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Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan targeted amendment

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Consultation has concluded

Have your say

Community consultation of the Wide Bay Burnett targeted amendment has now closed. Your feedback will help inform decisions on the proposed change to the Wide Bay Burnett regional plan.

To stay informed about our proposed changes to the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan, please visit the department website to find out more.

Background

Gympie has a gold mining history dating back to the late 1800s and over time, to protect the town centre from increasing mining exploration activities, certain measures have been put in place which limit the potential to explore gold mining opportunities in the township.

Gympie’s township and surrounding areas are subject to a declaration known as Restricted Area 384 which restricts new resource exploration permits being granted the area.

Gympie Regional Council has requested the removal of the Gympie town area from Restricted Areas 384, but before doing so alternative state protections need to be put in place.

The proposed change to the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan would see Gympie town mapped as a Priority Living Area under the Regional Planning Interest Act 2014, providing a mechanism to:

• protect the liveability of the Gympie township from impacts of resource activity

• provide opportunities for community feedback on proposed activities.

View the proposed Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan draft Amendment mapping in the interactive tool or download here.

Have your say

Community consultation of the Wide Bay Burnett targeted amendment has now closed. Your feedback will help inform decisions on the proposed change to the Wide Bay Burnett regional plan.

To stay informed about our proposed changes to the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan, please visit the department website to find out more.

Background

Gympie has a gold mining history dating back to the late 1800s and over time, to protect the town centre from increasing mining exploration activities, certain measures have been put in place which limit the potential to explore gold mining opportunities in the township.

Gympie’s township and surrounding areas are subject to a declaration known as Restricted Area 384 which restricts new resource exploration permits being granted the area.

Gympie Regional Council has requested the removal of the Gympie town area from Restricted Areas 384, but before doing so alternative state protections need to be put in place.

The proposed change to the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan would see Gympie town mapped as a Priority Living Area under the Regional Planning Interest Act 2014, providing a mechanism to:

• protect the liveability of the Gympie township from impacts of resource activity

• provide opportunities for community feedback on proposed activities.

View the proposed Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan draft Amendment mapping in the interactive tool or download here.

Consultation has concluded
  • Share I refer to the following question and answer: "Why is an amendment being requested by council? Bargiee asked about 1 month ago Gympie Regional Council has requested that the RA384 protections be removed to allow for economic opportunities in the town via resource activities such as gold mining. This could lead to more jobs in the region." Why is the Gympie Regional Council pursuing this particular amendment on the basis of some jobs that 'could' be created in the region, over many other strategies which do not rely on this proposed amendment? The implications of this amendment could severely and negatively impact many other current jobs, for example in agriculture and tourism, as well as potential jobs in other sectors which are not reliant on such an amendment. This proposed change could also impact livability in the region to an extent that it becomes much less desirable as a place to live and raise families, resulting in an exodus of community members. We do not need to become like the Hunter Valley or other polluted and dysfunctional mining communities across this state that have been pillaged for profit at the expense of the people and natural ecosystems that previously occupied and remain in these places. on Facebook Share I refer to the following question and answer: "Why is an amendment being requested by council? Bargiee asked about 1 month ago Gympie Regional Council has requested that the RA384 protections be removed to allow for economic opportunities in the town via resource activities such as gold mining. This could lead to more jobs in the region." Why is the Gympie Regional Council pursuing this particular amendment on the basis of some jobs that 'could' be created in the region, over many other strategies which do not rely on this proposed amendment? The implications of this amendment could severely and negatively impact many other current jobs, for example in agriculture and tourism, as well as potential jobs in other sectors which are not reliant on such an amendment. This proposed change could also impact livability in the region to an extent that it becomes much less desirable as a place to live and raise families, resulting in an exodus of community members. We do not need to become like the Hunter Valley or other polluted and dysfunctional mining communities across this state that have been pillaged for profit at the expense of the people and natural ecosystems that previously occupied and remain in these places. on Twitter Share I refer to the following question and answer: "Why is an amendment being requested by council? Bargiee asked about 1 month ago Gympie Regional Council has requested that the RA384 protections be removed to allow for economic opportunities in the town via resource activities such as gold mining. This could lead to more jobs in the region." Why is the Gympie Regional Council pursuing this particular amendment on the basis of some jobs that 'could' be created in the region, over many other strategies which do not rely on this proposed amendment? The implications of this amendment could severely and negatively impact many other current jobs, for example in agriculture and tourism, as well as potential jobs in other sectors which are not reliant on such an amendment. This proposed change could also impact livability in the region to an extent that it becomes much less desirable as a place to live and raise families, resulting in an exodus of community members. We do not need to become like the Hunter Valley or other polluted and dysfunctional mining communities across this state that have been pillaged for profit at the expense of the people and natural ecosystems that previously occupied and remain in these places. on Linkedin Email I refer to the following question and answer: "Why is an amendment being requested by council? Bargiee asked about 1 month ago Gympie Regional Council has requested that the RA384 protections be removed to allow for economic opportunities in the town via resource activities such as gold mining. This could lead to more jobs in the region." Why is the Gympie Regional Council pursuing this particular amendment on the basis of some jobs that 'could' be created in the region, over many other strategies which do not rely on this proposed amendment? The implications of this amendment could severely and negatively impact many other current jobs, for example in agriculture and tourism, as well as potential jobs in other sectors which are not reliant on such an amendment. This proposed change could also impact livability in the region to an extent that it becomes much less desirable as a place to live and raise families, resulting in an exodus of community members. We do not need to become like the Hunter Valley or other polluted and dysfunctional mining communities across this state that have been pillaged for profit at the expense of the people and natural ecosystems that previously occupied and remain in these places. link

    I refer to the following question and answer: "Why is an amendment being requested by council? Bargiee asked about 1 month ago Gympie Regional Council has requested that the RA384 protections be removed to allow for economic opportunities in the town via resource activities such as gold mining. This could lead to more jobs in the region." Why is the Gympie Regional Council pursuing this particular amendment on the basis of some jobs that 'could' be created in the region, over many other strategies which do not rely on this proposed amendment? The implications of this amendment could severely and negatively impact many other current jobs, for example in agriculture and tourism, as well as potential jobs in other sectors which are not reliant on such an amendment. This proposed change could also impact livability in the region to an extent that it becomes much less desirable as a place to live and raise families, resulting in an exodus of community members. We do not need to become like the Hunter Valley or other polluted and dysfunctional mining communities across this state that have been pillaged for profit at the expense of the people and natural ecosystems that previously occupied and remain in these places.

    Pippi the Strong asked over 2 years ago

    Restricted Area 384 (RA384) was introduced in 2011 as an interim measure while a permanent approach was developed. With the commencement of the Regional Planning Interests Act in 2014, RA384 areas are reviewed through the regional planning process and where appropriate, mapped as Priority Living Areas (PLAs). To date, the RA384 areas with these regions have then been removed. Not all RA384 areas become PLAs and areas not previously covered by RA384 may be mapped as a PLA for a regional plan.

    The broader review of the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan (WBBRP) is examining townships across the region for the consideration of being mapped as PLAs. These will be discussed with the relevant councils prior to the draft plan proceeding to public notification. However, there are potential regional economic benefits of bringing forward the replacement the RA384 declaration over Gympie with a PLA through a targeted amendment of the existing WBBRP. 

    The public notification process used for the draft amendment has used local or widely read electronic media and communication channels (including social media) to allow for real-time messaging, which helps the notification to be stronger and more impactful. 

    Gympie Regional Council should be contacted for information regarding council’s request for the change to occur earlier than the during the broader review.

  • Share Is Glenwood included in this amendment?.. and if so, why?, as we are classed as under Fraser Coast Council not Gympie.. I am more concerned about smaller townships like ours being destroyed by mining than Gympie town itself.. on Facebook Share Is Glenwood included in this amendment?.. and if so, why?, as we are classed as under Fraser Coast Council not Gympie.. I am more concerned about smaller townships like ours being destroyed by mining than Gympie town itself.. on Twitter Share Is Glenwood included in this amendment?.. and if so, why?, as we are classed as under Fraser Coast Council not Gympie.. I am more concerned about smaller townships like ours being destroyed by mining than Gympie town itself.. on Linkedin Email Is Glenwood included in this amendment?.. and if so, why?, as we are classed as under Fraser Coast Council not Gympie.. I am more concerned about smaller townships like ours being destroyed by mining than Gympie town itself.. link

    Is Glenwood included in this amendment?.. and if so, why?, as we are classed as under Fraser Coast Council not Gympie.. I am more concerned about smaller townships like ours being destroyed by mining than Gympie town itself..

    Tara21 asked over 2 years ago

    Glenwood is currently covered by the RA384 declaration, but this area is not being considered as part of this amendment process. However, the broader review of the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan that is occurring concurrently is considering what other towns in the region should be mapped as Priority Living Areas.

  • Share What provisions are in place for the protection of primary producers? There is no provision for farmland. on Facebook Share What provisions are in place for the protection of primary producers? There is no provision for farmland. on Twitter Share What provisions are in place for the protection of primary producers? There is no provision for farmland. on Linkedin Email What provisions are in place for the protection of primary producers? There is no provision for farmland. link

    What provisions are in place for the protection of primary producers? There is no provision for farmland.

    Puma asked over 2 years ago

    The proposed amendment is only about addressing the replacement of the RA384 declaration over Gympie and ensuring that appropriate mechanisms are in place for the consideration of impacts on the liveability of Gympie township. The broader review of the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan that is occurring concurrently is considering what provisions are required to protect agricultural land uses and farmland.

  • Share In what way does this proposal to mine in Gympie actually benefit the community? Who is going to be seeing these benefits? Where is this coming from? Has the council actually looked at and asked the community publicly if there are other more environmentally responsible ways to plan for the growth of Gympie? on Facebook Share In what way does this proposal to mine in Gympie actually benefit the community? Who is going to be seeing these benefits? Where is this coming from? Has the council actually looked at and asked the community publicly if there are other more environmentally responsible ways to plan for the growth of Gympie? on Twitter Share In what way does this proposal to mine in Gympie actually benefit the community? Who is going to be seeing these benefits? Where is this coming from? Has the council actually looked at and asked the community publicly if there are other more environmentally responsible ways to plan for the growth of Gympie? on Linkedin Email In what way does this proposal to mine in Gympie actually benefit the community? Who is going to be seeing these benefits? Where is this coming from? Has the council actually looked at and asked the community publicly if there are other more environmentally responsible ways to plan for the growth of Gympie? link

    In what way does this proposal to mine in Gympie actually benefit the community? Who is going to be seeing these benefits? Where is this coming from? Has the council actually looked at and asked the community publicly if there are other more environmentally responsible ways to plan for the growth of Gympie?

    Ishkalou asked over 2 years ago

    The proposed amendment does not mean that mining in the area will proceed.  It allows for proposals to be brought forward and any potential impacts on the liveability of Gympie township are considered, along with providing the community and local government a say on such proposals.

  • Share What guarantee can be given that any potential impact to the environment as determined by the EP Act will objectively guide a final decision; that is, one that doesn’t favour a perceived benefit in spite of such impact? on Facebook Share What guarantee can be given that any potential impact to the environment as determined by the EP Act will objectively guide a final decision; that is, one that doesn’t favour a perceived benefit in spite of such impact? on Twitter Share What guarantee can be given that any potential impact to the environment as determined by the EP Act will objectively guide a final decision; that is, one that doesn’t favour a perceived benefit in spite of such impact? on Linkedin Email What guarantee can be given that any potential impact to the environment as determined by the EP Act will objectively guide a final decision; that is, one that doesn’t favour a perceived benefit in spite of such impact? link

    What guarantee can be given that any potential impact to the environment as determined by the EP Act will objectively guide a final decision; that is, one that doesn’t favour a perceived benefit in spite of such impact?

    Mmiad asked over 2 years ago

    The proposed amendment to the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan is not relevant/applicable to assessments of environmental impact under the EP Act. The proposed amendment would make new/amended resource activities in the mapped area assessable under the Regional Planning Interests Act 2014 – which is a separate assessment process – and these activities would need to demonstrate that they are compatible with the current and planned intent of the area.

  • Share Why is an amendment being requested by council? on Facebook Share Why is an amendment being requested by council? on Twitter Share Why is an amendment being requested by council? on Linkedin Email Why is an amendment being requested by council? link

    Why is an amendment being requested by council?

    Bargiee asked over 2 years ago

    Gympie Regional Council has requested that the RA384 protections be removed to allow for economic opportunities in the town via resource activities such as gold mining. This could lead to more jobs in the region.

  • Share What restrictions will be in place to ensure that no water or any byproduct from the activity of mining will enter the Mary River . What will they be doing to monitor and recycle water coming out of the mine to ensure it is not contaminating local water. Lastly I would not like to see a large company come in and destroy the environment as I have been a miner for 32 years and have seen first hand the disregard for the environment and community in the chase for profit. on Facebook Share What restrictions will be in place to ensure that no water or any byproduct from the activity of mining will enter the Mary River . What will they be doing to monitor and recycle water coming out of the mine to ensure it is not contaminating local water. Lastly I would not like to see a large company come in and destroy the environment as I have been a miner for 32 years and have seen first hand the disregard for the environment and community in the chase for profit. on Twitter Share What restrictions will be in place to ensure that no water or any byproduct from the activity of mining will enter the Mary River . What will they be doing to monitor and recycle water coming out of the mine to ensure it is not contaminating local water. Lastly I would not like to see a large company come in and destroy the environment as I have been a miner for 32 years and have seen first hand the disregard for the environment and community in the chase for profit. on Linkedin Email What restrictions will be in place to ensure that no water or any byproduct from the activity of mining will enter the Mary River . What will they be doing to monitor and recycle water coming out of the mine to ensure it is not contaminating local water. Lastly I would not like to see a large company come in and destroy the environment as I have been a miner for 32 years and have seen first hand the disregard for the environment and community in the chase for profit. link

    What restrictions will be in place to ensure that no water or any byproduct from the activity of mining will enter the Mary River . What will they be doing to monitor and recycle water coming out of the mine to ensure it is not contaminating local water. Lastly I would not like to see a large company come in and destroy the environment as I have been a miner for 32 years and have seen first hand the disregard for the environment and community in the chase for profit.

    Bradley asked over 2 years ago

    The proposed amendment would require any new (or changes to current) resource activities (e.g., mining or gas activities) that fall within the PLA mapped area to an assessment under the Regional Planning Interests Act 2014 (RPI Act) in addition to the assessments under the Environmental Protection Act 1999 (EP Act) and the relevant resources Act. 

    The assessment under the RPI Act would consider potential impacts to the liveability, growth and amenity of the Gympie township (against the criteria detailed in the draft amendment). The assessment under the EP Act would consider more broadly the potential impacts to the environment (e.g., impacts on the May River).  

  • Share Stop allowing tribal lands to be dug up and destroyed. Save Djaki Kundu and all other Kabi Bunya Djah. You are breaking the law and will be personally held accountable. Do you have proof you have soverignty and authority over these tribal lands? Please present this proof OR cease and desist from making laws that allow the destruction of this land! on Facebook Share Stop allowing tribal lands to be dug up and destroyed. Save Djaki Kundu and all other Kabi Bunya Djah. You are breaking the law and will be personally held accountable. Do you have proof you have soverignty and authority over these tribal lands? Please present this proof OR cease and desist from making laws that allow the destruction of this land! on Twitter Share Stop allowing tribal lands to be dug up and destroyed. Save Djaki Kundu and all other Kabi Bunya Djah. You are breaking the law and will be personally held accountable. Do you have proof you have soverignty and authority over these tribal lands? Please present this proof OR cease and desist from making laws that allow the destruction of this land! on Linkedin Email Stop allowing tribal lands to be dug up and destroyed. Save Djaki Kundu and all other Kabi Bunya Djah. You are breaking the law and will be personally held accountable. Do you have proof you have soverignty and authority over these tribal lands? Please present this proof OR cease and desist from making laws that allow the destruction of this land! link

    Stop allowing tribal lands to be dug up and destroyed. Save Djaki Kundu and all other Kabi Bunya Djah. You are breaking the law and will be personally held accountable. Do you have proof you have soverignty and authority over these tribal lands? Please present this proof OR cease and desist from making laws that allow the destruction of this land!

    Wirritjin asked over 2 years ago

    The proposed amendment does not affect Native Title, tenure or ownership of land in the mapped area. It seeks to ensure that when resource activities are proposed in the mapped area, any potential impacts on the liveability, growth and amenity of the Gympie township are appropriately considered and that the town is protected.