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2017-04-11 P&E Agenda Attachment 1 to Item 2 Proposal by Eco Camp
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Attachment 1 to Item 2
Planning & Environment Committee Agenda
11 April 2017
PROPOSAL TO RE-CLASSIFY FHA
ELANDA POINT, NOOSA RIVER.
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Section 2
Noosa River Re-Classification of FHA “A” to FHA “B”.
Author:
Wade Batty
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL
Proponents Details
Eco Camp Pty Ltd – atf MCB Trust
ABN: 44 279 342 093
PO Box 1804 Noosaville. DC.QLD. 4566.
Brief overview of the Proposal
A unique opportunity exists for Eco Camp Pty Ltd (EC) as it has entered into a sale contract with the
current lease holder of the Elanda Point Education and Adventure Park to purchase and transfer the
existing Qpws leases known as LOT A & LOT B on MCH5358.
The Company has provided the State Government with a Master Plan strategy, to redevelop the site into
a world class Eco Tourism facility. (A copy of this plan is attached to this submission.)
On the 11th November 2016, the Company received an in principle approval from the Department of
National Parks, Sport and Racing to proceed with the re-development of the site, subject to the
satisfaction of standard re-development criteria. (A copy of this approval is attached to this submission.)
Intrinsic to achieving a desired outcome is the necessity to undertake installation of jetty infrastructure to
better manage the existing and future use from the Lease Area and assist to facilitate the delivery of
quality tour services into the Noosa Everglades, delivered by Eco Camps’ sister Company, The Discovery
Group.
Eco Camp Pty Ltd (EC) requests that DNPSR consider an application to re – classify an area of Lake
Cootharaba from Fish Habitat Management A – to Management B.
Advice received by the department indicates that Fish Habitat Management A does not permit a private
entity lodging an application for Resource Allocation with the final outcome sought is to install jetty
infrastructure to support improved operations from the Leased land.
(A copy of the jetty plan is attached to this submission.)
Brief Description
Elanda Point Education and Adventure Park has been operating a commercial tourism venture from the
Lease area since 1979, formalised with a 50 year Lands Act lease in 1986, expiring in 2036 and having
an option to renew in 2026.
The existing operation has on average 131,000 overnight visitor stays per annum, the majority of which
are embarking on marine based activities from the Lease area, directly from the beach.
The location of this key piece of jetty infrastructure is the most logical, practical and environmentally
sustainable way to manage current and future use of activities from the Lease area.
Section 3
Sequencing of Development and Stages.
The attached site plan and proposed capital improvements provide the conceptual framework and
locations of improvements and investment being proposed by Eco Camp. The Department of National
Parks Sport and Racing have provided an ‘in principle’ approval for the improvements to proceed based
on this information.
Eco Camp has undertaken research into the experiences that inbound and domestic visitors are seeking
within the Eco-Tourism sphere. Discussion with their existing client base, international wholesalers has
led them to refine the suggested offerings and product mix in this location.
Stage 1 – Immediately pending approvals
Central reception and visitor facilities constructed. A food and beverage, interpretative and Eco
Tourism hub and access point. This will present as an Eco Resort.
Construction of additional and refurbishment of existing educational cabins in the western area of
the site and improvements to existing “mess hall”.
Construction of a new main amenities building.
Installation of jetty infrastructure to sustainably manage current and future use of activities
from the Lease area and to facilitate delivery of quality Eco-Tourism services into the Everglades.
It will also establish a navigable and safe boating access.
Development of glamping area and associated infrastructure to service a combination of 2 – 4
person luxury tents on the Eastern Side of the site.
Stage 2 – During years 3 – 5 of operation
Development of glamping area and associated infrastructure to service a combination of 2 – 4
person luxury tents to the north of the site.
Refurbish / replace workshop and storage facilities located at the entry to the site.
** Please refer to the attached plan for details of components of the overall development adjacent to FHA
and location of the proposed jetty footprint.
The proposed jetty infrastructure will not require any associated works to occur on the Leased land, other
than at the point of abutment, where it is anticipated this will be a timber walkway / ramp to gain safe and
equitable disabled access.
Describe and justify the proposed amendments:
Please refer to the attached Master Plan and Location Plan to confirm the extent of the area sought to be
re-classified.
Lake Cootharaba is an extensive body of water approximately 50 square kilometres in size. The extent
of the area to be re - classified is 0.05 square kilometres. This translates into area 0.001% of Lake
Cootharaba.
Section 4
Due to the location of the proposed infrastructure, the depth of water that relates to the designated area and the insignificant scale of the infrastructure; There will be no impediment on maritime navigation. There will be no impediment on any other recreational user group of the Lake ie: sailing, yachting and personal water craft use. There will be no impediment to any other commercial user group of the Lake. As Lake Cootharaba is unaffected by significant tidal range, the initial draft design for jetty infrastructure highlights a low scale, low height, fixed timber walkway extending from the foreshore to a floating section. There will be minimal visual impediment resulting from the installation of such infrastructure. The re-classification is required to enable the proponent to submit an application for resource allocation with the eventual intent of installing jetty infrastructure in this location to work in synergy with the Leased area and to fit in with the use of the Lease area, which is zoned for visitor facilities and services / tourism. Currently, and for the last 31 years the lessee operates a commercial tourism operation from the Leased land and utilises the foreshore and waterways for commercial marine activities. The current use and management of these activities can be vastly improved by the provision of infrastructure which will assist in minimising impacts in the FH zone and on the adjacent Leased land. Access to the subject area is well established. The proposed location is one which has strong planning merit within spatial based locality assessment. Located directly adjacent to the Lease area, existing camping grounds and public access national park it serves to improve the current poor accessibility into Lake Cootharaba that presently exists. The proposal does not require any associated infrastructure to be located within the declared Fish Habitat Area. The location is one that is entirely suitable as the required amenities, services, parking, etc. is all insitu, operational and located on land outside of the Habitat Area. At present there are no compliant disability access points to enable safe and equitable access to tour vessels, the jetty will be able to fulfil this gap with the proposed infrastructure. FRC Environmental, one of Australia’s most respected environmental consultants has undertaken extensive research and site field studies of the habitat adjacent to the Lease area as directed by DNPSR. FRC’s report scientifically supports the re-classification of the area, and installation of jetty infrastructure. This report will be presented to DNPSR in the final submission lodged for re-classification.
Section 5
The Discovery Group – Current and Future Use Eco Camp considers it imperative to highlight the synergies between the authorised activities permissible by the applicant in relation to commercial access of the Cooloola National Park. The proposed acquisition of the current Lease by Eco Camp, will result in the amalgamation of the current lessees existing tour operations, Commercial Activity Permit capacity with Qpws – with that of the existing and future tour operations and Commercial Activity Agreement capacity with Qpws, held by The Discovery Group. The Discovery Group holds 99% of the Qpws Commercial Activity Permits in the Cooloola National Park and has significant capacity to facilitate commercial operations. The commercial capacity held by the Company translates into approximately 1,000 people per day into Cooloola National Park. This is without the addition of the commercial capacity acquired by Eco Camp in purchasing Elanda Point. Subsequently, there is zero risk that “other” commercial access / operators to the upper reaches of the Noosa River can develop. The Discovery Group presently undertakes over 1,500 high speed vessel trips annually from Gympie Terrace, Noosaville into the Noosa Everglades. With increasing market demand in Eco Tourism and popularity of an Everglades experience the number of vessel trips is forecasted to grow at a rate of 8% per annum. The Company seeks a long term sustainable operational methodology and is currently faced with the predicament of increasing the size and number of its vessel fleet and departures from Gympie Terrace to meet demand. The acquisition and re-vitalisation of Elanda Point into a world class Eco Tourism facility is an integral component of delivering a sustainable Eco Tourism operation. Currently, the company consumes over 100,000 litres of unleaded fuels per annum operating their vessels from Gympie Terrace, Noosaville. As well as a substantial financial impost there are resultant exhaust discharge into the marine environment and vessel wash impacts on foreshore areas in the lower – mid reaches of the Noosa River system. The Company seeks to manage the business more sustainably by utilising the existing road network infrastructure to bring tourists to the Elanda Point precinct, then have them board vessel’s from safe jetty infrastructure and depart on their Everglades experience - utilising low draw, low wash and low fuel burn vessels specifically designed for the pristine upper lake and estuary system to deliver minimal impacts and a better overall Eco Tourism experience. (Please see attached draft design of vessels). Estimated fuel consumption for the tour vessels operating under this methodology is 15,000 litres per annum. The new vessels will produce negligible wash and foreshore disturbance. This is a significant reduction of impacts from current operations and offers sustainable long term benefits for the entire river system network.
Section 6
The only way to adequately accommodate the requirements from the Leased land in the most sustainable
manner with a view to appropriately managing impacts is to pursue a successful re-classification of the
Management Area followed by a successful application to install jetty infrastructure.
The re-classification sought of the Fish Habitat Area adjacent to the commercial Lease area delivers upon
significant aspects of the Noosa River Plan.
The Noosa community vision and aspirations are quite clear, as set out within the Noosa River Plan 1
1. VISION FOR THE NOOSA RIVER SYSTEM
The Noosa River system is—
- Recognised internationally for the natural, recreational, scenic, cultural and economic values
flowing from the river’s rich biodiversity and habitat,
- Managed within an effective coordinated framework that strives for sustainability and best
practice in nature-based recreation and ecotourism, and;
- Valued by government, industry and community which take an active role in protecting and
rehabilitating riparian areas and ensuring that development and activities in and on the river
system and on tidal lands are sustainable.
1 Noosa River Plan, Noosa Council in collaboration with DPI, DNRM, EPA, QT / MSQ – November 2004
Section 7
Support
As outlined above, the Company has received in principle approval from the Department of National Parks,
Sport and Racing to proceed with the re-development of the Elanda Point site.
The project has also received overwhelming support from key stakeholders and received written
endorsement from:
Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games.
Member for Noosa Glen Elmes MP.
Tourism and Events Queensland
Visit Sunshine Coast
Tourism Noosa
Noosa Council
(A copy of these are attached to this submission.)
Description of social and economic values
The existing economic and social values of the Lease area intend to significantly enhance with the
transfer of the Lease and implementation of improvements to the Lease infrastructure. The inclusion of
jetty infrastructure to enable safe and equitable access to Lake Cootharaba is intrinsic to forecasted
outcomes.
Capital investment.
Significant capital investment is scheduled for both purchase from existing lessee, improvements and
new facilities. Preliminary budgetary calculation estimates an investment of $4.5 million will be necessary
over the first 5 years.
The quality of the product and experiential offering to the customer is such that the investment in new
infrastructure cannot be short changed. Eco Camp is very serious about the need to maintain the quality
of their brand and that of the Eco Tourism experience within Cooloola National Park.
Economic return and Social Benefits
Employment opportunities and Economic Return
It is proposed that over time staffing levels for the group will increase in total to some 35 staff with
salaries of $1.8 million / year.
Additional return to local economy for goods and services would suggest after undertaking
feasibility studies, a direct economic injection $10 million / year.
Current historical research has identified that the mix of international vs domestic tourism
customers to be 65% - 35%. The growth in the international visitor has seen an 85% growth over
the past 5 years seeking these experiences within the Cooloola National Park.
Cumulatively the overall direct economic impact from our high yield international visitation would
return $6.5million / year and the domestic visitation $3.5million / year.
Section 8
Conclusion The establishment of jetty infrastructure at Elanda Point has significant benefits to the community of Noosa, the broader Noosa River system and in parallel to the long term sustainable future of the tourism industry. It is a key pillar to the success of the re-development proposal of Elanda Point and in providing high quality experiences for visitors. The re-development of Elanda Point into a world class Eco Tourism facility will deliver far reaching benefits across a broad spectrum of the local community. Importantly, it will generate significant opportunities for residents and other businesses in the hinterland communities. The project compliments Noosa Council’s vision and the pending “New Noosa Plan”. The project delivers upon significant aspects of the Noosa River Plan. The project fits with the vision of the “Queensland Eco Tourism Plan (2016-2020).” The project dovetails into the regional tourism organisation’s “Destination Tourism Plan”. The project meets the objectives of Tourism Noosa’s “Sustainable Destination Action Plan (2017-2022).” END.
Section 9
MASTERPLAN & LOCATION PLAN MASTERPLAN & LOCATION PLAN
Section 10
elanda pt Leg
CONTROLLED “GLAMPING” AREAS
INDICATIVE LAYOUTS: 6m x 12m SITES
controlled open space
and overflow camping area
EDGE OF BUSH CAMPING AREA
NEW ABLUTION BLOCK
SCHOOL GROUP CABINS
AND FACILITIES
REVEGETATED AREAS
expanded and controlled open space
BACKPACKERS CAMPING AREA
2 NEW CABINS
F.O.H. FACILITIES.
11 EXISTING CABINS facilities in existing house replaced by new
facilities in the future.
NEW ABLUTION BLOCK
ENTERTAINMENT AREA replacing existing
extend existing
outdoor dining area
boom gate
remove existing WC block
COMMUNAL FACILITIES
bar, kitchen, dining, lounge
renovate existing cabins EDGE OF BUSH CAMPING AREA
vehicle layby
COURTYARD
partly covered,
f.o.h. and cabin guest car park controlled grass surface
existing roads/pathways removed
from this area
SELF-CONTAINED CABINS
20 bed/sit studios
PONTOON JETTY
MAIN STORE/WORKSHOP
storage, maintenance, equipment.
existing re-used to be replaced with new
facilities
north
SITE PLAN 1.6 1:2000 at A3
image: google earth ELANDA POINT REDEVELOPMENT 13 March 2017
preliminary concept sketches 200 m
Section 11
DRAFT JETTY PLAN DRAFT JETTY PLAN
Section 12
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ELEVATION UPL 162.05.01
60 cco f (3000Section 13
IN PRINCIPLE APPROVAL QPWS IN PRINCIPLE APPROVAL QPWS
Section 14
BEN
SY Ae Of
ay
Queensland
Government
Department of
National Parks,
Sport and Racing
N-l|- Lolo |
Mr Wade Batty
Noosa Group Pty Ltd
t/a The Discovery Group
PO Box 1084
NOOSAVILLE DC QLD 4566
Lunde :
Dear MrBaitty,
Following consideration of your conceptual drawings and accompanying information
presented for evaluation by the Department of National Parks, Sport and Recreation in
respect of your proposed acquisition of two Land Act 1994 Term Leases SL 21/50021 and
SL 21/50022 over national park for the purpose of Tourism Facilities, | confirm in-principle
support to your conceptual proposals conditional on the following:
e That you have a legitimate financial interest in the leases registered on Title.
e That any proposed re-development, or new development on these leases is
consistent with the lease purpose, and in compliance with the current lease
conditions.
e That the existing Deed of Agreement with the current lessee is applicable and
remains tied with the leases.
e That detailed development proposals would need to have sufficient setting, design
and construction details progressed to a standard acceptable to QPWS.
e That an environmental and cultural values assessment of the areas subject to any
expanded development footprint is undertaken.
e That the details of any proposed clearing of native vegetation is submitted to QPWS
for determination of whether this is acceptable in the context of the values
assessment and the national park setting;
e That the alignment of the proposed development is appropriate within the ‘setting’ of
the national park. This relates to the detail of the development including: the
detailed design and dimensions of buildings [in particular, the height], the types of
construction materials used, the colour scheme and the exact siting/set-back
distances from the surrounding protected area and foreshore.
e That detailed construction drawings are submitted to QPWS for approval, and
survey points set out on the land prior to any construction commencing.
e That there is an approved Environmental Management Plan.
e That there is an approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan.
e Evidence is presented to QPWS that Native Title has been resolved.
e Evidence is presented to QPWS that local authority requirements have been met
including the Development Application process if triggered.
Level 21
111 George Street Brisbane
PO Box 15187 City East
Queensland 4002 Australia
Telephone + 61 7 3199 7519
Website www.npsr.qid.gov.au
ABN 11 322 391 452Section 15
e Evidence is presented to QPWS that all other statutory requirements including water
supply and sewage systems are appropriately designed and approved.
e That there is an appropriate fire contingency plan in place to mitigate risks to and
from the surrounding national park.
e That evidence is provided to QPWS that a jetty is permissible in the fish habitat area
(We -understand that a core consideration for you in proceeding further with your
proposal to acquire the lease is the issue of construction of a pontoon jetty in a fish
habitat area, and this is a matter that you will need to resolve with DAF). As
discussed, QPWS will not be the accountable public entity for any jetty structure.
e That detailed design and proposed construction details of the jetty and associated
infrastructure and how it interacts with the national park are acceptable to QPWS for
provision of owner's consent. —
Mindful that this is a lease over national park, and the values of the national park must be
conserved to fulfil our respective legislative obligations. Should you commit to the purchase
of the lease, please be assured we would be committed to working with you to identify any
viable re-development options. | confirm that these are conditions consistent with other
proposed developments on national park lands, and are necessary elements of approvals of
commercial assets on national park lands set aside for public benefit in Queensland.
Again | reiterate our commitment to working with you to realise viable re-development
options should you choose to proceed with the acquisition of the lease.
ns. |
Neil Cambourn
Executive Director, Great Barrier Reef — Marine — Coastal — Islands
Page 2 of 2Section 16
DRAFT VESSEL DESIGN DRAFT VESSEL DESIGN
Section 17
PROJECT
TITLE
SIZE DRG REV
A2 No No
NUMBER
REV DATE DESCRIPTION APPR. ISSUE
TO COPIES SCALE DRN DATE
Section 18
PROJECT
TITLE
SIZE DRG REV
A2 No No
NUMBER
REV DATE DESCRIPTION APPR. ISSUE
TO COPIES SCALE DRN DATE
Section 19
LETTERS OF SUPPORT LETTERS OF SUPPORT
Section 20
UE
(See Minister for Education and
covrnment Minister for Tourism and Major Events
Level 37
A 1 William Street Brisb 4000
Re GIS 2asders PO Box 15033 City East
Queensland 4002 Australia
Telephone +61 7 3719 7530
Email [email protected]
1,6 NOV 2016
Mr Wade Batty
Managing Director
The Discovery Group
PO Box 1804
Sere Ng 4566
NW] A Ae
Dear aes! h
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me on 19 October 2016 to discuss the Discovery
Group Noosa’s concept for the proposed new ecotourism facility at Elanda Point on Lake
Cootharaba.
The Palaszczuk Government is committed to building tourism in Queensland which will boost
the state’s economy, create jobs and promote the state as a world-class destination.
Queensland’s natural environment is one of our strongest competitive advantages, and the
development of world-class ecotourism product is important to both present and preserve our
natural wonders and drive increased visitor expenditure in Queensland.
The Elanda Point concept fits with the vision of the Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2016-2020
which supports sustainable growth, whilst protecting the environment but delivers on new
ecotourism experiences for our visitors.
The Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing (NPSR) is the State’s owner-lessor of
national park land and is responsible for making the decision regarding what can be developed
in a national park. | encourage you to continue to work with NPSR to refine the land-based
component of your proposal.
At the meeting on 19 October 2016, you discussed a proposed public jetty from the Elanda
Point site. The development of ‘public infrastructure’ (a public jetty) in Fish Habitat Area
Management ‘A’ is a complex issue and involves a number of agencies. The responsible
agency to discuss this matter is the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), and |
understand you have already been in contact with DAF regarding this matter.
The process for approval of the public jetty is briefly outlined below:
e The lease holder of the Elanda Point site would seek to secure an appropriate ‘public
entity’ to be the applicant for prescribed development works to construct a public jetty at
Elanda Point, which is assessed and approved by DAF.Section 21
e The lease holder would then develop concept drawings of the proposed jetty and its
location accessed from the national park and would have a preliminary ‘without prejudice’
discussion with DAF regarding a Resource Allocation Authority to construct the public jetty.
e The lease holder would then arrange a preliminary meeting with the State Assessment
and Referral Agency (SARA) who would arrange for the appropriate agencies to be
present to discuss the proposal and requirements for a development application and any
other issues.
Subject to favourable advice provided by government departments through the SARA
process, the ‘public entity’ would submit an application for a Resource Allocation Authority and
a development application through SARA.
| am pleased you have discussed your proposal with a number of these departments already
and | Know the relevant officials are doing what they can to move this forward with you. Please
continue to work with NPSR for the proposed land-based component of the development and
DAF regarding the jetty proposal.
Thank you once again for briefing me on this exciting new ecotourism proposal.
Yours sjfce / |
YUN
HON KATE n ES MP
Minister for Education and
Minister fo / ourism and Major EventsSection 22
MEMBER FOR NOOSA |
a eee |
hi A f
15 March 2017
To Whom It May Concern
Re: Support for the proposed Redevelopment of Elanda Point Campground
The Discovery Group is a locally owned award winning operator of eco-tourism tours and has been
in business for the past 15 years.
During the past ten years in my capacity as State Member for Noosa | have become acutely aware of
the importance of Eco-Tourism to this region, particularly as it relates to the Noosa Biosphere
Reserve’s mission to achieve and maintain biodiversity conservation and sustainable living.
Eco-Tourism also sits comfortably within a range of both local and state government policies that
aim to maximise the social and economic benefits of tourism which include the growth of local
employment opportunities.
The Discovery Group’s proposal to redevelop the existing Elanda Point campground has earned the
support of Tourism Noosa and Sunshine Coast Destinations as having the potential to provide a
highly desirable and unique experience as well as sharing the tourism spend throughout the region.
The construction of a private jetty is an integral part of the Discovery Group’s Elanda Point proposal
and will provide for the relocation of the Group’s operational base from the Noosa River, which will
effectively remove one and a half thousand vessel movements from the River each year. Given this
figure increases annually by eight per cent, this will significantly ease congestion in this busy reach of
the River.
| am pleased to give the Discovery Group my full support for this latest endeavour and congratulate
them on their proposal.
Yours sincerely,
G ELMES MP
Member for Noosa
www.glenelmes.com : =
Suite CBO5, Noosa Civic, - SX
28 Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville Qid 4566 - fy Q
PO Box 1849, Noosaville BC Qld 4566 - & 4
P 5449 8988 Toll Free 1800 818 396 —_ j
E [email protected] : creeSection 23
Level 10
30 Makerston Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
GPO Box 328
Qld 4001 Australia
T +61 7 3535-3535
F +61 7 3535-5563
W teq.queensland.com
ABN 77 745 152 359
16 November 2016
Mr Wade Batty
Group Managing Director
The Discovery Group
PO Box 1804
NOOSAVILLE DC QLD 4566
[email protected]
Dear Mr Batty
Thank you for contacting us regarding tourism development opportunities at Elanda
Point.
As you are aware, Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) is the state’s lead marketing,
destination and experience development and major events agency. A key role is to work
closely with industry to identify and market consumer experiences which align with our
overall strategic marketing direction.
TEQ is currently transitioning its approach to include a greater focus on Queensland as
the ‘Master Brand’ and signature experiences that promote and leverage the state’s
destinations. This approach is underpinned by five signature experience themes
Queensland is universally famous for – reefs, islands and beaches; natural encounters;
adventure and discovery; Queensland lifestyle; and events.
If approved, the further development of Elanda Point at Lake Cootharaba would provide
additional ecotourism experiences and enhance a number of the ‘signature experiences’
the Sunshine Coast offers visitors.
TEQ will continue to work with The Discovery Group and Visit Sunshine Coast to identify
opportunities to leverage newly developed experiences through the delivery of its core
functions outlined above.
Should you require any further information about TEQ’s role in working with industry to
leverage tourism growth opportunities, please don’t hesitate to call Ms Therese Phillips,
Director, Destination Partnerships, TEQ, on telephone (07) 3535 5018.
Yours sincerely
Rick Hamilton
Group Executive
Destinations and Global Partnerships
T 61 7 3535-5270
E [email protected]
Section 24
wibe
™ s
~Sunshine Coast
Queensland Naturally relreshin 4
10 November 2016
Mr Wade Batty
Managing Director
The Discovery Group
PO Box 1804
Noosaville QLD 4566
Dear Wade
Visit Sunshine Coast offers our endorsement for the proposed redevelopment of Elanda Point
Campground to rejuvenate the property into a class leading Eco Tourism facility.
The proposal dovetails perfectly into our Destination Tourism Plan (DTP) and will provide our
region with a unique and marketable product for both domestic and international clients.
Our organisation supports your endeavours to secure an appropriate proponent to be the
applicant for prescribed development works to construct a public jetty to facilitate fishing and
recreation abutting the proposed re-development. Such infrastructure will provide a significant
enhancement to the Sunshine Coast recreational experience and overall appeal of the tourism
product.
The overall project, the importance of the public jetty infrastructure to facilitate fishing and
associated recreational activities to the Sunshine Coast tourism industry cannot be understated.
Visit Sunshine Coast supports all aspects of the re-development and look forward to partnering
with you into the future. ;
>
Regards,
LAA” -_
ae -
vo Simon Latchford
Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd trading as
Visit Sunshine Coast
PO Box 9325 Pacific Paradise QLD 4564
T 61 7 5458 8800 F 61 7 5448 7330 E [email protected] W visitsunshinecoast.com
ABN: 14 144 749 717Section 25
29 November 2016
Wade Batty
Managing Director, The Discovery Group
E-mail: [email protected]
Dear Wade,
Letter of Support for Elanda Point Redevelopment
Thank you for providing your background paper regarding the Elanda Point
Redevelopment Eco Tourism opportunity to the Tourism Noosa Board. The Board have
asked me to write to you to express their strong support for this proposed development.
The Tourism Noosa Sustainable Development Action Plan highlights the need for new and
improved product in our region that fits with the attributes of Noosa, to ensure we
continue to increase the tourism spend from high yielding visitors.
From the information provided in your background paper your proposed development
at Elanda Point, including the jetty aligns with the objectives outlined within the
Sustainable Destination Action Plan.
Therefore, Tourism Noosa provides its full support to this project and wishes you well in
your endeavours.
Yours sincerely
Steve McPharlin
Tourism Noosa Chair
Section 26
Officer Name: Brett de Chastel
Officer Email: [email protected]
Phone No: 07 5329 6500
ECM Ref: Customer/ Discovery Group
3 February 2017
Eco Camp Pty Ltd
PO Box 1804
Noosaville DC Qld 4566
via email – [email protected]
Attention: Wade Batty, Managing Director
Dear Mr Batty,
I refer to the Discovery Group’s proposal to establish an Eco-Tourism facility at Elanda Point
by taking over the existing lease from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). The
Discovery Group has requested a letter of support from Noosa Council to assist with their
negotiations with the State Government in relation to their proposal.
Noosa Council supports the ongoing development of the Noosa tourism sector with an
emphasis on a high quality tourism product that complements the Noosa brand focusing on
our outstanding natural environment. Our tourism market is important to our local economy.
Our region’s tourism focus is also on “quality over quantity” and a high quality eco-tourism
proposal certainly fits with our Noosa brand. As such, the concept of the Discovery Group to
re-invigorate the current Elanda Point camping ground into a world class eco-tourism facility
is supported subject to, of course, the Discovery Group receiving all necessary approvals to
enable that to occur. Such a facility will complement the Noosa tourism offering and be
particularly attractive to the overseas and interstate tourism target markets.
Noosa is also part of the “Australia’s Nature Coast” initiative facilitated by Visit Sunshine
Coast, Tourism Noosa, Destination Gympie and the Fraser Coast Regional Tourism
organisations. This initiative is focused on highlighting the natural experiences that can occur
in this region and the proposed eco-tourism facility at Elanda Point will certainly add
significantly to that initiative.
One of the benefits that we see from the Discovery Group’s proposal is the opportunity to
remove over 1,500 high speed vessel movements per year from the lower reaches of the
Noosa River. We are also supportive of the Discovery Group’s proposal to change their
operating fleet to low draw, low wash vessels designed to deliver minimal impact of the Noosa
River and lake foreshores. We believe that both of those initiatives will have a significant
positive effect on the Noosa River and its lake foreshores compared to current operating
practices and as such, those initiatives have our support.
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours faithfully
Brett de Chastel
Chief Executive Officer
PO Box 141 P. (07) 5329 6500 [email protected]
TEWANTIN QLD 4565 F. (07) 5329 6501 www.noosa.qld.gov.au