Industry zones

Brisbane City Plan 2014 (City Plan) has been developed by Brisbane City Council in consultation with the community to support a simple, fast and clear development assessment process. The plan guides how land in Brisbane can be used and developed to support economic growth, while protecting our city's character and natural assets.

Brisbane’s industrial sector is growing. By 2031, it is expected employment across the city’s major industrial areas will grow by more than 40,000. Council’s City Plan will help to support and facilitate Brisbane’s industrial economy by clearly identifying areas for industrial development. This page provides information on the different types of industry zones.

What is a zone?

Brisbane is divided into zones. These zones guide the type  of development that may occur on a site. City Plan further divides some zones into numbered zone precincts. These precincts provide more specific information about the types of development intended for particular locations. 

Industry zones

City Plan classifies industrial land into zones and zone precincts based on the expected impacts of industry. This means industrial areas are appropriately separated from sensitive land use zones, such as residential areas, and allows for lower category of assessment for industrial development. There are five industry zones identified in City Plan. The table on page two provides information and examples  of these five zones. 

My industrial development was approved under Brisbane City Plan 2000 (or an earlier planning scheme for Brisbane). Do I need to re-apply under Brisbane City Plan 2014

If your industrial business or development was approved under Brisbane City Plan 2000 or an earlier planning scheme for Brisbane and you are continuing to operate according to those approval conditions, you do not need to re-apply to Council. However, if you wish to upgrade, extend or alter your business, you will need to meet Brisbane City Plan 2014 requirements.  

I would like to change my tenancy or type of industry. Do I need to lodge a development application? 

You may not need to lodge an application. This will depend on your zone, zone precinct and if you can meet the criteria outlined in City Plan Industry code. If your development does not meet all the criteria in the Industry code, you may need to lodge an application with Council.

How do I find the zone my industrial site is located in?

The City Plan online mapping tool allows you to view your industrial site on a map to see the zones, precincts, overlays and neighbourhood plans that apply to your site. 

Industry zones and zone precincts

The following table outlines the five industry zones, their general locations, colours for each zone and zone precinct  and examples of intended development. 

Brisbane City Plan 2014 zoneBrisbane City Plan 2014 zone precinctGeneral locations of zones and zone precinctsExamples of intended development
Low impact industry (LII)-Mostly in Light industry areas in Brisbane City Plan 2000
  • Warehouses
  • Service industries
  • Some non-residential uses that support industry, e.g. cafes
Industry (IN)IN1 General industry AGeneral industry areas located 250 m or less from residential land or other sensitive land uses
  • Warehouses
  • Service industries
  • Some non-residential uses that support industry, e.g. cafes
 IN2 General industry BSome previous General industry and Heavy industry areas located 250-500 m from residential land or other sensitive land uses

A mixture of:

  • medium-impact industrial activities, e.g. joinery works
  • low-impact industrial activities, e.g. clothing manufacturing
 IN3 General industry CSome previous Brisbane City Plan 2000 General industry and Heavy industry areas located 500-1500 m from residential land or other sensitive land uses

A mixture of: 

  • high-impact industrial activities, e.g. metal plating works
  • medium-impact industrial activities, e.g. joinery works
  • low-impact industrial activities and some non-residential uses that support industry uses, e.g. cold store
Special industry (SI)-Generally previous Brisbane City Plan 2000 Heavy industry areas located more than 1500 m from residential land or other sensitive land usesSpecial industry activities, e.g. oil refinery
Industry investigation (II)-Most previous Brisbane City Plan 200 Future industry areas (excluding land where development has occurred)Appropriate interim uses until the land is made ready for future industry uses, e.g. industrial storage
Extractive industry (EI)-Previous Brisbane City Plan 2000 Extractive industry areas locationsExtraction and processing of resources and associated activities, including haul routes, e.g. hard rock quarry

More information

For more information:

Disclaimer: The content on this page is a summary and has been prepared to assist the reader to understand City Plan. Please refer to the full City Plan document, entitled Brisbane City Plan 2014, via City Plan online for further detail.

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