Page 8 - NLN July 19

New Website to Help DV Victims Proposed Planning Scheme Amendment
The State Government has launched a new website Community Consultation
for domestic violence victims that will provide Moreton Bay Regional Councils’ Planning Scheme
easy-to-access information in one central place was instated on 1 February 2016. Since then, Council
for victims. has been working on the proposed amendment to
The website www.qld.gov.au/domesticviolence will have ensure it remains a living document that supports
information on legal advice, housing options, mental health growth and maintains the region’s unique characteristics.
support, court support, child custody arrangements, and Council has previously consulted the community on proposed
employment options. amendments to the Planning Scheme and supporting Planning
“This is a hugely important initiative for Queenslanders affected Scheme policies.
by domestic and family violence,” said Chris Whiting. Council has now reviewed and considered much of this
“Statistics tell us that one in 5 women and one in 20 men over feedback, using it to inform the development of a new planning
the age of 15 have suffered physical abuse at the hands of an
intimate partner. scheme amendment.
“That means we all know personally at least one person who has From Monday, 24 June 2019, proposed amendment
suffered this abuse. information including documentation, information sheets,
“We now have one central place where people can access FAQs, maps and planning scheme policies will be available at
important and necessary information in a time of need. https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Projects/
“The portal was developed in consultation with domestic and Proposed-Planning-Scheme-Amendment
family violence services as well as victims of domestic and Council states that the proposed changes generally aim to
family violence. improve functionality and address implementation issues which
“Have a look and see how simple and easy to use it is,” said have been identified since the planning scheme first came into
Chris Whiting. effect, addressing key matters including, but not limited to:
• Improvements to cater for carports and secondary dwellings
in residential areas, and sheds in rural residential areas
• Changes to encourage the efficient use of land within
walking distances of commercial centres and train stations,
and further clarify the design and location of service stations
• Enhancements to 14 planning scheme policies to improve
their usability and ensure they are up-to-date and fit for
purpose;
• introduction of a new planning scheme policy for Township
Character which aims to encourage unique design solutions
that reinforce a sense of rural identity and character.
It is important to note this new proposed planning scheme
amendment does not include some of the proposed changes
previously advertised in 2017 including emerging community
and investigation areas.
Call the planning advice line on 5433 3496 or visit
www.mbrc.qld.gov.au/have-your-say for more information.
Email your feedback to mbrc@moretonbay.qld.gov.au Public
consultation closes 19 July 2019.