General News
26 August, 2025
Planning Scheme recognises Allora’s Heritage Values
Southern Downs Regional Council held a well attended community information session last Thursday in the Allora Community Hall, where residents had the opportunity to meet face to face with Councillors and town planning staff regarding how the Council’s Draft Planning Scheme will affect Allora.
As with all town planning, there are always a number of competing issues where town planners need to find the right balance.
Growth versus heritage and liveability is always a major consideration.
Mayor Melissa Hamilton is aware of Allora’s special heritage values.
Councillors were eager to engage the thoughts of residents on the new draft planning scheme that will replace the current version 5 scheme.
“We want our community to help shape the future of our region and ensure that the draft Planning Scheme lays the foundation for a stronger, more liveable and vibrant Southern Downs,“ Mayor Hamilton said.
Town growth is encouraged in the plan with expansion of the industry zone at the Allora Depot, and along South Street while a new industry zone is proposed in the north of the township along Allora Drive.
The current acute shortage of residential land is addressed with transition of approximately 45 hectares of land to the north-west of the town to the rural residential zone.
This includes properties on Hillside Road, Allora Clifton Road and Elphinstone Road.
Lot size here will be a minimum of 4000 square metres.
A low density residential zone has also been added to the west of the town.
These planning changes should encourage some growth for the town in the years ahead.
Allora is a historic rural township with a proud heritage and the planners are aware that the unique old world charm of the town centre needs to be maintained.
With this requirement in mind Town planners have planned residential and industry growth along the fringe of the existing township.
Residents can view the draft plan and have a say online at haveyoursay.sdrc.qld.gov.au
