Southern Thornlands PDA

Priority Development Area

The Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area is a major future growth area in Thornlands. Covering approximately 8.9 million m² (890 ha), it is being planned for new homes, centres, employment, roads, sewer, parks, schools and a connected environmental network.

This section brings the PDA planning story together, then links you to the detailed maps, documents, timeline and development information underneath it.

At a glance

A new part of Thornlands is being planned at a major scale

The current official planning material anticipates around 8,000 new homes for up to 24,000 people, supported by substantial investment in roads, sewer, open space and other infrastructure.

~8,000new homes
Up to 24,000future residents
$544 millioncatalyst infrastructure commitment

PDA overview

See the broad planning pattern

This overview shows the current Residential, Shopping Centre, Industry & Enterprise and Multipurpose Green Space planning layers. Use the dedicated Maps section to compare infrastructure and environmental layers in more detail.

Residential Shopping Centres Industry & Enterprise Multipurpose Green Space
Explore all PDA maps

What is a PDA?

A dedicated planning framework for coordinated growth

A Priority Development Area is declared by the Queensland Government under the Economic Development Act. Within the Southern Thornlands PDA, Economic Development Queensland prepares the planning framework, assesses PDA development applications and coordinates the infrastructure needed to support growth.

One coordinated area

The PDA brings land use, infrastructure and development assessment into one dedicated planning framework.

A dedicated Development Scheme

The Development Scheme sets the long-term planning direction and becomes the rulebook used to assess future PDA development.

Infrastructure planned with growth

Roads, sewer, parks, schools and other infrastructure are planned alongside future neighbourhoods and employment areas.

Explore the PDA

Five ways to understand the Southern Thornlands PDA

Start with the part that answers your question, then move into the detailed planning pages when you need more.

What Is PlannedA snapshot of the eight major planning subjects and links to the full detail. Development SchemeUnderstand the planning rulebook and the current statutory position. MapsInteractive maps, high-resolution downloads and the official planning maps. TimelineFollow the major milestones that brought the area to its current PDA stage. DocumentsOfficial planning material plus maps and resources produced by Developing Southern Thornlands.

What is planned?

The plan touches almost every part of the future community

These are quick snapshots only. Each subject has its own planning page with the full map, explanation and source information.

Residential6,011,931 m² planned for future neighbourhoods · 25 dwellings/ha target net density.Explore Shopping CentresOne District Centre and three Local Centres planned across the PDA.Explore Industry & Enterprise998,151 m² across two planned employment areas.Explore Roads & TransportA future connectivity network with indicative new roads and documented road-design intentions.Explore Sewer & Water Treatment4 sewer catchments with mains and pump infrastructure planned progressively.Explore Parks & Open Space13 coded parks in the current plan, from neighbourhood recreation to district facilities.Explore Schools3 future state schools plus PDA-supported intensification of Sheldon College.Explore Environment2,126,675 m² mapped Habitat Investigation Area alongside green-space and waterway planning.Explore
View the complete PDA Plan

Plan versus projects

What is intended is not the same as what is happening now

The PDA planning pages explain the future structure intended for the Southern Thornlands PDA. The Developments section tracks identifiable proposals, approvals and delivery projects as they actually emerge.

Explore the PDA PlanSee the intended future land uses, infrastructure and environmental framework. View DevelopmentsFollow actual proposals, applications, approvals and infrastructure delivery.

Where are we now?

From PDA declaration to the current planning stage

4 Apr 2025PDA declaredThe Southern Thornlands PDA is declared and the Interim Land Use Plan takes effect.
3 Aug 2026Proposed Scheme releasedThe proposed Development Scheme opens for public notification.
NowHave your sayThe PDA is currently at this stage of the planning process.
NextScheme finalisationSubmissions are considered before the Development Scheme proceeds to a Ministerial decision.
View the full Southern Thornlands planning timeline

Latest PDA-wide updates

What has changed across the Southern Thornlands PDA?

These are whole-PDA planning and consultation updates. Subject-specific news remains on the relevant planning or development pages.

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Official information

Use the official planning material for the authoritative position

Developing Southern Thornlands is an independent information resource. We make the planning material easier to explore, while Economic Development Queensland and the official planning documents remain the authoritative sources.

Economic Development Queensland — Southern ThornlandsOfficial PDA information, planning status and statutory material Southern Thornlands — Have Your SayOfficial consultation, submissions and engagement information