MCU14/106 Appendix I - Visual Amenity Integration

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Principle 6: Strong indoor/outdoor relationships
The proposed pedestrian link, and the northern end of the development will have a strong indoor/outdoor
character which will allow people to move through and enjoy the forest setting, as shown in the architectural
images. The distinction between indoor shopping mall and external spaces will be broken down in this
northern precinct, and also along the western side of Covenant J where proposed refurbishment of the
existing Noosa Civic shopping centre will introduce a deck and outdoor cafes to the north of the pedestrian
link. Additionally, the proposed development will maximise natural light through a central atrium which will
provide internal access between the basement carpark and ground flood uses. The atrium will feature
appropriate planting to enhance the overall ‘green’ character of the development and help to strengthen
indoor and outdoor relationships.

Principle 7: Sweeping road pattern and roundabouts
The proposed development will retain and reinforce the existing northern and southern roundabouts, and
complete the ring road connection by extending Hofmann Drive. Although, it is proposed that the Eumundi-
Noosa Road/ Eenie Creek Road/ Eumundi Road intersection will be signalised in the future due to future
projected traffic volumes along this road.

Principle 8: Sustainable and environmentally-sensitive development
The proposed development is located adjacent to a drainage line (through Covenant J) which drains through
environmentally sensitive habitat towards Eenie Creek, which will be protected through management of
stormwater runoff (both quantity and quality) by detention swales in the at-grade carpark areas and a
bioretention basin in the south-west corner.
Other sustainable development measures include (in addition to the extensive use of local native plants):
       the use of recycled timber in trellis structures, the linear arbour and the pedestrian link,
       boardwalk and other permeable surfaces beside Covenant J for rainwater infiltration,
       management of most of the Covenant J habitat as an undisturbed nature refuge, and
       culvert underpasses beneath the Hofmann Drive extension for native fauna movement.




Summary
In summary, the proposed Noosa Civic expansion has been designed to be an exemplar of ‘Noosa style’
built form and landscaping, offering users a degree of built form/natural setting integration in a high quality
but informal environment.
Although the development will occupy a relatively large footprint, and as seen from the air will appear as an
extensive roof form, the built form has been carefully designed and set into the landscape so as to be much
less obtrusive than a ‘typical’ shopping centre. As seen from most viewpoints and angles, the proposed
development will be visually dominated by its forest setting, and will be screened from the view of passing
motorists except for glimpses of built form and parked cars, and of signage. Sensitive site planning has been
undertaken to ensure that the development will retain pockets of existing native vegetation (in addition to
Covenant J) which will contribute to creating an established bushland character and integrating built form
into a natural setting.