What is a structure plan?

A structure plan is the primary output of a master planning process and shows how different uses of land (e.g. residential, commercial, open space etc.) and intensities of use (e.g. low density residential, medium density residential etc.) are distributed throughout an area. A structure plan doesn't detail road layouts or lot layouts as this detail will be provided in future plans that will be prepared as part of the development application process. The Mount Peter Structure Plan will be accompanied by a number of supporting strategies that address:

• Transport, mobility and access
• Water cycle management
• The relationship between Mount Peter, Edmonton and Gordonvale town centres
• Economic development and employment
• Natural environment and open space
• Sport and recreation
• Community facilities, community development and human services
• Cultural heritage
• Housing
• Visual character

For an example of a completed structure plan, see Ipswich City Council's Ripley Valley project.

What is the boundary of the study area and how are surrounding areas considered in the planning process?

The boundary for the Mount Peter Master Planned Area has been defined by the Queensland Government and sits within Cairns' southern growth corridor (White Rock to Gordonvale). The area of Edmonton east of the highway is within the study area. However, most of Edmonton and Gordonvale are outside of the boundary. The master planning process will consider how new development within the study area will integrate with existing development in Gordonvale and Edmonton.

The master planning process will consider the wider physical context, taking into account water catchments and other environmental features that may be influenced by development in the study area.

How was the study area chosen and why?

The Far North Queensland Regional Plan : FNQ 2031 estimates that the Far North Queensland region will be home to 100,000 new residents, of whom around 70,000 are expected to settle in Cairns.

To accommodate this growth a number of areas were considered including Myola, Clohesy-Koah, East Trinity, Edmonton-Green Hill-Gordonvale (eastern side of Bruce Highway), Goldsborough Valley and Southedge.

After evaluation of these areas and consideration of a range of environmental factors (including waterways, flooding, slope and vegetation), distance from employment, opportunities for transport, and the potential developable area, Mount Peter was identified as the most suitable area to accommodate growth.

Development is happening throughout the southern growth corridor, why is the master planning process just focusing on the study area?

The Far North Queensland Regional Plan : FNQ 2031 identifies Mount Peter as a Master Planned Area and defines the study area boundary. The master planning process will consider how new development will impact and integrate with neighbouring communities such as Gordonvale and Edmonton, even though they are outside the study area.

How will development within the study area respond to other nearby development happening outside the study area?

The Mount Peter Structure Plan and accompanying planning controls will only directly influence what happens within the study area. However, one of the objectives of the master planning process is to set a new standard for development in the southern growth corridor that could then influence development beyond the study area boundary.

How will planning address the needs of businesses in Edmonton and Gordonvale?

The Mount Peter Structure Plan will be accompanied by a number of supporting strategies, including one that will address economic development and employment to support the expected future population.

Planning for business and industry development in the study area will consider the current and future economic role and function of Gordonvale and Edmonton town centres.  New economic activity centres and employment nodes will be planned to complement, rather than challenge, existing economic activity centres in Edmonton and Gordonvale.

How will planning for Mount Peter respond to the Edmonton town centre development?

The Edmonton town centre will be the primary centre for the southern growth corridor. Therefore, any development within the study area will be planned to complement Edmonton's role and function within the southern growth corridor. The master planning process will focus on integration with and promotion of connections between the study area and Edmonton town centre. The master planning process may also identify opportunities to enable Edmonton town centre to better serve the future needs of people living within the study area.

Why is productive farmland being replaced with housing?

The Far North Queensland Regional Plan : FNQ 2031 considered a number of areas to accommodate future urban growth in Cairns. After considering a wide range of criteria, the land on the western side of the Bruce Highway between Gordonvale and Edmonton was identified for future urban development. The Mount Peter area has been identified for future urban development since the FNQ2010 Regional Plan was launched in 2000 and is identified in the CairnsPlan as an area for future urban development.

The Far North Queensland Regional Plan : FNQ 2031 and the CairnsPlan provide for the majority of urban growth within the region over the next 20 years to be accommodated in the Mount Peter master planning area. The master planning process will ensure that future development is planned to accommodate growth to ensure that additional areas of farmland are not placed under urban land use pressures.

Why are out of town consultants involved in preparing the structure plan?

Planning a new community from scratch is a complex process. A team of technical specialists is needed to investigate and recommend approaches to developing the study area. Through an open tender process, Council appointed a multidisciplinary group of specialists with the skills and experience needed to prepare a comprehensive structure plan. The group is led by Cardno, a nationally recognised engineering and environmental planning firm with an office based in Cairns.

Although many consultants working as part of the master planning group are not based in Cairns, the master planning process will be supported by an extensive community consultation process that will provide a range of opportunities for local people to have input. It is also important to note that Council is overseeing the process and ensuring that the master planning process responds to local needs and values.

Who is on the Taskforce and what is its role?

The Mount Peter Master Planning Taskforce is a partnership between Council, Queensland Government and landowners in the study area that have made a financial contribution to the master planning process based on the size of their land holdings. The contributions to Council will be held as credits for each landowner against any future trunk infrastructure charges (when development occurs in the future). The Taskforce meets regularly, is independently chaired and is working to ensure that the master planning process adequately addresses the future needs of the area in terms of jobs, housing, transport, education, environment, health, recreation and other services.

The Master Planning Taskforce is responsible for the general guidance and coordination of the project, including risk management, quality assurance and timely delivery.

Meeting minutes list attendees and outline actions and agreements from each meeting.

Who is on the community reference group and what is its role?

The Community and Landowner Reference Group (formerly separate groups) is an advisory group that meets regularly and enables local landowners and community representatives to contribute local knowledge to the master planning process.

The Reference Group provides a link between landowners in the study area and representatives of the general community with an interest in planning for Mount Peter. The Reference Group collaborates with Council, the Taskforce, and the master planning group, and serves as a sounding board for ideas. The Reference Group also helps to build local community awareness about the project.

Meeting minutes list attendees and outline the discussion from each meeting.

Will Mount Peter be a dormitory suburb where people have to leave the area to work in Cairns?

No, development in the study area is being planned to include employment, retail, commercial and community activities. Mount Peter will have high frequency public transport services, to allow and encourage people to live, work and play in their local area.

While it is recognised there will always be a need for some people to travel into Cairns for employment, a key objective of the master planning process is to maximise employment opportunities in the southern growth corridor. Planning principles will encourage mixed use development and create a high level of self sufficiency for people to live and work within the study area, and limit the need to travel outside the southern growth corridor.

If people do need to access the Cairns central business district, the proposed busway system will reduce the pressure on the road network, including the Bruce Highway.

What type of housing is being planned for Mount Peter?

A range of housing types are anticipated within the study area. The master planning approach will allow for a variety of housing solutions to ensure people with differing needs can live within Mount Peter. Different housing types will provide for large and small households with different income levels and age structures.

Is there a requirement for a minimum housing density? Why?

Yes, the Queensland Government has specified that the study area must accommodate around 42,500 people and a mix of housing types and densities.

Development patterns characterised by low density single-lot housing create sprawling development that can impact housing affordability and can lead to social isolation. The cost of providing infrastructure to service new development is significantly higher in low density areas. By encouraging a mix of housing densities in Mount Peter it will be possible to more effectively provide infrastructure to service new development.

Higher density housing in the study area will be linked to mixed use development that provides local facilities and services within the community. Higher density housing will focus around centres with good access to public transport and a range of facilities and services.

Where will the town centres and shopping centres go?

New centres within the study area will be located to support the Edmonton and Gordonvale town centres and to maximise the viability of planned public transport networks. The location of these centres will be determined through the master planning process.

How will planning for Mount Peter reflect the Far North Queensland lifestyle?

Cairns has much to offer residents and visitors - a tropical climate, a relaxed lifestyle and a colourful community. Planning for Mount Peter will respond to the unique qualities of the area and ensure that future development is designed appropriately to enhance these qualities to ensure that it remains a relaxed and friendly place for existing and future residents to live.

The master planning process will respond to the vision for Mount Peter and will encourage an urban form that reflects the tropical context whilst drawing on Mount Peter's unique location, local conditions and community values.

How will the history of the area be reflected in planning for Mount Peter?

Areas of Indigenous and European heritage significance will be identified through the master planning process.  Future development will be carefully planned to ensure it responds to the unique heritage values identified within the study area. For example, local history will be reflected in urban design, including in public art and the naming of places.

How will planning ensure that high density housing does not become a ghetto?

A variety of housing is anticipated within the study area with higher density housing expected in centres, providing vitality and the critical mass needed to support vital community services. The structure plan will not support high density housing outside of proposed centres. There will be a range of densities and not a uniform or blanket density (either high or low) across the study area.

How will planning for Mount Peter protect sensitive environmental areas?

The master planning process will include a number of detailed technical studies being undertaken in consultation with the Queensland Government and Council to identify and map constraints and opportunities within the study area.  The relationship between sensitive environmental areas and future development will be carefully planned to ensure environmental values are protected and maintained.

Where will the water come from to service new development in Mount Peter?

The majority of Cairns existing water comes from the Copperlode Falls Dam (Lake Morris), via an intake at Crystal Cascades and from Behana Creek.

The future water supply needs for the southern growth corridor have been considered in the Far North Queensland Draft Regional Water Supply Strategy. The Queensland Government and Council are working in collaboration to develop a long term strategy to meet future water supply needs, while seeking to achieve optimal environmental, social and economic outcomes.

Future water supply projects currently under investigation by Council include the Barron River water scheme and the Mulgrave River aquifer feasibility study. In addition, Council has adopted a water demand management strategy and measures to reduce per capita water use which will help to defer the need to establish new water supplies.

Recycled water will be considered as part of an integrated water cycle management strategy for Mount Peter.

Will water be recycled from Gordonvale Mill and used in Mount Peter?

Opportunities to use recycled water within the study area will be explored as part of an integrated water cycle management strategy.

Potential sources of recycled water include the existing and future wastewater treatment plants and from the Gordonvale Mill. The Far North Queensland Regional Plan : FNQ 2031 sets a target of 100 percent beneficial reuse of average dry weather flow from wastewater treatment plants by 2018.

How will local people be involved in the planning process?

Members of the local community are involved in the Mount Peter master planning process via their representation on the Community and Landowner Reference Group. Furthermore, participation in consultation activities and events including focus groups, surveys, the Enquiry by Design and community workshops provide the opportunity for the broader community to get involved in the master planning process.

In addition, community members can make submissions to Council, and comment on publicly posted documents relating to Mount Peter.

Will there be a new hospital?

The Mount Peter Structure Plan will be accompanied by a number of supporting strategies, including one that will address community facilities, community development and human services required to support the expected future population.

As this strategy has not yet been developed, it is not clear what community facilities will be required for the study area. However, the vision for Mount Peter includes the theme of Mount Peter as a strong vibrant community, where local residents have access to a range of quality services, facilities and community events that provide them with a strong sense of identity, safety and security. Queensland Health will be involved in the master planning process and opportunities for a range of health facilities in the study area will be explored.

What happens to development applications for land within the study area that are lodged before the structure plan is adopted?

A number of development applications for land within the study area were lodged with Council prior to the study area being declared a Master Planned Area under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 in May 2008. Although Council is required to continue the assessment of these applications in accordance with the Integrated Planning Act 1997, Council has approached each applicant and requested that the applications be determined following the completion of the structure plan.

New development applications cannot be made for land within the study area until the master planning process has been completed.

Will planning consider infrastructure upgrades required to support future development?

Yes. The existing water supply, sewerage and highway infrastructure will require augmentation to support future development in the study area. Planning is underway to determine the optimal infrastructure strategy, making use of existing trunk infrastructure networks where possible.

Water Supply - Council is currently investigating and planning the development of future water sources and treatment facilities to support future population growth in the southern growth corridor. It is envisaged that additional water supply infrastructure upgrades required to support development in the study area will include new water storage reservoirs and trunk water mains.

Sewerage - Council is currently planning sewerage facilities to support future population growth in the southern growth corridor. It is envisaged that sewage will be directed to one of the existing wastewater treatment plants at Edmonton or Gordonvale, and/or a split between the two plants. The option to build a new wastewater treatment plant in proximity to the study area will also be considered. Additional sewerage infrastructure upgrades required to support development in the study area include trunk sewer mains and pumping stations to transfer flow to the selected treatment location.

Highway - The Queensland Government is undertaking a detailed planning study of the Bruce Highway to support increases in traffic volumes associated with population growth in the southern growth corridor.

When is the highway going to be upgraded to a four lane road?

The planned upgrade to the Bruce Highway will depend upon the staging of the future development in Mount Peter and Queensland / Federal Government funding. The Queensland Government is undertaking a detailed planning study to improve the southern access to Cairns.

The master planning process will also identify required upgrades to the Bruce Highway associated with development in the study area.

Will local landowners be made to sell their property to make way for development?

Unless land is required for critical infrastructure (such as public transport corridors and major roads) required to support development within the study area, individual landowners will not have to sell their property. As such, the majority of landowners will be able to continue using land for existing purposes and will have the right to choose when to sell or develop their property.

The structure plan will provide greater certainty to land owners as it will show future uses within the study area. The long term strategic direction for land within the study area is for future urban development. Therefore, over time, all new development will be planned to provide for urban uses. All new development will be required to be consistent with the structure plan.

The structure plan will identify a staging process and mechanisms to allow development to occur within the study area while existing land uses continue over the short to medium term.

Will development be allowed to extend up the hillsides?

The hillsides are highly valued local feature and are likely to play an important role in creating high levels of amenity and for maintaining high levels of environmental value within the region. It is therefore anticipated that the Mount Peter Structure Plan and the accompanying planning controls will restrict development on the hillsides.

How can not-for-profit community groups get land allocated or donated so that they can provide community services needed in the area?

The structure plan will not identify land for specific community groups. However it will identify a range of land uses within the study area and ensure there is space for the provision of community facilities and services. Once the structure plan has been adopted Council will manage development, including the allocation of land for community uses to ensure that there are adequate services and facilities to support population growth.

How will sport and recreation facilities be planned? What will happen to existing facilities?

The Mount Peter Structure Plan will be accompanied by a number of supporting strategies, including one that will address sport and recreation facilities required to support the expected future population.

As this strategy has not yet been developed, it is not clear what sport and recreation facilities will be required for the study area. However, the strategy will consider the location of existing facilities within the study area and trends in participation for different sports and recreational activities.

The future of existing sport and recreation facilities within the study area, including a target shooting club, tennis courts and speedway will be addressed in the strategy. Existing facilities may be retained and upgraded or relocated to an alternative suitable location.

What sorts of industries will be planned to provide jobs for local people?

The Mount Peter Structure Plan will be accompanied by a number of supporting strategies, including one that will address economic development and employment required to support the expected future population.

As this strategy has not yet been developed, it is not clear what industries will be suitable for the study area.

The master planning process will explore the suitability of a range of industries in Mount Peter, to provide employment and services to meet the needs of the local population as well as wider regional, national and international markets.

Economic development and employment will focus around uses that serve the local population such as retail, personal services and community services.

The structure plan will also provide for community, economic development and employment opportunities through catalyst developments in health and education and knowledge-based industries. This will include home-based business opportunities and potential business and technology parks. Employment land will be identified to accommodate economic activities that build on regional competitive advantages and specialisations. This could include manufacturing and related activities (e.g. transport and distribution), high value horticultural production and processing, aviation-related manufacturing and tropical expertise (e.g. environmental management, tropical design and living etc.).

Where will industrial areas be located and how will land use be managed to minimise the impact of industrial development on residential areas.

The Department of Infrastructure and Planning has identified land for industrial uses within the Mount Peter Master Planned Area, which will be integrated into the overall structure plan. The industrial areas will predominately be located in the parcel of the MPA located on the eastern side of the highway, near Edmonton.

The master planning process will seek to develop sustainable communities that provide appropriate employment, education, community facilities and recreation uses that are integrated with the various housing forms within the nominated development footprint.

Other mixed use areas will be integrated into the overall design. Where industrial uses are located near residential, these will be buffered by drainage reserves, parks etc. More details will be available as the design progresses through the Enquiry by Design process.

How will land use be planned across the study area? Could land to the west of the highway be used for residential uses and land to the east of the highway used for industrial, commercial and community uses?

The master planning process will seek to determine appropriate land uses within the study area based on achieving the vision and Queensland Government objectives for the area. At this stage of the master planning process, it is too early to determine how land within the study area will be best used to meet these objectives.

Is there a building height limit proposed? Can building heights be limited to three storeys maximum?

The structure plan will be supported by design codes that will include desired outcomes in relation to the height of buildings. The codes will reflect the intent of the Mount Peter Structure Plan whilst accommodating required planning and growth objectives outlined by the Queensland Government in the Far North Queensland Regional Plan : FNQ 2031. At this stage in the master planning process, nominated limits on building height are yet to be defined or determined.  However, due to the need to create vibrant communities whilst supporting around 42,500 residents within the  study area, it is unlikely that future height controls will be set that limit new development to three storeys in all areas.

How will master planning preserve the heritage features (including the environmental heritage and important key views and vistas) of the Mount Peter Master Planned Area and surrounding area, including Gordonvale town centre?

The master planning process will review and assess the heritage elements (historical, Indigenous and environmental) to balance planning requirements such as population targets while preserving the heritage and natural elements of the area.  Surrounding environmental and heritage features, including those in Gordonvale town centre will be important considerations in the master planning process.

Will there be “inner city” densities in Mount Peter? What will the intensity of development be in the centres?

The need to plan sustainable and active centres will result in the need to create increased development density to support a broader range of community facilities, retail, employment and civic uses. The overall density will not reflect historical low density developments responsible for urban sprawl.  New development will be planned to have a variety of densities including more "urban centres" that are comparable to "inner city" densities. The intensity of these centres will be determined as part of the master planning process.

Will there be a new highway? Has the location of the highway through Mount Peter already been determined?

A new highway is not proposed to go through the Mount Peter Master Planned Area. Higher order roads (to be determined through traffic modelling) may be located within Mount Peter, but they will not be of highway standards. The location of these higher order roads and the capacity of traffic that will use these roads will be resolved through traffic modelling being undertaken as part of the master planning process.