Scheme.
Council has worked closely with Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) over the past 18 months to ensure the transition is seamless for the community and development stakeholders.
From 14 February 2025, all new development applications for land previously within the PDA will be assessed against the Isaac Regional Planning Scheme under the development assessment framework of the Planning Act 2016.
Developments that have already received approval under the Economic Development Act are able to continue as planned. Subdivision 2 of the Economic Development Act. provides details regarding the effects of the cessation and transition provisions.
All existing applicants and approval holders within the Moranbah PDA should have received correspondence from Council detailing the effects of the cessation. If you require any further information you are encouraged to contact a town planning consultant or contact Council’s Liveability and Sustainability Department on 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227).
The revocation will have no impact on Council rates.
Isaac Regional Council remains committed to supporting economic growth and development in Moranbah. The revocation does not change the Council’s efforts to foster a thriving local economy, and we will continue to engage with stakeholders and the community to ensure that the area remains a competitive and attractive place to live, work and do business.
For more details, you can contact the Council’s Liveability and Sustainability Department, who can provide you with further information and answer any specific questions you may have about the revocation. Council’s Liveability and Sustainability Department on 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227) or via email at liveability.sustainability@isaac.qld.gov.au.