Major Amendments Proposed to Woolloongabba and Northshore Hamilton PDAs

The Queensland Government has opened public consultation for draft amendments for two of Brisbane’s most significant growth precincts — the Woolloongabba Priority Development Area (PDA) and the Northshore Hamilton PDA.

These amendments present substantial opportunities for residential, commercial, and mixed-use development, but they also introduce changes to infrastructure contributions, development provisions, and planning processes that developers will need to navigate carefully.

Woolloongabba PDA – Key Proposed Changes

• Gabba Stadium & Entertainment Precinct – Clarifies the future of The Gabba Stadium and identifies the preferred location for a new major indoor entertainment venue within the Gabba Entertainment Precinct (GEP).
• Sub-precinct Plans – Development within the GEP will require an endorsed Sub-precinct Plan or Plan of Development, with no specified building height limits proposed.
• Development Charges & Infrastructure – The draft Development Charges and Offset Plan sets out applicable development charges and requirements for trunk infrastructure delivery.
• Housing Supply – The amendment is expected to enable up to 16,000 new homes.

Northshore Hamilton PDA – Key Proposed Changes

• Residential Expansion – References to the Athletes’ Village have been removed following its relocation to the RNA Showgrounds, opening up additional residential development potential.
• Future School Location – The proposed school is now planned for the south-east corner of the community hub (near Theodore Street and Macarthur Avenue).
• Changes to Development Provisions – A variety of changes are proposed to development provisions, including, for example, increases in particular residential carparking rates from 0.75 spaces to 0.90 spaces per dwelling.
• Housing Supply – The amendment is expected to enable up to 10,000 new homes.

Consultation Periods

• Woolloongabba PDA – consultation closes 29 August 2025
• Northshore Hamilton PDA – consultation closes 19 September 2025

How Willowtree Can Assist

The proposed changes could significantly influence development potential, approval timeframes, and infrastructure obligations. Early engagement with the planning process is key to securing the best project outcomes.

Willowtree’s planning and engagement team can assist with:

• Interpreting and applying PDA requirements
• Preparing and lodging formal submissions during consultation
• Advising on infrastructure contributions and approval pathways
• Managing stakeholder engagement to support project outcomes

If you would like to understand how these amendments could affect your land or project, contact myself and the QLD planning team.

You can find out more about the proposed amendments here:

North Shore Hamilton –  https://www.edq.qld.gov.au/our-work/priority-development-areas-pda/northshore-hamilton

Woolloongabba – https://www.edq.qld.gov.au/our-work/priority-development-areas-pda/woolloongabba