3.7.1 Strategic outcomes

1. Sustainable development allows our communities to meet their present needs while not compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
2. Natural places including areas with national and state environmental significance are protected through appropriate planning and development practices.
3. Natural places and valuable features of our natural environment are linked through regional and local environmental corridors. The major urban area of Gladstone is separated from those of Boyne Island / Tannum Sands and Calliope by a greenbelt free of any urban development that delineates these urban areas and preserves significant environmental and landscape amenity values.
4. The region's identified scenic amenity values are protected from inappropriate development.
5. The environmental values and quality of the region's waters and waterways are protected.
6. Fisheries resources (including declared fish habitat areas) are protected from development and ensure fisheries productivity is maintained to support the commercial, recreational and indigenous fishing sectors.
7. Development ensures waterfront areas, including coastal and riverine locations, are publicly accessible except where required for port related purposes or where sensitive ecological values occur.
8. Urban areas accommodate a network of open spaces, parks and recreational areas suited to community needs and also protect environmental values.
9. Development avoids areas affected by natural hazards where these risks can't be mitigated to an acceptable or tolerable level through development design and location measures. Sensitive uses are located in areas free from natural hazards or where the risks from natural hazards are acceptable.
10. Places of cultural heritage are conserved so that the unique cultural and historical identity and diversity of the Gladstone region can be appreciated and interpreted.
11. Development on or adjoining local heritage places preserves their heritage significance and complements their character.​

3.7.2 Elements

Sustainable management of the natural environment and resources

Development minimises and mitigates environmental impacts on the region's natural environment and resources. High importance is placed on the natural environment so that national and state wide environmental values are not compromised.

The region is abundant in areas of high ecological significance and riparian ecosystems including areas of national and state significance. These areas, including the key biodiversity places of Eurimbulah, Castle Tower, Kroombit–Bulburin and the Rundle Range are protected through minimal development disturbance and mitigation measures. Natural corridors and links between these hubs are protected.

Natural corridors also function as important inter urban breaks particularly as a means of separating the major urban areas of Gladstone, Calliope and Boyne Island / Tannum Sands. No urban development is supported in this inter urban break or greenbelt.

Areas of high scenic and landscape values within the region are protected from inappropriate development or impacts upon their amenity, particularly in the areas of Mount Larcom, Tablelands, Boyne Valley, Boynedale, Mount Alma, southern localities such as Lowmead and Captain Creek and much of the natural coastal and riverine areas.

Development minimises and mitigates impacts on ecological, hydrological and water quality values and the natural processes within coastal foreshores, waterways and rivers; particularly in the largest catchments and tributaries of the Boyne River, Calliope River and Baffle Creek and other waterways such as, the Kolan River, Police Creek, Auckland Creek, Raglan Creek, and Diglum Creek. This is achieved through incorporating water sensitive urban design measures.

Marine and fisheries resources are preserved and their associated industries operate sustainably. The Great Barrier Reef and the Gladstone Harbour are important as natural attractions and environmental assets to the region. The region continues its commitment to being a Reef Guardian Council.

Recreation in open space and parks

The region's natural places such as Deepwater and Kroombit Tops National Parks, Awoonga Dam, foreshore areas, waterways, creeks, as well as sporting facilities and camping grounds provide opportunities for appropriate recreation and nature based tourism development.

The region's waterways and foreshores are important community assets where development must ensure continued public access to these areas (except where port related activities or ecological functions prevail).

Public parks are an essential part of the region's residential areas and centres where they meet the needs of the community. Parks occur in a diversity of open space settings and are adaptable to changing needs over time.

Parks are characterised by being highly accessible and perform important roles in recreation, social interaction and health, landscape amenity and environmental connectivity. They are important building blocks for communities in new neighbourhoods, urban revitalisation neighbourhoods, existing suburban areas and also mixed use centres.

Development does not result in the loss of open space within the region's natural places nor the loss of parkland in urban areas. Development must also contribute towards enhancing open space values in the region for future generations.

Safety and resilience to environmental change and natural hazards

Safeguarding the future of the region from climate change and sea level rise is of high importance in moving towards a more resilient future.

Safety and resilience to natural hazards including flooding, bushfire, landslide and coastal hazards is a focus for the future of the region. Development must avoid or be designed to mitigate the risks of natural hazards for the safety and resilience of the population in flood, bushfire, coastal hazard or steep land areas.

The anticipated sea level rise, as at 2100, is the measure integrated into the planning scheme where appropriate responses to flooding and coastal hazards have been adopted as a key means of avoiding creating risk in new communities or exacerbating risks in existing communities in the future.

Consideration is also given to the potential implications of climate changes affecting our weather such as increased temperatures and rainfall intensity. Responses to these anticipated changes are reflected in development requirements, which may include the promotion of street tree planting, the importance of landscaping, stormwater management and the retention of mature bushland.

The environmental values of the harbour and the regions islands, such as Heron Island, Lady Elliot Island, Facing Island, Wilson Island, Quoin Island, Curtis Island and Hummock Hill Island are protected from coastal hazards.

Heritage

The region's cultural heritage spans from pastoral holdings, industrial operations and civic buildings to significant infrastructure and historical exploration sites. The region is also home to a number of nationally significant heritage locations such as the site of the fifth Australian colony at Barney Point and Cook's landing place at the Town of Seventeen Seventy. These heritage places are preserved and development does not compromise their identified cultural heritage values.

The Great Barrier Reef's World Heritage values are protected through appropriate development which incorporates sustainable land management and water quality practices.

Council's local heritage register, as expressed in the Heritage overlay, identifies the region's most significant heritage places. It will expand as new heritage places continue to be added. The potential for a 'heritage trail' across the region is also supported.

The region supports aboriginal cultural heritage values. Development in the region fulfils its duty of care to the recognition, protection and conservation of these values under relevant state legislation.

Mapping

Schedule 2 Mapping

• Strategic framework maps - Strategic Framework Theme: Our environment and heritage.