Sunshine Coast Draft Planning Scheme raises concerns for Large Format Retail

The Sunshine Coast Regional Council has released its new draft planning scheme, now open for public consultation until Friday, 19 September 2025.

The Large Format Retail Association (LFRA), as a member of the Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC), is actively engaging in the review. Last month, Philippa Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, LFRA and Lachlan Macgregor, Director, Development Directive, attended an industry briefing through the SCBC Think Tank Series to examine the potential impacts of the draft scheme.

As it stands, there are key concerns for Large Format Retail and the Large Format Retail Association will be making a detailed submission on behalf of members.

Issues identified so far include:

• Rezoning of land: Several Specialised Centre Zoned sites are proposed to be rezoned as Mixed Use, increasing competition with residential uses.
• Nicklin Way precinct: Strip Large Format Retail sites along Nicklin Way have largely been earmarked for Mixed Use, with a stronger residential focus.
• Design challenges: While the draft scheme nominates District Centres and Mixed Use Zones as suitable for Large Format Retail, the accompanying design codes are not conducive to Large Format Retail development.
• Limited western opportunities: There is no suitable Large Format Retail -zoned land west of the Bruce Highway, apart from a small area in Beerwah.
• Loss of existing Large Format Retail land: Significant parcels in Warana and Minyama have been converted to Mixed Use (including sport, recreation, and residential).
• Population growth not reflected: The draft scheme reduces Large Format Retail land supply despite Queensland Government projections of an additional 195,000 residents by 2046.

The LFRA is working with Development Directive and Deep End Services to identify future Large Format Retail expansion opportunities, which will form part of its submission. The SCBC will also be lodging a submission with input from the Large Format Retail Association and other members.

Members who have interest/s in Queensland, and specifically within the Sunshine Coast Regional Council area and may be impacted by the proposed changes are encouraged to make a submission. Development Directive is also available to assist members in preparing individual submissions. Please reach out to Lachlan Macgregor at Development Directive via lachlan@developmentdirective.com.au

More information on the Planning Scheme can be found here.

 

 

*Image from https://haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/newplanningscheme/our-region