The decision, made during Council's 21 January meeting, comes in response to several instances where vegetation in biodiversity mapped areas was cleared without proper development approvals in place.

The TLPI amends the categories of Operational Works in the Gladstone Regional Council Planning Scheme Version 2 to explicitly include vegetation clearing within mapped Biodiversity Overlay areas.

This change means that any proposed vegetation clearing within these mapped areas of environmental significance will now require appropriate development permits before work can commence.

Gladstone Region Councillor Glenn Churchill said the decision reflects Council's commitment to preserving the region's natural environment and responding to community concerns.

“We have heard our community's strong desire to protect environmentally significant areas within our region,” Councillor Churchill said.

“This amendment ensures that vegetation clearing in these sensitive areas is properly assessed as part of a broader development strategy.”

Cr Churchill added that the TLPI provides Council with clearer regulatory tools to prevent unauthorised clearing and protect the region's biodiversity values.

“This change demonstrates Council's proactive approach to environmental protection while ensuring proper development processes are followed,” he said.

“It aligns with our commitment to sustainable development and maintaining the natural character of our region that our community values so highly.”

The Temporary Local Planning Instrument came into effect on 24 January 2025.

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