Lakeland Local Area Plan

About The Local Area Plan

The community of Lakeland is experiencing unprecedented growth due to the expansion of the primary industry sector in recent years. A large and seasonal workforce is placing a significant demand on existing housing and the growth in the agricultural sector is expected to continue, particularly if an irrigated water supply is secured. 

Services and infrastructure in the town, while just able to support the current population, will be in need of substantial upgrade and improvement to accommodate the expected population growth to meet the future needs of Lakeland, in its evolving role as a strategic agricultural service centre. Lakeland is also well placed to capitalise on its strategic location at the intersection of the Mulligan Highway and the Peninsula Development Road with the expected influx of tourists to Cape York following the sealing of the Peninsula Development Road within the next five years. 

Cook Shire Council, Lakeland residents and other stakeholders have been working together with Reel Planning to create the proposed Lakeland Local Area Plan, which will guide future development in the area.

Have your say

A background report has been completed in support of the proposed Lakeland Local Area Plan. 

The report and proposed local plan has been developed in conjunction with residents and business owners, and Council is informally seeking feedback on the report and its findings. During October 2017, the draft plan will be finalised and presented to Council for endorsement. The next step in the process will involve a formal amendment to the Cook Shire Planning Scheme.

Council will be accepting written comments until 29 September 2017.

View the Lakeland Local Area Plan Background Report here.