Priority development areas and projects
Priority Development Areas (PDAs) are parcels of land within Queensland identified for development to deliver significant benefits to the community.
The Minister for Economic Development Queensland (MEDQ) may declare a PDA under the Economic Development Act 2012.
Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) manages development projects in some PDAs. Projects may include, for example, commercial development, industrial opportunities and residential estates in partnership with local government and industry.
View a list of PDAs and boundary maps.
For more information download the Introduction to PDAs (
598 KB) and the PDA factsheet ( 2.1 MB)
Declaration of PDAs
A range of factors are considered when deciding if a PDA is declared, including:
- Will the outcome support economic growth?
- Is there a need for accelerated development?
- Is the development intended for a special purpose?
- Will it unlock under-utilised and surplus government owned land?
- Will it drive development for community purposes?
When a PDA is declared, Economic Development Queensland works closely with local government and other stakeholders to plan, assess and guide development within a PDA. This includes the preparation of a development scheme.
Public notification of proposed development schemes and amendments
Public notification of proposed development schemes and amendments are published on the relevant PDA page on the department's website and in the local newspaper.
The submission period is a minimum of 30 business days for a proposed development scheme and 15 business days for an amendment.
The Minister for Economic Development Queensland (MEDQ) must consider all submissions made about the development scheme or amendment that are received during the submission period.
How to make a submission
For details about making a submission download the How to make a proposed development scheme submission fact sheet ( 290 KB).
Submissions can be made to the MEDQ by:
Email: edq@dsdmip.qld.gov.au
Online: Visit Have your say
Post: Economic Development Queensland GPO Box 2202 Brisbane QLD 4001
Find out how to make a submission about a PDA development application.
PDA development instruments
Under the Economic Development Act 2012 there are two types of development instruments: an Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) and a development scheme.
An ILUP is in place generally up to 12 months after the declaration of a PDA, until the overarching plan for the area (the development scheme) is approved by the MEDQ.
A development scheme is the regulatory document that assists with planning, promoting, coordinating and controlling land development within a PDA.
EDQ guidelines
EDQ guidelines outline the standards for development in PDAs. These guidelines cover a range of topics such as housing, development and planning and should be read along with the development instruments.
PDA-associated development
Certain proposed developments for a PDA may be identified as ‘PDA-associated development’. This means the development is located outside the PDA but is required for the functionality of the PDA.
More information about PDA-associated development
More information
For more information contact Economic Development Queensland:
Email: edq@dsdmip.qld.gov.au
Phone: 07 3452 7880
Last updated: 09 Nov 2021