Draft Planning Scheme endorsed by Council
Southern Downs Regional Council has endorsed the finalised draft Planning Scheme that balances the need for housing, urban development and economic growth, while safeguarding our valuable agricultural land. The endorsed draft will now be submitted to the Queensland Government for approval to adopt.
This marks a major milestone following an extensive community engagement process. From July through to September 2025, Council hosted 13 drop-in information sessions, engaged in more than 1,000 individual conversations and received 285 properly made submissions from residents, businesses and community groups.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said that the community has helped shape the draft scheme and build the foundation for a stronger, more liveable and vibrant Southern Downs.
“Our community’s feedback has been invaluable in shaping the draft scheme which will drive future land use and development across the Southern Downs,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“We’ve listened carefully and made several amendments to the draft Planning Scheme in response to community feedback.
“As well as several changes to the zonings that were presented during engagement, the Heritage overlay proposed in the original draft from 2021 will not apply to adjoining properties.
“The Southern Downs is growing faster than the Queensland average, and this scheme ensures we’re ready to meet that demand with more housing choices, greater opportunities for subdivision and new industrial land to support jobs in towns like Killarney and Allora.
“At the same time, it reinforces protections for agriculture and intensive animal industries, because farming remains the backbone of our economy and identity.”
Major changes in the draft Planning Scheme include:
Support for housing
• Secondary dwellings (or granny flats) will generally no longer need planning approval where they are less than 120m2. This applies to all residential and rural zones to enable more homes to be built in our region with less red tape.
• Reducing minimum lot sizes in both Low density and Medium density residential areas.
• Expanding the ability to subdivide land across our towns and villages.
Support for our Rural property owners
• Increasing the intensive animal industry thresholds to support rural production.
• Allowing nature-based tourism to establish in Rural zoned areas.
• A commitment to a Rural Land Strategy.
Support for businesses
• Making it easier to change tenancy types in our CBDs without having to lodge an application.
• Expanding where food and drink outlets can be established to a broader Tourist Use such as orchards, wineries, micro-breweries, tourist parks and paddock to plate farms.
• Updates to home-based businesses to be more contemporary, including allowing a non-resident employee and increasing the number of clients.
With all submissions now reviewed, Council will send personalised written responses to all submitters outlining how their feedback was considered and whether it resulted in any changes to the final draft.
Council now awaits approval from the Queensland Government before adopting the new scheme in 2026.
Council will continue to keep the community informed as the process progresses, with the next stage being the State’s review and feedback on the draft Planning Scheme.
In Queensland, a planning scheme is a legal document developed and adopted by a local council under the Planning Act 2016 (QLD). It sets out the framework for managing the use of land and development within a local government area and planning for anticipated growth. The current Southern Downs Planning Scheme was adopted in 2012 and last amended in 2018.
For more information on the draft Planning Scheme, head to https://haveyoursay.sdrc.qld.
Sort it out for a sustainable Southern Downs Christmas
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but it is also the season when household waste surges. Across Australia, waste increases by more than 30 per cent during the festive period, with excess wrapping paper, packaging and uneaten food filling our bins.
This festive season, Southern Downs Regional Council is again encouraging residents to reduce, reuse and recycle, and sort it out for a sustainable Southern Downs Christmas.
Council’s Portfolio spokesperson for Healthy Communities Cr Sarah Deane said sustainability is about balance and the community has an opportunity to make small changes that add up to a big impact.
“This Christmas, as we come together with family and friends, we encourage everyone to be mindful and sort your waste responsibly,” Cr Deane said.
“Whether it’s re‑using wrapping paper, composting food scraps or choosing gifts with less packaging, these choices make a real difference. When we reduce waste, we’re protecting our environment and saving money and resources.
“By planning ahead, recycling properly and choosing sustainable gifts, we can all enjoy the magic of Christmas and a festive season that’s kinder to our environment.”
Did you know?
- Australians use more than 150,000 kilometres of wrapping paper at Christmas—enough to circle the Earth’s equator nearly four times.
- More than five million tonnes of food ends up in landfill, equivalent to filling 9,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Council recommends the following simple steps to minimise waste:
- Plan meals carefully, buy only what you need and store food properly to avoid spoilage.
- Make the most of leftovers and consider composting food scraps.
- Set up clearly labelled recycling bins at gatherings for wrapping paper, cans, bottles, plastics and cardboard.
- Choose sustainable gifts such as experiences, homemade items, or secondhand treasures from the Endeavour Recycle Shop at Warwick and Stanthorpe Waste Facilities.
- Wrap gifts in newspaper, old wrapping paper or a tea towel. Use ribbon to secure the wrapping instead of sticky tape and last year’s Christmas cards to make this year’s gift tags.
Council reminds residents that all supervised waste facilities in the region will operate as normal throughout the holiday period, except for Christmas Day when all facilities will be closed. Kerbside collections will continue as scheduled.
We say goodbye to a massive 2025!
What a year it has been, our first full year in the new Gallery!
We’ve held almost 60 events and exhibitions this year. So we can say it’s been fairly busy!
Thanks to all our wonderful members, artists, volunteers and attendees!
If it wasn’t for you all, let’s face it we wouldn’t be running a single event! So thanks for coming to events, opening nights, exhibitions and workshops. And thanks for creating beautiful art, volunteering your time, and supporting our wonderful organisation.
2026 is sure to be even bigger with the $6,000 Local Art Prize ‘26 in January and the big one, the $50,000 Stanthorpe Art Prize ‘26 in June. Plus all the other great art, music, workshops, movies and more!
See you all then.
Holiday working hours and wage payments
The team at WorkCover Queensland wish you a safe and enjoyable festive season.
We will remain open throughout the holiday period, except for the public holidays (25th and 26th December 2025, and 1st January 2026), to ensure ongoing support for you and your workers.
Find out more about key wage payment dates over the festive season and what you need to do.
Queensland businesses deserve a strong voice – and at Business Chamber Queensland we’ll make sure it’s heard.
We work tirelessly to put Queensland businesses front and centre of State Government planning, investment, and decision-making, but we need your help.
By sharing this short survey with your business network and encouraging them to share their priorities, you’ll help us understand what matters most for businesses in your region.
Insights from this survey will directly guide the Chamber’s advocacy, from regular meetings with ministers and senior officials to our FY27 Queensland pre-budget submission.
Don’t miss this opportunity to influence the decisions that could help your region thrive in 2026. Share the survey now.
Shop local at the Southern Downs Visitor Centres this Christmas
With Christmas just around the corner, Southern Downs residents are being encouraged to make this festive season unique and home-grown by supporting local businesses, artisans and producers.
From farm-fresh produce to unique handmade treasures, our region offers a wide variety of gifts, many of which can be purchased at the Stanthorpe and Warwick Visitor Information Centres (VICs), where local volunteers are ready to help shoppers discover the perfect present.
Council’s spokesperson for Liveable Communities Deputy Mayor Sheryl Windle said shopping locally is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate the season of giving.
“When you buy local, you’re not just purchasing a gift, you’re investing in the vibrant and sustainable future of our community,” Cr Windle said.
“Every jar of homemade jam, every hand-crafted soap and every bottle of local wine tells the story of the people who make the Southern Downs such a special place to live.
“Our VIC volunteers are passionate ambassadors for the region and they can connect you with the growers, makers and artisans who pour their creativity and care into every product.
“Every purchase comes with a story worth sharing, and meeting the people behind the produce adds a personal touch that makes gift-giving even more special.
“Christmas is about family, community and gratitude, and by choosing to shop locally, you’re showing that the Southern Downs is not just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive, celebrate and belong.”
Residents are encouraged to make this Christmas one to remember by supporting local businesses and celebrating the unique character of the Southern Downs.
To find out more, contact your local Visitor Information Centres:
Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre
28 Leslie Parade, Stanthorpe
07 4681 2057
Monday to Sunday: 9am – 4pm
Parking: Ample parking available directly in front of Centre for all vehicle types.
Warwick Visitor Information Centre
Warwick Town Hall, 72 Palmerin Street, Warwick
07 4661 3122
Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 4pm
Sunday: 9am – 2pm
Parking: Ample parking available on Palmerin Street or in the Council carpark off Fitzroy Street. Caravan and bus parking available on Palmerin Street in front of Leslie Park.
Southern Downs secures funding for safe battery disposal
Southern Downs Regional Council has been successful in its bid for funding to support safer battery disposal in the community.
Council is one of fourteen across Queensland to share in more than $1 million in grants under the Queensland Government’s Local Government Battery Collection Program.
Southern Downs’ project will see lithium‑ion battery disposal facilities expanded at nine supervised transfer stations and the Warwick and Stanthorpe waste management facilities. New firefighting equipment will also be installed, alongside a community education campaign about the risks of lithium batteries and comprehensive refresher staff training to ensure hazardous materials are handled safely.
Council’s spokesperson for Healthy Communities Cr Sarah Deane said the program will give two-fold to the community by providing residents safe, convenient and practical options to dispose of end of life batteries as well as enhancing the region’s recycling sustainability and diverting unnecessary waste from landfill.
“Nationally, the waste and recycling industry experiences an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 battery-related fires annually,” Cr Deane said.
“This investment comes at a critical time, as the region has already faced three near-miss incidents involving battery-related fires this year.
“Our priority is keeping our community safe, and by expanding lithium‑ion battery disposal points and installing specialised firefighting equipment, we’re reducing the risk of dangerous fires before they happen.
“This funding means that Southern Downs households will have practical, convenient options to dispose of end of life batteries responsibly as well as preventing hazardous materials from ending up in landfill and supporting a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Southern Downs.
“Every battery safely collected is one less risk to our environment. This program helps us reduce waste, recover valuable materials, and protect our community for generations to come.”
The program targets batteries with limited disposal options, including lithium-ion batteries found in vapes, e-scooters, laptops, phones, power tools, children’s toys and common household items like electric toothbrushes and cordless vacuums.
The statewide investment will deliver 88 permanent battery collection points, three mobile collection services, and 28 temporary pop‑up locations.
This project is proudly supported through the Queensland Government’s Local Government Battery Collection Program.
Download the free Recycle Mate App to search for battery disposal locations. The app is compatible for both Apple and Android devices. Visit https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/
Hailstorm forecasting set to improve with new data gathering project
A unique network of monitoring stations is being installed across some of Australia’s most hail-prone locations this storm season, to better understand extreme weather events.
HailNet is gathering data from 10 urban and rural sites as part of a project by University of Queensland researchers, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF).
Associate Professor Matthew Mason with the HailNet monitoring station at UQ’s Pinjarra Hills Research Centre. Image: The University of Queensland.
Associate Professor Matthew Mason from UQ’s School of Civil Engineering said the 7-year monitoring study aims to fill gaps in knowledge about how hail behaves.
“Unlike other meteorological hazards like rainfall and wind, hail isn’t currently systematically monitored at ground level,” Dr Mason said.
“But hailstorms regularly damage vehicles, buildings, infrastructure and crops, particularly in South East Queensland communities.
“Even small hailstones can wipe out certain crops in the early stages of growth.”
Dr Mason said HailNet stations included sensors for both hail and wind.
“We’ve found the impact of hail and wind together is considerably worse than hail alone, so they are being monitored together for the first time, to understand that joint occurrence,” he said.
“It would be useful, for example, if we’re going to design solar panels or roofing material to better resist hail that we know the full distribution of hailstone sizes falling during an event, so we know what the material has to try and resist.”
Dr Joshua Soderholm, a BOM research scientist and Honorary Research Fellow at UQ’s School of the Environment, said the project’s findings will be especially beneficial for short-term forecasting.
“Radar imagery can show hail in clouds a kilometre in the sky, but we want to know about the direct relationship between that image and what actually falls to the ground,” Dr Soderholm said.
“The data will help inform estimates of hail sizes at the ground based on radar imagery so we can keep the community up to date.”
HailNet stations are being set up across South East Queensland from suburban Rocklea in Brisbane’s south to a vineyard in Stanthorpe and on the UQ Gatton solar farm.
“In terms of climatology South East Queensland is pretty much the hail hotspot for the entire country, so it’s an ideal location for the project,” Dr Soderholm said.
QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said Queensland’s farmers were on the frontline of extreme weather events, with hailstorms capable of wiping out crops and infrastructure in a matter of minutes.
“For some producers, hail and severe storm damage is considered a greater threat to income than drought,” Ms Sheppard said.
“High-value crops like pineapples and avocados can take years to recover from severe damage, making accurate risk data and innovative insurance tools essential to protecting livelihoods.
“Projects like HailNet are helping to fill critical data gaps, improving risk management and supporting informed decision-making across the industry.”
The HailNet project runs alongside the global hail library, which welcomes donations of hail specimens.
HailNet is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments through the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund, administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
Council invites community to help shape the 2026-2030 Corporate Plan
Southern Downs Regional Council is calling on residents, businesses, and property owners to take part in a community-wide survey that will guide the region’s 2026–2030 Corporate Plan. Under the Local Government Act Council must develop a Corporate Plan, which sets the strategic direction for Council services, budgets, and community priorities.
Mayor Melissa Hamilton said the development of the new Corporate Plan is a chance to hear from the community and set clear priorities for the years ahead.
“We have a beautiful region, a passionate community and a bright future. We want to hear what people love about this region, and what’s important to them,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“The Corporate Plan will outline our priorities, how we allocate ratepayer dollars, and our shared goals. It is vital that this is informed by the needs and aspirations of the Southern Downs community.
To support this process, Council will undertake a representative survey across the region. Surveys will arrive by post in the coming weeks, with an online version also available.
Mayor Hamilton said feedback gathered through the survey will help Council understand community views on key issues such as liveability, housing, the local economy, our natural assets, and infrastructure.
“We want to make sure that the community’s voice shapes the next Corporate Plan and reflects the unique strengths and values of the Southern Downs,” she said.
Survey responses will be analysed in conjunction with feedback received more broadly to guide key strategies within the 2026-2030 Corporate Plan.
To learn more about Council’s Corporate Plan and community survey, head to haveyoursay.sdrc.qld.gov.au/CorporatePlan from Monday 08 December 2025 when community consultation will officially open.
Alternatively, call 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372) or email [email protected].
We know many businesses are working harder than Santa this holiday season. To help get your new year off to a great start, we’ve packed even more value into our membership packages.
And when you join by Wednesday, 17 December 2025, you go into the draw to win a $1,000 Christmas hamper*. T&C’s apply, see here.
You can now access extra event tickets to connect with potential customers or partners, learn from experts, or expand your network. Plus, we’ve added credit to spend on a range of practical resources, templates and policies you can use in your business.
Queensland Government support for growing small and family businesses
If you’re a small and family business looking to invest in specialised equipment to take your operations to the next level, support is now available.
We know that small and family businesses looking to buy, install and complete training to use new equipment face significant costs in time and money that can stop or slow growth plans.
Supporting small businesses to overcome these barriers helps them and the people they support—staff, suppliers and customers—to grow.
Check your eligibility for the Business Growth Fund and submit a registration of interest before 5pm Friday 30 January 2026.
This program offers grant funding of between $50,000 and $75,000 to help businesses grow, increase productivity and efficiency, increase market share or develop and expand export opportunities.
Successful applicants can use their grant to cover the purchase, installation, setup, and training costs associated with specialised equipment—maximising economic returns and paving the way for sustainable job creation.
Visit business.qld.gov.au/growthfund to explore the full eligibility criteria and learn how to apply.
UniSC is offering a free, Queensland Government funded Business Planning course to help business owners strengthen their operations and build a practical, customised business plan. Businesses can join from anywhere in Queensland, making it ideal for our region.
Course details:
- Date – Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 December 2025
- Time – 9am to 4pm
- Format – Two full days
- Delivery – Online or in-person at UniSC Sunshine Coast
- Cost – Free
- Certificate provided upon completion
What businesses will learn:
- Key factors for long-term business success
- Strategic planning and resilience tools
- How to create a bank/investor/grant-ready business plan
- Tailored feedback from experts
- Networking with other small business operators
Modules include:
- Owning and managing a small business
- Understanding your business
- Understanding the market
- Risk, legal obligations and insurance
- Financial management
- Operating plan and exit strategy
Registration available here: Business Planning | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
Media Release
Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and
Minister for Small and Family Business
The Honourable Steve Minnikin
MAKING QUEENSLAND SAFER
Delivering safety and security for small and family businesses
- The Crisafulli Government is restoring safety where you live by delivering funding to support small and family businesses to deter crime.
- Funding up to $20,000 is available as part of the second round of the $40 million Secure Communities Partnership Program.
- Round 2 will directly fund eligible small and family businesses to implement critical safety upgrades such as alarm systems, surveillance and detection, and digital access control systems.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and making Queensland safer.
The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer and urging small and family business owners affected by crime to apply for new funding to boost security and deter criminal activity on their businesses.
Round 2 of the Crisafulli Government’s $40 million Secure Communities Partnership Program is now open to eligible small and family businesses.
It is another way the Crisafulli Government is restoring safety where you live and reversing Labor’s decade long soft on crime approach, which saw insurance rates skyrocket by 79.6 per cent under the former Government.
In Round 2, small and family businesses can apply directly for funding to install:
- alarm systems like wired trespasser alarms and portable duress alarms
- access control and entry management like key fobs, smart locks and electronic deadbolts, PIN and keypad entry systems and intercoms
- surveillance and detection like CCTV, motion sensors and video recording
- lighting and environmental security like outdoor security lighting and motion-activated lighting
- physical security items like lockable display cases, cash drawers and safes, security screens and portable barriers
The multi-year program funds critical measures to deter crime and protect small and family businesses from economic losses and is a key commitment of the Crisafulli Government’s Small and Family Business First Action Statement.
In this round a total of up to $10 million is available, with $2 million open to small and family businesses and $8 million available to councils from early 2026.
The launch of Round 2 in Maryborough follows the Crisafulli Government boosting patrols to tackle antisocial behaviour in Maryborough’s CBD, after locals raised concerns about rampant antisocial behaviour during Labor’s decade of decline.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin today launched Round 2 in Maryborough telling local small and family businesses that the program was delivering on a promise to deliver safety where you live.
“Small business owners have voiced their concerns about crime in their communities, and we are listening to them,” Minister Minnikin said.
“We recently announced the successful projects from the first round of this program which was open to councils. We are now giving small business owners the opportunity to apply directly.
“The Secure Communities Partnership Program is about making sure we safeguard the livelihoods of small and family business owners across Queensland, to ensure they can keep themselves and their staff safe.
“Since the launch of this program in May, I’ve travelled across Queensland and listened to small and family business owners echo the same concerns about crime.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the program was another important step in helping make Queensland safer.
“We’re tackling crime from every angle – putting more police on the frontline, strengthening our laws, and helping small businesses invest in their own security,” Minister Purdie said.
“This program gives local business owners the tools they need to better protect their livelihood, their staff and their customers, so they can keep doing what they do best.”
Member for Maryborough John Barounis said the program supported local small and family businesses to deter specific crime issues that affected their operations.
“For small business owners in Maryborough, the cost of crime against their businesses cannot be understated,” Mr Barounis said.
“Small businesses underpin our economy and create local employment, and we’re proud to support them in return.”
Small businesses can apply for between $5,000 and $20,000 for one project. A co-contribution of at least 50 per cent is required. Eligible businesses must:
- employ less than 20 employees
- have an annual turnover of $10 million or less
- have been significantly impacted by crime within the last three years.
This funding follows the success of round 1 which saw $9.6 million awarded to councils across Queensland—including 35 projects in regional Queensland—to fund crime prevention measures in their local business precincts.
Small business owners can check the full program eligibility guidelines and conditions and apply at business.qld.gov.au/securegrant
Disability Friendly Business Basics micro-credentials
When your business is inclusive and accessible, you open the door to thousands of customers who may otherwise be overlooked. People with disability, their families, and carers represent significant purchasing power – and they actively support businesses that welcome them.
Today’s customers expect businesses to be socially responsible and inclusive. Disability friendly practices show that your business values equity and community, enhancing your reputation and giving you a competitive edge.
3. The cost of not being disability friendly
- Enhance customer engagement with people with disability.
- Strengthen your service delivery for all customers.
- Build your reputation as an accessible and inclusive business in the community.
- Complement your existing workplace policies and procedures.
Registrations are now open: Disability friendly business basics – CheckUP
Southern Downs Regional Council’s 2025/26 Community Grants Program is now open, and not-for-profit groups across the region are invited to apply for grants of up to $2,000 to bring their community-based initiatives to life.
From community development and cultural projects to social services, recreational programs and infrastructure upgrades, a total funding pool of $50k is available to support the ideas that make the Southern Downs thrive.
Council’s spokesperson for Inspired Communities Cr Morwenna Harslett said the grants program continues to celebrate the vital role community organisations play in shaping the region’s identity and wellbeing.
“Community groups bring people together, improve local amenities and foster a sense of pride and belonging,” Cr Harslett said.
“The 2025/26 Community Grants Program offers a valuable boost for groups working with limited resources and helps turn great ideas into real outcomes.
“Last year, Council supported 28 incredible projects and we’re excited to see what this year’s round will bring.
“Whether it’s a new community event or an upgrade to a local facility, Council is here to support initiatives that benefit the Southern Downs.”
Previous projects funded by the 2024/25 Community Grants Program included:
- Southern Downs Suicide Prevention Network – Out of the Shadows Walk
- Ballandean Hall and Sports Club – Festival of Small Halls
- Warwick AFC Inc – Security upgrades to the Redbacks clubhouse
- Warwick Fish Stocking Assoc – Grass line trimmers for the day use area at Leslie Dam
- Granite Borders Landcare Committee – Stanthorpe Eco Expo 2024
- Rotary Club of Stanthorpe – Solar panels
- Killarney Bowls Club Inc – New signage
- Stanthorpe Blue Water Fishing & Restocking Club Inc – Restocking native fish fingerlings in the Severn River and tributaries
- Granite Belt Support Services – Disability Action Week workshop
Applications close Tuesday 30 June 2026, however the program may close sooner if funding is fully allocated prior. All applications need to be submitted via SmartyGrants. Guidelines and forms are available on Council’s website: https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/
Photo caption: During Disability Action Week and on International Day of Persons with Disability, 2024/25 Community Grant recipient Granite Belt Support Services held a workshop to provide a safe, inclusive and creative space where people with disability could express themselves through movement; build self-confidence; and raise awareness about the importance of accessibility and inclusion in the arts.
For all the latest Council news and information, download the ‘My SDRC’ App or visit www.sdrc.qld.gov.au. Alternatively, call 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372) or email [email protected].
2025 Digital Future of Work Report
The 2025 Digital Future of Work Report, released this week, reveals 7 in 10 Queensland businesses only have a basic or below understanding of AI and its applications for business, and only 3.3% consider themselves experts in the field.
This research series, supported by Australian Retirement Trust, sets out emerging digital trends in the workplace and allows Queensland businesses, industry, and government to track trends, respond, plan, and invest for the future.
Download the report below to find out more.
Business_Chamber_Queensland_2025_Digital_Future_of_Work_Report