Public Notice
Approval of the Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area (PDA) Development Scheme
Under section 65 of the Economic Development Act 2012 the Minister for Economic Development Queensland gives notice that the Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area (PDA) Development Scheme is now in effect.
PDA development applications over land in the Southern Thornlands PDA are now assessed against the Development Scheme, effective 23 October 2026.
Key details
The Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area (PDA) was declared on 4 April 2025 and covers approximately 890 hectares of land in Redland City.
The Southern Thornlands PDA Development Scheme came into effect on 23 October 2026. It is the statutory planning framework for land use, development assessment and infrastructure delivery within the PDA, replacing the Interim Land Use Plan.
With more than $544 million being invested in the infrastructure needed to support Southern Thornlands’ future growth including:
- $256 million in key road and transport infrastructure,
- $137 million for sewer upgrades,
- $93 million for open spaces and community facilities, and
- $29 million in stormwater facilities.
The Development Scheme supports the coordinated delivery of around 8,000 new homes for approximately 21,000 Queenslanders and also provides land for employment, schools, community facilities, parks, open space, to support a growing community.
Development Scheme
The Development Scheme establishes the long-term vision and planning framework for Southern Thornlands. It includes a land use plan, infrastructure plan and implementation strategy and is used by EDQ to assess future PDA development applications.
The proposed Development Scheme was publicly notified for 30 business days from 3 August to 15 September 2026. The Minister for Economic Development Queensland considered 271 submissions before the Scheme was finalised. The submissions report outlines the matters raised, EDQ’s response and the amendments made to the final Scheme.
Planned outcomes
- Around 8,000 new homes for approximately 21,000 Queenslanders
- Approximately 100 hectares for economic uses
- Three future state schools
- More than 150 hectares of open space, including 11 neighbourhood recreation parks
- A connected Green Network supporting environmental outcomes and wildlife movement
- Coordinated delivery of transport, water, sewerage, stormwater, parks and community infrastructure
Infrastructure Activation Fund
The Infrastructure Activation Fund is a joint Queensland and Australian Government initiative supporting catalyst infrastructure in key growth areas. Within Southern Thornlands, investment in roads, water and sewerage infrastructure will help bring forward housing delivery.
Further information regarding the program is available on the Infrastructure Activation Fund page.
Development assessment
EDQ assesses development applications within the Southern Thornlands PDA. Applications made after commencement of the Development Scheme are assessed against the final Scheme.