Council Submission - JB

Noosa Council
PO Box 141
Tewantin QLD. 4565
By email only: [email protected]                                15 August 2023

Application Ref. 132008.176.05

Proposed Resort Complex – 3-7 Serenity Close, Noosa Heads

I am the Owner of a property known as Unit 9/40-42 Grant Street, Noosa Heads.
I note that Project Urban, on behalf of Calile Malouf Investments, have lodged a Proposed Change of Approval before Noosa Council relating to the development of the above site. I understand that the original approval for Units dates back to 2010, and was given by the then amalgamated Sunshine Coast Council.
What is proposed here after thirteen years, is a completely different development and use of the land, in what is now a very quiet residential area. In addition to the 195-room hotel, there would be a resort wear shop, a gift shop, a small providore and two restaurants. The Hotel itself would be fifteen metres, or four stories high, stretching along the remaining land on Serenity Close over 2.4 hectares.
In addition, there would be multiple swimming pools and a Function Centre. No details are provided about how many people could be accommodated in the Function Centre, and what events would be held there.
What is proposed can be nothing other than a major change to the landscape and the concerns it raises are many, especially in an area where it has always been solely residential zoning.

PARKING

Whilst the proposed development would have 360 car spaces on site, with 195 rooms, which potentially could lead to over 400 guests per night, plus restaurant diners, visitors and many staff coming and going, the parking issue is a real concern.
Vehicles will spill out into the adjacent neighbourhood, into Serenity Close, Banksia Avenue, Grant Street and Katherina Street.
These streets already hold a significant number of parked cars during the day and night.
It should also be noted that Grant Street and Katherina Street are very narrow and cannot be widened. They are already essentially one-way systems.

NOISE FROM HOTEL RESORT
A development of this magnitude can, and will, generate a large amount of noise. Upwards of potentially four hundred guests moving around at all times of day and night, staff coming and going on shifts, the restaurant diners, the pool areas, and the Function Centre will all combine to create a relentless hum of noise.
We already experience a lot of noise in our Unit from people returning home after a night out in the many bars and restaurants in Noosa Junction, screaming and shouting at times, and often late at night or in the early hours. This problem is bad most weekends and over the major holiday periods.
I understand, when asked about this issue, that the Developers said signage would prevent this happening around the pools. No amount of signage will ever remedy this issue. People on holiday and having a good time will make noise, in the Hotel/Resort and in the streets.
Given the size and nature of the Proposed Development there is no doubt that it will create a source of vastly increased noise around the area.

TRAFFIC NOISE
I understand that the initial construction period would be around two years.
We have watched, and more importantly, heard the noise from very early in the morning and continuing throughout the day, as the various stages in Settlers Cove have been built. Often the large vehicles cannot negotiate the small roundabout on the corner of Grant Street and Banksia Avenue, and simply have to drive across it.
However, before the traffic even reaches our corner, they have had to negotiate parked cars in the split-level Grant Street. The road is tight for cars to drive along, how the truck drivers cope is anyone’s guess.
Then, if the development goes ahead, we will have guests being driven, or driving themselves up to this roundabout, combined with staff leaving after shifts 24/7 in vehicles. Then add to this commercial deliveries. Good bye serenity!
The incalculable effect of noise from traffic is highly disturbing.
It should also be noted that Grant Street has no footpath for pedestrians who often walk in the road to get past parked cars and narrow verges.
I understand that the Hotel entry points as set out in the Developers Traffic Management Report, are Grant Street/Noosa Junction and Grant Street/Banksia Avenue. The first entry point in the Junction is notoriously hard to enter from Grant Street, which will cause traffic backing up, potentially right into Banksia Avenue. The second point is off this small roundabout which is problematic for the reasons set out above.
Katherina Street is not mentioned at all as an entry point, but it will become a way out towards Hastings Street, which will cause significant disruption to residents.
LOSS OF BUSHLAND, BIO DIVERSITY AND WILDLIFE HABITAT
The Developer intends to keep six metres of land on the side of the site to preserve bushland. Wedged between a significant development and a road, this is of little or no use for wildlife, or bio diversity. What little bushland is left after years of development at Settlers Cove is precious, but also vulnerable. Last year tree vandals poisoned mature trees below new Units.
The footpath leading from Banksia Avenue through bush to the river is a much loved and used space, by walkers, pet walkers, families and fishermen. If it survives it will face a four-story building on one side and a waterway on the other. This development may potentially have an adverse effect on the whole catchment area both during construction and after completion.
What studies have looked at this issue?

LOSS OF AMENITY IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
In summary, increased noise, increased traffic during the building stage and forever after, loss of bushland and the animals and birds which inhabit it and a huge increase in the amount of people in the area.

CLOSING REMARKS
The news is full of debate over the State Government’s population growth targets. Concerns have been raised by Councillors, property Owners and residents.
We live in a remarkable environment. We simply cannot risk jeopardizing this by allowing such a significant development to proceed. The Developers will move on, but we will be left with a large building stretching over 2.4 hectares. Whatever the economic or commercial success, or otherwise, of this project, we will be left with the impact of this development forever.
This proposed development has simply too many negative elements, and unanswered questions for Council to take that risk, by approving the proposal.
I urge all Councillors to oppose this Planning Proposal. Support existing hotels, restaurants and businesses. Build a footpath on Grant Street! Protect our natural environment and its quiet enjoyment, which is the backbone of true progress in years to come.

Jennifer Bull
Ph: 0432 096 200
Email: [email protected]

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