The CQU Rockhampton Priority Development Area (PDA) was declared on 9 December 2011 and provides an opportunity to create a vibrant mixed use precinct in partnership with the university and community. The precinct will integrate educational, cultural, retail, indoor and outdoor recreational, commercial and community facilities with a wide range of residential developments.
The PDA covers 189 hectares and is located approximately 5 km north of Rockhampton CBD in the suburbs of Norman Gardens and Parkhurst. The PDA is comprised of land owned by Central Queensland University (CQU) and the state government and is situated on the CQU site and former CSIRO research facility. The locality is typically identified as being within the northern growth corridor for residential development in Rockhampton. The PDA is bisected by the Bruce Highway which runs north-south through the site (see the PDA site map below). It is estimated the CQU Rockhampton PDA may eventually provide up to 1500 dwellings and accommodate community facilities, recreation and open space areas, while enhancing the university precinct.
The PDA will provide a diverse range of housing choices through facilitating a mix of densities, types, designs, price points as well as both home ownership and rental options.
Note: In February 2013, the Urban Land Development Act 2007 (ULDA Act) was repealed and replaced with the Economic Development Act 2012 (ED Act). From then on, land areas identified for priority development were referred to as Priority Development Areas (PDAs), not Urban Development Areas (UDAs), and existing UDAs were transitioned to PDAs under the ED Act. Any reference to the term UDA on this website is taken to mean a transitioned UDA, which is now known as a PDA.
PDA map
CQU Rockhampton Priority Development Area Development Scheme
On 26 April 2013 the CQU Rockhampton PDA Development Scheme was approved by the state government.
Since declaration of the CQU Rockhampton PDA in December 2011, the state government has consulted with Gladstone Regional Council, key stakeholders, state agencies and the community to seek input into the preparation of the CQU Rockhampton PDA Development Scheme. The development scheme was on public notification from 29 June to 13 August 2012.
The development scheme is the planning document that will assist in planning, carrying out, promoting, coordinating and controlling the development of land in the CQU Rockhampton PDA. The development scheme supersedes the Interim Land Use Plan which no longer has effect now that the development scheme has been adopted.
All development applications within the PDA are now assessed against the development scheme.
CQU Rockhampton Interim Land Use Plan
The CQU Rockhampton Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) was in effect until the development scheme was completed. The ILUP has now been superseded by the development scheme.
Infrastructure funding
The delivery of infrastructure is a key component of facilitating development within PDAs and ensuring adequate funding for this infrastructure is vital.
For information about the overarching infrastructure funding framework, infrastructure framework for the PDA, please download the infrastructure funding framework (
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CQU Rockhampton PDA regulatory map
CQU Rockhampton FAQs
- Where is the CQU Rockhampton PDA?
- Why was the CQU Rockhampton site declared as a PDA?
- What is the vision for CQU Rockhampton?
- What is the CQU Rockhampton PDA Proposed Development Scheme?
- Did the community have an opportunity to comment on the CQU Rockhampton PDA Proposed Development Scheme?
- How long will it take to complete development within the PDA?
- Can the EDQ compulsorily acquire property?
- Will development in the CQU Rockhampton PDA be at risk of flooding?
- Why isn't the water tower site included in the PDA?
- What will happen when a development application is lodged with the state government?
- How does the state government development assessment process differ from the Rockhampton Regional Council?
- What happens to a building application that has already been lodged with a private building certifier?
Where is the CQU Rockhampton PDA?
The PDA covers 189 hectares and is located approximately 5km north of the Rockhampton CBD in the suburbs of Norman Gardens and Parkhurst. The locality is typically identified as being within the northern growth corridor for residential development in Rockhampton. The PDA is bisected by the Bruce Highway which runs north-south through the subject site. The PDA is comprised of land owned by Central Queensland University (CQU) and the state government and is situated on the CQU site and former CSIRO research facility.
An area has been shown as excluded from the PDA. This is a 3.6 hectare council owned site which includes a water tower. As the water tower is not required for development purposes the area has been excluded from the PDA. The state government will work with council on any issues that relate to impacts on the water tower.
Why was the CQU Rockhampton site declared as a PDA?
The PDA presents an opportunity to develop a university based urban development integrating CQU's learning and other facilities with residential neighbourhoods. Much of the site is not required for CQU's long term development.
The site is within the Rockhampton urban area and can be serviced by urban facilities including sewerage and water, public transport and other amenities.
What is the vision for CQU Rockhampton?
CQU Rockhampton will become a vibrant urban community, integrating the university with a mixed used centre, residential areas and education, retail, community and recreational facilities.
Mixed use centre
The mixed use centre is the focal point of the CQU Rockhampton PDA. A main street incorporating a retail core area is a focus for community life. The broader mixed use area will cater for a range of business, retail, residential, service and community uses that support the university's learning and research functions.
The area will be characterised by high quality public space and safe, attractive pedestrian areas. It is envisaged that it will accommodate a range of employment, education, health, cultural and community, retail, entertainment, sport and recreational opportunities which meet the needs of the community, encourage community interaction and active, healthy lifestyles.
Sports fields and open spaces
District level sports fields will exist in close proximity to Yaamba Road providing the ability to conduct multiple sports activities and provide for local competitions and key sporting events. These spaces will also enhance the experience and amenity of learning and living in close proximity to the university.
Development will deliver sports fields and amenities that:
- provide flexibility in design to cater for multiple users
- co-locate amenities to ensure efficient use
- provide adequate car parking for events including key events that may require temporary use of other areas for car parking.
Walking and cycling connections will enable the surrounding neighbourhoods to easily access the fields and promote informal community uses of the fields when they are not being used for formal sporting events.
Other open space areas will provide opportunities for passive recreation.
Central Queensland University
CQU will continue to deliver educational facilities and services within its core area while also supporting complementary development. The university precinct will integrate with the mixed use zone through public spaces and connections such as footpaths.
Residential areas
The CQU Rockhampton PDA will provide a diverse range of housing choices through facilitating a mix of densities, types, designs, price points as well as both home ownership and rental options. The proposed development scheme highlights some areas for higher density residential development near the mixed use centre with lower density residential areas throughout the remainder of the residential area.
The childcare centre will continue to play an important role and be a significant facility in the residential area. The development scheme will ensure that residential uses around the childcare centre provide a safe environment through the application of crime prevention through environmental design principles such as passive surveillance of parks, and a legible street network that minimises traffic impacts on the facility.
Residential development will also be required to appropriately interface with existing development taking into consideration:
- density
- access arrangements
- uses
- heights.
As part of the state government's role to plan for the development of this new community, the development scheme fosters the creation of a community exhibiting ecologically sustainable principles and best practice urban design.
- deliver sustainable communities that offer housing affordability, diversity, accessibility and choice
- demonstrate high quality urban design
- minimise emissions to land, water and atmosphere
- promote best practice in the sustainable management of land resources, amenity, ecological values and natural systems.
What is the CQU Rockhampton PDA Development Scheme?
The development scheme is the planning document that will assist in planning, carrying out, promoting, coordinating and controlling the development of land in the CQU Rockhampton PDA. The development scheme sets out the land uses, development criteria and infrastructure envisaged for the CQU Rockhampton PDA and supersedes the Interim Land Use Plan which no longer has effect now that the development scheme has been adopted.
All development applications within the PDA are now assessed against the development scheme.
Did the community have an opportunity to comment on the CQU Rockhampton PDA Development Scheme?
Yes. The CQU Rockhampton PDA Proposed Development Scheme was on public notification for a minimum of 30 business days. The public notification period commenced on 29 June 2012 and concluded on 13 August 2012.
During this period all interested parties including the community, residents, local business operators and the local council were able to view the proposed development scheme and make a written submission for consideration by the state government.
How long will it take to complete development within the PDA?
Development of the CQU Rockhampton PDA is estimated to occur over the next 10-15 years. However, this is dependent on the landowners wishing to develop their land and market forces.
Can the EDQ compulsorily acquire property?
No, EDQ does not have compulsory land acquisition powers.
Will development in the CQU Rockhampton PDA be at risk of flooding?
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority's interim flood maps indicate that the PDA was not impacted by the 2010 and 2011 flood events.
Why isn't the water tower site included in the PDA?
The water tower is in Rockhampton Regional Council ownership and no changes are envisaged to its existing purpose therefore it has been excluded from the PDA. The state government will work with RRC on any issues that relate to impacts on the water tower.
What will happen when a development application is lodged with the state government?
When lodging a development application to the state government, the application will be assessed against the purposes of the Economic Development Act 2012 and the relevant planning document in force or as prepared when the application is decided. On 26 April 2013 the CQU Rockhampton PDA Development Scheme was approved by the state government.
The development scheme is the planning document that will assist in planning, carrying out, promoting, coordinating and controlling the development of land in the CQU Rockhampton PDA. The development scheme supersedes the Interim Land Use Plan which no longer has effect now that the development scheme has been adopted.
All development applications within the PDA are assessed against the development scheme.
How does the state government development assessment process differ from the Rockhampton Regional Council?
Development applications over land outside a PDA are made to and assessed by the local government authority under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA) and the planning scheme.
Development applications over land within a PDA are instead made to and assessed by the state government under the Economic Development Act 2012. Under this Act, the assessment process generally occurs within 40 business days. This timeframe does not include circumstances where there is a need for additional information or public notice of the application.
What happens to a building application that has already been lodged with a private building certifier?
Economic Development Queensland is not responsible for assessing building work against the Building Act 1975. These applications will continue to be assessed under SPA, which provides for private building certification.
Background reports
Where required, the government has commissioned expert advice and background reports to assist in the preparation of the development scheme. Copies of background reports can be downloaded below.
Feedback
Thank you for your interest in the CQU Rockhampton PDA. If you would like to make an enquiry or provide any feedback to EDQ, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..