A Provisional Priority Development Area (PPDA) is a planning tool under the Economic Development Act 2012 (QLD). It allows the Queensland Government to accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure in response to pressing challenges or opportunities. The PPDA declaration enables streamlined planning and development processes to deliver outcomes faster than usual.

The Port Hinchinbrook PPDA, the first in Queensland’s history, will allow the Queensland Government to act quickly and address Cyclone Yasi’s long-standing impacts from 2011.

This includes reinstating all-tide access for boats to the destination’s marina and public waterways, as well as undertaking works to safely manage dredging spoil to protect the Hinchinbrook Channel. The initiative will also give the local Coast Guard clear access to improve local boating safety.

The PPDA will ensure the destination’s long-running and complex issues can finally be resolved unimpeded. PPDA’s must be delivered within three years and so it allows the Queensland Government to take a coordinated and fast-tracked approach to resolving these issues.

The long-term vision for Port Hinchinbrook is to create a thriving precinct that supports tourism, residential living and economic activity while protecting the environment. The PPDA will restore Port Hinchinbrook to its former glory and lay the foundation for the area’s long-term prosperity.

The planning process for a PPDA involves:

• Declaring the PPDA.
• Publicly notifying the draft Provisional Land Use Plan (PLUP) for community and stakeholder feedback.
• Reviewing submissions and finalising the PLUP.

For Port Hinchinbrook, the draft PLUP was open for public feedback between 11 November and 9 December 2025. The finalised PLUP came into effect on 19 February 2026 and will remain active until November 2028.

The Provisional Land Use Plan (PLUP) is the key planning framework for the Port Hinchinbrook PPDA. It is prepared by the Queensland Government and stands as the regulatory document used to set out planning controls to guide development within the PPDA, ensuring the project aligns with the precinct’s vision.

The draft PLUP underwent public notification between 11 November and 9 December 2025, and the finalised PLUP came into effect on 19 February 2026. You can access the Port Hinchinbrook PLUP here.

The community was publicly notified of the proposed PLUP for 21 business days between 11 November to 9 December 2025. During this period, 32 submissions were made providing feedback on the draft PLUP.

Both in-person and online community engagement initiatives were undertaken to encourage stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft PLUP. This included letterbox drops to over 500 homes and businesses, in-person drop-in sessions in Cardwell and online engagement through social media and the ‘Have Your Say’ webpage.

The community was publicly notified of the proposed PLUP for 21 business days between 11 November to 9 December 2025. During and following this period, 34 submissions were made by business owners, industry, community groups and residents providing feedback on the draft PLUP.

All submissions were reviewed and considered by the Minister for Economic Development Queensland (MEDQ) to ensure the finalised PLUP reflected the needs and concerns of all stakeholders.

A summary of the feedback received, as well as amendments made in response are available in the Submissions Report.

The PLUP applies for the duration of the PPDA, which expires after three years. It provides the planning framework that will guide decision-making and development throughout this period.

Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) is responsible for assessing development applications within the PPDA. All development applications will be assessed in accordance with the PLUP.

The creation of a local consultive committee is a regulatory requirement for all PPDAs and is established as soon as practicable after declaration. The committee represents community needs and advises MEDQ in accordance with formal terms of reference. The committee meets as required and comprises members from EDQ, the local Council and the Port Hinchinbrook community.

If you currently own a home within the Port Hinchinbrook PPDA, your property rights will remain unchanged. The declaration of the PPDA does not affect existing ownership or land tenure.

The Provisional Priority Development Area (PPDA) focuses on restoring the broader precinct, including infrastructure upgrades. These improvements aim to enhance the liveability and value of the area for residents, businesses and visitors.

Now that the PLUP is finalised, it will guide development in the PPDA for its duration. EDQ has commenced early works required in preparation for dredging, with regular updates being provided to the community. To stay informed on updates, register your interest on the Have Your Say project page.

EDQ is currently scoping a detailed program of works for the restoration and development of Port Hinchinbrook. Once this program is finalised, further details will be shared with the community.

EDQ has completed its work to acquire multiple key sites within the PPDA – a major step forward in restoring Port Hinchinbrook as a thriving destination. This will enable the Queensland Government to restore critical infrastructure at Port Hinchinbrook and return the precinct to a safe, functional and operational state. This will support the area’s long‑term viability and allow future opportunities for the site.

Along with the finalisation of the PLUP, EDQ has completed its work to acquire multiple key sites within the PPDA – a major step forward in restoring Port Hinchinbrook as a thriving destination. This, as well as finalisation of the PLUP, pave the way for early works and further technical investigations to commence. This includes priority early works commencing to stop acid sulphate soils from leaching into surrounding mangroves, as soon as weather and ground conditions allow.

Yes. Acquiring the land was an important step for EDQ in delivering the restoration works. With EDQ as landowner, it will also be consenting to the dissolution of the existing conform deed.

EDQ is committed to regular communication with the community. Updates will be provided through the Have Your Say project page. To stay informed, make sure you follow this project page to receive updates directly.