Letter to Council re RACV Development

The Planning Manager
Councillors and the Mayor are elected to represent the interests of their constituents (residents) and the wider interests of the Shire. Planning officers are employed to serve Council and the interests of the Shire, and to assess applications (MCU this instance) against the provisions of the Noosa Plan 2020.
The proposed Material Change of Use application MCU 22/0118 at 94 and 142 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads should be refused because it is:
Contrary to the interests of the local community, does not meet community expectations of Council decision making vis-a-vis preservation and enhancement of koala habitat in Noosa Shire; and if approved, would diminish public confidence and trust in Council.
Council’s own Koala Conservation Plan identifies a number of specific actions to help conserve koalas in Noosa. Examples include:
Protecting and enhancing koala habitat
Supporting research into the health, distribution and abundance of koalas across the Shire

The SPRP (State Planning Regulatory Provisions)
Management Program 2006-2016’ and ‘Koala-sensitive Design Guideline: A guide to koala- sensitive design measures for planning and development activities’ to inform decision makers on development includes
avoiding, minimising or offsetting the clearing of non-juvenile koala habitat trees
site design that provides safe koala movement opportunities appropriate to the development type and habitat connectivity values of the site
There is no way this proposed development can hope to meet these standards
The proposal includes the construction of 16 “Eco-Cabins” for STA Accommodation amongst a “pond” and various other infrastructure.
Noosa residents have seen their residential amenity shattered with the exponential growth of STAs in the Shire.This has led to mental anguish, fear and anxiety in their own home which should be their safe place, their sanctuary.
Imagine what placing 16 STA Eco- Cabins in what is basically a pristine parcel of virgin rainforest in a well known Koala habitat will do to the resident Koala population.
But the fact is that Noosa exists in a Biosphere and the Biosphere has a Noosa Wild Koala Fund in place to help bring back wild koalas in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve. It is horrible fact that we have seen an 80% decline in the number of koalas across South East Queensland in the last ten years. We are running out of koalas. And they are running out of time.
That’s the sad truth. The next few years are shaping up to be our last opportunity to preserve the koala in the wild in South East Queensland. If not, when future generations ask who let the koala go, the answer will be us.

This development proposal is the antithesis to the aims of the Biosphere

Noosa Council has endorsed a 27-point action plan to better protect Noosa Shire's koalas.
The Noosa Shire Koala Conservation Plan states that Council is committed to working together with the community to ensure that koalas remain an essential component of Noosa’s biodiversity. And that through collaboration for conservation, Noosa can become home to a thriving, wild koala population. A lofty goal, Council.
This development will not help achieve that goal.
Residents and wildlife groups contributed to the development of the Noosa Shire Koala Conservation Plan (PDF), which Council is now rolling out. The Koala Fact Sheet provides quick facts.
This looks impressive.
But the fact is
There is also an active koala residential population in this  pristine parcel of virgin rainforest, bordering Weyba Creek,which is now being earmarked by RACV for development into yet more short term tourist accommodation. Obviously not in any way beneficial or acceptable to the residents of Noosa Shire who live here, work here and raise families here.

Then there is this warning from WWF,

From deadly disease to catastrophic wildfires, floods, and rampant deforestation - koalas have been hit from all angles.

Now uplisted to ENDANGERED status along our east coast, they're at a critical crossroad and urgently need your help. Without stronger protection, koala populations are on a very slippery slope towards extinction by 2050 in eastern Australia.

There's no time to lose.

NOOSA COUNCIL, in all conscience, can’t possibly approve this development application.

Sincerely,
Paul Birch
20 Toulambi St.,
Noosa Heads.