Rural Living Zones Review: Shaping future housing opportunities

Published on 23 July 2025

Central Goldfields Shire Council is inviting community feedback on the draft Urban Residential Land Opportunity Study (URLO) - a review of our rural living zones to identify new housing potential.

This project directly supports the Shire’s goal of securing sufficient land supply for its growing population. The Study is an important document to understand the challenges and opportunities for growth by understanding which areas have significant constraints to further development, and others more suitable for higher density living.

The document aims to investigate areas currently zoned for larger lot, rural residential development to see if any are suitable for smaller lots (e.g. 4,000sqm lots rather than 40,000sqm lots). It looks specifically at areas around Maryborough and Carisbrook with the aim of increasing opportunities for more housing in these key settlements.

This Study took place with the draft Maryborough North, Flagstaff and Carisbrook Land Use Framework Plan, allowing both documents to be viewed and feedback considered together.

Importantly, the Study looks to support a greater diversity in the types of residential lots available around these settlements, and to respond to market demand for smaller ‘lifestyle’ type lots that still have access to a great range of services and facilities.

As with any housing growth, the study includes detailed assessments of environmental constraints such as bushfire and flood risk, land use conflicts and the availability of infrastructure.

While many of the areas identified have significant constraints to further intensification, there are several precincts where recommendations to support further growth have been included.

The draft URLO Study will be on public exhibition for four weeks from Monday 28 July to Tuesday 26 August. Community feedback is essential to ensure the plan is suited to our unique environment and aspiring growth.

Consultation opportunities will include an open community information session, with additional sessions for Carisbrook/Flagstaff and Maryborough North. Direct correspondence will be provided to relevant landholders.

Council will consider all submissions and whether alterations to the plan are required to deliver orderly and proper planning prior to the adoption of the URLO Study.