What is a Priority Development Area (PDA)?

By Ian Piggott · Farming Domains Last verified: 16 September 2026 · Independent explainer

Explainer series: What is a PDA? · Timeline · How to make a submission · Full planning page

A Priority Development Area (PDA) is a special planning designation under Queensland’s Economic Development Act 2012. Inside a PDA, the State (through the Minister for Economic Development Queensland and Economic Development Queensland — EDQ) leads plan-making and development assessment, rather than ordinary local government planning-scheme assessment.

Why governments use PDAs

PDAs are typically used where coordinated growth, housing supply, infrastructure or economic outcomes are a state priority. They allow a tailored planning framework (interim plan, then a full Development Scheme) and a single assessment pathway under the economic development legislation.

What changes for residents and landholders

• Planning rules — PDA instruments (ILUP / Development Scheme) apply inside the boundary.
• Who assesses DAs — EDQ / the Minister’s framework, not ordinary Council scheme assessment.
• Council still matters — rates, waste and many municipal services usually continue with the local council.
• Maps matter — only land inside the gazetted PDA boundary is under the PDA framework.

ILUP vs Development Scheme (short version)

An Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) can regulate development while a full PDA Development Scheme is prepared. The scheme is the longer-term planning instrument, often publicly notified before it is finalised. Southern Thornlands context: Development & planning and Timeline.

Southern Thornlands

Southern Thornlands was declared a PDA on 4 April 2025. It covers approximately 890 hectares in Redland City. Public material describes long-term capacity around ~8,000 homes. Details and maps: About the locality, official PDA map.