Strategic planning

The Queenscliffe Planning Scheme has two main sections. The first outlines what Council sees as the future direction for land use and development in the Borough of Queenscliffe. It also has policies on issues such as heritage buildings, the environment and car parking.

The second part of the planning scheme contains zones and overlays which indicate whether a property is for residential, commercial, environmental or public use. Zones and overlays describe in detail what you are and aren't allowed to do on your land.

Planning Scheme amendments occur from time to time when a change is made to a local policy or the zoning and/or overlay that applies to a property or area.

The Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) is a risk management tool which seeks to ensure appropriate development and land management in areas of high fire intensity. It is intended to ensure that development in areas of high fire intensity has appropriate:

• Water supply
• Access
• Building siting and design
• Fuel-reduced areas around buildings.

The BMO has the effect of requiring planning permits for a number of land use activities and for some buildings and works. It applies to selected areas within the Borough of Queenscliffe.

The BMO sets out a series of objectives and outcomes for buildings and works associated with specific uses and for subdivisions. A planning permit application must demonstrate that the objectives and outcomes have been considered and incorporated in a proposal.

Where a planning permit is required for a development/use, Council is required to refer the application to the Country Fire Authority for advice.

To learn more about Planning Scheme Amendment C40quen, click here.

Amendment C41 to the Queenscliffe Planning Scheme was gazetted on 22 August 2025.

The amendment has been prepared and undertaken by the Minister for Planning. The amendment rezones an area of approximately 90 square metres of landlocked government land at the rear of 24 Bridge Street, Queenscliff identified as surplus and is to facilitate the sale to the current occupier.  The land is presently fenced and leased to the owner of 24 Bridge Street as part of the curtilage of the dwelling.  

The amendment rezones the rear of the site at 24 Bridge Street from Public Park and Recreation Zone (PPRZ) to Neighbourhood Residential Zone – Schedule 2 (NRZ2) makes the following changes: 

Deletes the following overlays: 

• Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule – 1 (ESO1) 

• Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule – 2 (ESO2) 

• Design and Development Overlay – Schedule 1 (DDO1) 

Applies the following overlay: 

• Design and Development Overlay – Schedule 6 (DDO6) 

Retains the existing overlays: 

• Heritage Overlay – Schedule (HO1)  

• Significant Landscape Overlay – Schedule 1 (SLO1). 

The amendment is consistent with the provisions of the Queenscliffe Planning Scheme to ensure the zoning and overlay controls reflect the existing use and is subject to the same planning controls of surrounding residential properties within Fisherman’s Flat.

Please see below links:

C41quen Explanatory Report

C41quen Reasons for Intervention Approval