The Priority Development Area (PDA) (previously known as the Moranbah Urban Development Area) was declared on 30 July 2010, it is a 1218 hectare area made up of a number of different sites within the existing Moranbah town and a large site to the west of Goonyella Road. It encompasses large areas of vacant land, part of the golf course and a small amount of residential and industrial land.

The Queensland Government approved the Moranbah Development Scheme on 29 July 2011. All development applications within the PDA will now be assessed against the approved Development Scheme.

See the EDQ website for details and a copy of the Moranbah PDA Development Scheme.

Development schemes for Priority Development Areas with effect under the Economic Development Act 2012 override the provisions of planning instruments prepared under the Planning Act 2016, until such time as the Priority Development Area or Development Scheme rescinded by the Minister for Economic Development Queensland.

Upon gazettal of the proposed Isaac Region Planning Scheme, it is Council’s intention to request for the Moranbah Priority Development Area declaration to be rescinded by the Minister.