North Harbour
Key details
The North Harbour Priority Development Area (PDA) was declared on 30 July 2025 and the North Harbour PDA Interim Land Use Plan is now in effect.
The PDA includes approximately 420 hectares of land on the eastern side of the Bruce Highway, bordered by the Caboolture River to the north and east. The PDA is an extension of the established North Harbour development which includes existing residential and employment uses.
The North Harbour PDA provides for:
- around 3,700 new homes including villas, detached homes and apartments,
- marina and marine industry with 400 wet berths, a dry stacker for 500 boats and 511 private pontoons, and
- retail, tourism, public open spaces, and hotel development.
North Harbour PDA Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP)
The North Harbour PDA ILUP is a temporary planning instrument which regulates development in a PDA until the PDA development scheme is finalised. The ILUP is in effect while detailed planning and community engagement is undertaken as part of the development scheme preparation.
The North Harbour ILUP includes two precincts:
- Precinct 1: Residential – provides a natural progression of the North Harbour community and enables development applications to be lodged and assessed for approximately 200 homes.
- Precinct 2: Investigation – comprising the balance of the PDA. Development in Precinct 2 is restricted to interim or temporary uses until the PDA Development Scheme is finalised.
Development assessment
Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) is responsible for assessing development applications in the PDA. PDA development applications are assessed against the North Harbour PDA ILUP, until the development scheme is finalised.
Infrastructure
The funding and building of infrastructure is key to facilitating development within PDAs. The ED Act authorises MEDQ to set and levy infrastructure charges within a PDA. The Infrastructure Funding Framework (IFF) is the primary EDQ policy document for charges in the North Harbour PDA. As outlined in the IFF, the North Harbour PDA refers to the relevant Local Government’s charging instrument to determine the calculation of these charges.
North Harbour PDA regulatory map
Download the North Harbour PDA regulatory map.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the Queensland Government declared the North Harbour PDA?
The PDA will boost housing supply for Queenslanders by providing an additional 3,700 new homes and make a significant contribution to the local economy with the development of a new marina and associated industry as well as retail, tourism and hotel facilities.
The PDA supports the Queensland Government’s strategy to deliver one million homes by 2044 and stimulate long-term economic growth in key locations.
What economic benefits will the PDA bring?
The North Harbour PDA is expected to generate nearly 2,000 ongoing jobs and inject $456 million annually into the Moreton Bay economy – supporting growth across construction, tourism, marine services and retail.
By unlocking development-ready land and attracting private investment, the PDA will deliver more jobs closer to home and strengthen the regional economy for the future.
What infrastructure will be delivered in the PDA?
As part of preparing the North Harbor PDA Development Scheme, Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) will work with the City of Moreton Bay, the land owners, utility providers and State agencies to ensure infrastructure is planned, funded and delivered in a way that supports growth while balancing community need and economic feasibility.
The infrastructure will include transport (road, public transport and active transport), water, sewer, open space, community facilities and stormwater management.
What is the PDA planning process?
Under the Economic Development Act 2012, the PDA planning process involves:
- declaring the North Harbour PDA
- preparing the Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) and
- preparing a PDA development scheme which includes public consultation.
The ILUP is now in effect and EDQ has started preparing the PDA development scheme.
What is an Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP)?
An ILUP is a temporary plan which regulates development in a PDA until the detailed planning for the area has been completed. It ceases to apply when the North Harbour PDA Development Scheme takes effect. It is anticipated that the North Harbour PDA ILUP will be in effect for 18 months.
What development can occur under the ILUP?
The North Harbour PDA ILUP established two precincts with different land use intents.
- Precinct 1: Residential Precinct – provides for a new neighbourhood, as a natural progression of the North Harbour community.
- Precinct 2: Investigation Area – covers that part of the PDA which requires further work to understand a range of matters including infrastructure requirements, land governance arrangements, environmental approvals and accessibility.
While the ILUP is in effect, PDA development applications are assessed and approved having regard to the intent of each precinct.
What is a PDA Development Scheme?
A Development Scheme is a regulatory document that replaces the ILUP and controls the long-term land use, infrastructure planning and development in the PDA. The Development Scheme comprises a vision, a land use plan, an infrastructure plan and an implementation strategy. It provides certainty to industry, local government, state agencies and the wider community about the type and form of development that can occur in the PDA.
How is the PDA Development Scheme prepared?
The Economic Development Act 2012 sets the statutory process for preparing a Development Scheme, which must advance Queensland and regional priorities, such as those in the SEQ Regional Plan and State Planning Policy. EDQ will collaborate with Council, state agencies, industry, utility providers, and the community. Before finalisation by the Minister for Economic Development Queensland (MEDQ), the proposed PDA Development Scheme will be publicly notified.
Will the community be consulted on the Development Scheme?
There will be many opportunities for the community to be involved in the preparation of the Development Scheme. In addition, once a proposed Development Scheme has been prepared, it will be publicly notified, and the community and other stakeholders will be invited to provide feedback. Community consultation is a statutory requirement under the Economic Development Act 2012.
To stay informed, register on the Have Your Say page here.
How will the community be consulted?
A dedicated North Harbour PDA Have Your Say webpage has been created where you can register your interest to get project updates, track its progress and learn about upcoming engagement opportunities.
As part of the PDA planning process, the community will have many opportunities to input into the preparation of the proposed Development Scheme. Formal public notification of the proposed Development Scheme is anticipated to occur in mid to late 2026.
When will public notification of the Development Scheme occur?
Public notification of the proposed Development Scheme is expected to take place in mid to late 2026.
The public notification period will run for at least 30 business days, giving the community and stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed PDA development scheme.
All submissions received during the consultation period will be considered by the Minister for Economic Queensland as part of finalizing the PDA development scheme.
How can I make a submission about the proposed Development Scheme?
Written submissions can be made during the public notification period. Further information about making a submission will be available on the North Harbour PDA Have Your Say webpage prior to the public notification period commencing.
When will the PDA development scheme for the North Harbour PDA be finalised?
It is anticipated that the development scheme will be finalised within 18 months from declaration.
Last updated: 30 July 2025