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 be finally 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 will be open for public feedback from 11 November to 9 December 2025.

A draft PLUP sets out planning controls to guide development within the PPDA. It is prepared by the Queensland Government and released for public consultation following the declaration of a PPDA. After consultation, the draft PLUP will be amended as necessary in response to submissions and finalised.

While the draft PLUP is in effect, only certain types of development can be approved. This ensures that development does not pre-empt the outcomes of public consultation. The draft PLUP will be in effect for up to 60 business days while consultation and finalisation take place.

Yes. The community is encouraged to provide feedback on the draft PLUP during the public notification period, which runs from 11 November to 9 December 2025.

You can have your say by making a submission via email or post. All feedback will be reviewed and considered by the Minister for Economic Development Queensland before the PLUP is finalised.

A dedicated Have Your Say page has been created where you can register for updates and track the project’s progress.

Submissions can be made to the Minister for Economic Development Queensland (MEDQ) during the public notification period, which runs from 11 November to 9 December 2025.

You can lodge your submission via:

• Post:
  Economic Development Queensland
  GPO Box 2202
  Brisbane QLD 4001
• Email:
  contact@edq.qld.gov.au

To ensure your submission is properly considered, it should:

1. Be in writing (typed or handwritten).
2. Be received during the public notification period (11 November – 9 December 2025).
3. Include your name and contact details (e.g., email address or phone number).
4. Clearly describe your suggestions or support, referencing specific sections of the draft PLUP where required.

By making a submission, you can share your views and help shape the future of Port Hinchinbrook.

All properly made submissions will be reviewed and considered by EDQ and the Minister for Economic Development Queensland.

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.

Once the PLUP is finalised, it will guide development in the PPDA for its duration. EDQ will also work on scoping and delivering the necessary infrastructure and restoration works, with regular updates provided to the community.

EDQ is currently scoping a detailed program of works to determine what is required for the long-term restoration and development of Port Hinchinbrook. Once this program is finalised, further funding details will be shared with the community.

Protecting the environment, including the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding ecosystems, is a top priority. EDQ will ensure that all works comply with environmental regulations and include safeguards such as sediment control and habitat protection.

By declaring the PPDA, the Queensland Government is not only fast-tracking solutions but also ensuring they are done responsibly. More details about environmental protections will be shared once the program of works is finalised.

Restoring all tide access to the Port Hinchinbrook waterways is a key priority for EDQ. However, timelines will depend on the final program of works, which is currently being finalised. Updates on progress and expected completion dates will be provided to the community as soon as they are available.

The PPDA also includes plans for long-term management to ensure the marina remains accessible and operational into the future.

EDQ is committed to transparency and regular communication with the community. Updates will be provided through the Have Your Say project page. You can also register your interest on the project page to receive updates directly.

You can stay involved by:

• Submitting feedback on the draft PLUP during the public notification period (11 November – 9 December 2025).
• Attending community drop-in sessions hosted by EDQ.
• Registering your interest on the Have Your Say project page to receive updates.