A Development Scheme is a regulatory document designed to control land use and infrastructure planning. A Development Scheme:

• establishes the development intent for a PDA and sets the planning policy against which future development applications are assessed
• provides a framework to coordinate development activities that enable desired outcomes

Before finalising a Development Scheme, the Minister for Economic Development Queensland (MEDQ) invites community feedback about a draft plan for a PDA known as a Proposed Development Scheme.

Economic Development Queensland assesses development applications for this PDA. All development applications are assessed against the Woolloongabba PDA Development Scheme.

The Woolloongabba PDA Development Scheme was amended to improve the planning framework and unlock housing supply within the PDA. These changes aim to accelerate the delivery of over 16,000 homes for up to 24,000 Queenslanders.

By cutting red tape and reducing unnecessary costs, the amended Development Scheme supports both industry and homeowners, ensuring the Woolloongabba PDA grows in a way that benefits the entire community.

The Queensland Government has approved the amended Development Scheme, which came into effect on 10 October 2025.

This Development Scheme provides a clear performance-based framework for industry to deliver essential housing for Queenslanders over the next 40 years, supporting the growth and liveability of the Woolloongabba area.

In addition to housing, the Development Scheme enables the delivery of key infrastructure projects, including a new indoor sports stadium, planning for the future of the Gabba Stadium, and the retention of the East Brisbane State School.

The DCOP supports the Development Scheme in establishing the approach to funding critical infrastructure upgrades required to support the Woolloongabba PDA’s growth.

The DCOP details the larger or shared infrastructure (trunk infrastructure) investments planned to service the projected growth and development. The DCOP includes details on the expected scope, timing and cost for the future water, sewer, transport, parks and open space, and community facilities networks.

The DCOP sets development charges used to pay for trunk infrastructure and the approach to infrastructure offsets

Trunk infrastructure is the high-level, shared infrastructure that services large catchments in and outside PDAs. Trunk infrastructure supports coordinated growth and provides the opportunity to enhance key community services like transport and open space.

There is a range of trunk infrastructure identified including new and upgraded transport connections and links, new and upgraded parks and open space as well as water, sewer and stormwater upgrades.

The proposed Development Scheme Amendment was publicly notified for 15 business days, from 7 August to 29 August. The supporting DCOP was also available for comment.

During the consultation period, Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) received 145 submissions from industry, businesses, residents and community members on the proposed Development Scheme Amendment. These submissions were reviewed and considered by the Minister for Economic Development Queensland (MEDQ) to ensure the final plans reflect the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders.

A summary of the feedback received, along with the changes made to the Development Scheme in response, is available in the Submissions Report