MBRC Planning Scheme - Emerging community zone

The Emerging community zone covers areas throughout Moreton Bay that are not currently recognised or developed as urban environments, but may be suitable for future urban uses over the next 10 to 20 years.

The Emerging community zone is predominantly found within parts of Narangba, Burpengary East, Morayfield and Joyner. They require further planning investigation to determine what future development options may exist. Land in the Redcliffe Kippa-Ring local plan and Caboolture West local plan may also be zoned Emerging community (Refer to the information sheets for further details about these local plans).

Example of Emerging community zone mapping  

Emerging community zone map example
Emerging community zone legend Emerging community zone

Emerging community zone precincts

All land in the Emerging community zone, except where covered by a local plan, is contained within two precincts – Interim precinct and Transition precinct. Each precinct has its own development provisions. Zone precincts provide greater clarity about the types of development intended in a particular location. Where the Emerging community zone is covered by a local plan it will have a local plan precinct. Refer to the relevant local plan information sheet or Part 7 of the planning scheme.

What is the Interim precinct?

The Interim precinct identifies land suitable for development in the long-term, but not within the life of the planning scheme (10 years). The precinct includes land in Narangba that needs to be protected to ensure the efficient long-term development of land for urban uses remains possible. The precinct will maintain the current semi-rural character until infrastructure is delivered and on-site constraints overcome.

What is the Transition precinct?

The Transition precinct identifies land suitable for future urban development, but is subject to infrastructure servicing limitations or site constraints. Requirements in the Transition precinct are divided into two types of development, that occurring on a developable (unserviced) lot or a developed (fully serviced) lot. Generally, all land in the Transition precinct could initially be considered a developable lot. Once the land has been reconfigured and all necessary infrastructure provided, it is then considered to be developed. There is likely to be little change in the short term, however in the next ten years there will be significant change.

Developable (unserviced) lots  

  • Identify land suitable for development during the life of the planning scheme (within the next 10 years).
  • Allows for current activities to continue provided they do not compromise the efficient long-term development of land for urban use. 
  • Maintain the current semi-rural character.

Developed (fully serviced) lots  

  • Allows for development consistent with the place type identified in the Strategic Framework e.g. Next generation neighbourhood
  • Residential development occurs at a site density of between 15 and 75 dwellings per hectare.

What can I expect to see in this zone?

Interim precinct

  • No development anticipated within the next 10 years.
  • Limited range of interim uses that are compatible with the existing semi-rural character and adjoining urban areas.
  • Do not compromise or delay the efficient long-term development of the land for urban uses.

Transition precinct

Developable (unserviced) lots  

  • Maintain the same range of uses as the Interim precinct.
  • A semi-rural character until such time as full infrastructure is available and provided and site specific constraints are resolved.

Developed (fully serviced) lots  

  • Generally the same as the Next Generation Neighbourhood Precinct in the General Residential Zone. 
  • Residential uses such as dual occupancy, dwelling house (on a variety of lot sizes), multiple dwelling, retirement facility, residential care facility.
  • Community, retail and commercial activities may also develop where forming a neighbourhood hub or corner store.
  • Development avoids areas subject to a physical constraint, limitation, or valuable natural resource.
  • New neighbourhoods will be well-connected, safe and convenient to move through and provide open space networks through interconnected grid-like streets and active transport linkages that provide high levels of accessibility.

More information

Assessment benchmarks (requirements) for development (material change of use) in the Emerging community zone can be found in Part 6, section 6.2.3 Emerging community zone code. If a lot is in a local plan (i.e Caboolture West or Redcliffe), development requirements are in Part 7 Local Plans. 

Refer to Part 5 of the planning scheme to determine the category of development and assessment (type of application required, if any) for development in the Emerging community zone. Section 5.5.3 Emerging community zone Tables of assessment identifies the levels category of development and assessment for a material change of use.

Assessment benchmarks for reconfiguring a lot in the Emerging community zone can be found in Part 9 section 9.4.1.3 Reconfiguring a lot code, Emerging Community Zone.

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