EXPANSION of residential areas in Killarney and Allora will be frozen under proposed new council rules, a local town planning expert has warned.

Killarney-based Jamie Mackenzie said a draft planning scheme for the region - to take effect early next year - reduced the area of residential land in both towns, which were becoming drawcards for tree-changers and retirees.

"Development in the new town plan is all about Warwick, so once again Killarney and Allora are forgotten," Mr Mackenzie said.

"In Killarney and Allora, the new plan actually decreases the area of residential land. Compared with Warwick, there is a larger proportion of heritage-listed properties in Allora and Killarney.

"And, when flood study maps are not available for comment, I must conclude that development will be frozen in two townships."

Mr Mackenzie said under the 1999 Planning Scheme for Warwick, some infill residential development occurred in Allora and Killarney in the past 10 years, but there was no expansion.

"Most people live in villages like this for space around them and not to be stuffed into existing town blocks," he said.

"I am the last person who wants to see new housing estates in floodable areas, nor sprawling on good farmland.

"But Allora and Killarney's closer proximity to Brisbane make them ideal for retirees seeking an elevated spot with rural views on a few quality one or five-acre lots adjoining town."

Mr Mackenzie, who last week raised concerns over duplex rules in Warwick and Stanthorpe, also said development in Allora and Killarney would help struggling local businesses, support doctors and medical facilities and diversify the housing stock.

"The townships in Toowoomba Regional Council next door have allowed expansion in their new town plan but Allora misses out," he said.

"In the new planning scheme, vast areas are zoned for residential development in Warwick.

"Of this, about half of land is vacant and yet to be developed.

"I am told by the council that there is plenty of undeveloped residential land in Killarney, yet I see only six large existing residential-zoned lots under the new planning scheme and only one is for sale.

"A simple policy to allow housing development on elevated land that immediately adjoins town is what is needed.

"If the next plan doesn't allow some expansion, the proposed State Government Strategic Cropping Land Polices will end all future possibilities."

Formal submissions from the public on the draft planning scheme closed last Friday after six weeks of public display, with more than 50 submissions received.

Mayor Ron Bellingham said later submissions would still be studied by officers and the council may consider a second consultation period.

"We do not know how the flood maps will affect the townships so we lost the ability to comment within the statutory period," Mr Mackenzie said.

A spokeswoman for the Southern Downs Regional Council said the number of places on a new heritage register forming part of the planning scheme had not increased the numbers of listed properties in Allora or Killarney.

She conceded there had been "some change" in the location of the residential zone in Killarney to reflect changes in land use but the actual amount of land proposed to be included in the Residential Living Zone in the town was "similar" to what was set aside in the existing Warwick Town Plan.

"One major change for Killarney has been the inclusion of land on the south of the town in the Rural Residential zone," she said.

Flood maps for Allora were unveiled last weekend at a community information session, while Warwick and Killarney presentations will be held this Saturday from 9-11am in Warwick Libaray and Killarney from 1-3pm.

The proposed Southern Downs region planning scheme and maps can be viewed online at www.southerndowns.qld.gov.au.