2021-02-25 Special Meeting Agenda

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA                                                         25 FEBRUARY 2021

Significant environmental values are also present within the Riparian Buffer in the north-west of
the site. This area contains a waterway and associated riparian vegetation and the development
will result in disturbance to the bank and significant vegetation removal within this area associated
with the extent of fill and development in this area. There is justified concern that the application
will impact on significant vegetation and fauna habitat which form important parts of the Noosa
biodiversity network.
Furthermore, the excessive earthworks proposed, with cuts up to 4 metres indicate that the site is
unsuitable for a seniors living development purposes where a flat environment is generally needed
for aging persons.
3.3. Statutory Instruments – Planning Scheme
The subject site is located in the Cooroy and Lake Macdonald Locality and is zoned both Open
Space Recreation and Rural under The Noosa Plan 2006 and is located outside the Urban Growth
Boundary identified by the Noosa Plan 2006. The proposed use is defined as Multiple Housing
Type 3 Retirement and Special Needs as the proposal is for a seniors living community with
residents to reside in individual dwelling units.
The proposed use of Multiple Housing – Type 3 (Retirement and Special Needs) is identified as
an inconsistent use within the site’s Rural and Open Space Recreation zonings and is required to
follow an impact assessable application process.
The application must be assessed against the whole of the Noosa Plan 2006 to the extent the
provisions are relevant to the development and regard may be had to the new planning scheme
requirements for the site.
The Noosa Plan 2006 envisages that Rural zoned land will be predominantly used for open space
and farming activities. The intent is for this land to be appropriately managed and protected such
that the scenic and environmental values, the distinct rural amenity and agricultural productivity
are preserved. Land zoned Open Space Recreation is intended to be to be used for a variety of
passive and active recreation activities reflective of the existing golf course.
The planning scheme envisages that retirement villages would typically be located in the Semi-
Attached Housing and Community Services zones and within the defined Urban Growth Boundary.
Desired Environmental Outcomes
The following Desired Environmental Outcomes are relevant to the application:
a)    AGRICULTURE USES
      Agricultural industry is maintained by—
      i.    conserving land for economically viable and environmentally sustainable agricultural
            purposes;
      ii.   preventing the fragmentation of agricultural land;
      v.    protecting agricultural pursuits from incompatible uses, particularly those more suitably
            located within the urban growth boundary;
i)    RESIDENTIAL USES
      Urban and rural settlement for residential use is contained within the defined urban growth
      boundaries shown on zoning maps ZM1- ZM9. It is developed to be consistent with—
      i.    the expected character and amenity for the particular locality; …….
The proposed development of 246 dwelling units does not meet these Desired Environmental
Outcomes as it does not conserve land for agricultural purposes. While the land has not been
identified as good agricultural land by The Noosa Plan 2006 or the Noosa Plan 2020 it is noted
that the land has been identified as good agricultural land by the mapping for the State Planning
Policy and has the capacity to be used for grazing purposes.



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