Positive planning for Blackwater

Posted on April 16, 2025

Central Highlands Regional Council is advancing state government approval for the two Blackwater Priority Development Areas (PDAs), located north of the Capricorn Highway, to form part of the Central Highlands Council Planning Scheme by the end of 2025.

At the March General Council Meeting, it was agreed to ask the Minister for Economic Development Queensland (MEDQ) to have the responsibility of the Blackwater PDAs transferred to council through a Planning Instrument Change (PIC). 

Council’s request for a PIC will simplify planning processes, ensure consistency in development assessment across the region, and provide greater opportunities for community to have input in the long-term vision for Blackwater. 

If approved by the Minister, the next stage will involve a public notification and consultation process to allow residents and stakeholders to have their say.

Mayor Janice Moriarty welcomed the decision to progress the request.

‘It will be incredibly positive for Blackwater community and the Central Highlands region,’ Mayor Moriarty said.

‘The PDAs were declared back in 2010 so the state government could fast-track housing and other development in Blackwater to support the needs of the resource sector.’

‘The Central Highlands Council Planning Scheme was then adopted in 2016, so it is now well and truly time to integrate the Blackwater PDAs into Council’s Planning Scheme.

‘Once this important milestone is completed, council and the community can coordinate future planning for parks, roads, water and other facilities to ensure greater certainty for residents, businesses, and industry,’ Mayor Moriarty continued.

The ‘Bringing Blackwater Back into the Planning Scheme’ project is a key initiative to ensure the sustainable growth and development of Blackwater. For more details, visit the Have Your Say webpage here.

Council will provide further updates as the process progresses.