SUBMISSION re Peregian Beach KG 300813 · MCU13/0092

The Chief Executive Officer
Sunshine Coast Council
Locked Bag 72
Sunshine Coast Mail Centre
QLD 4560

RE: Development application

FILE No: MCU13/0092
Name of Applicant: Multispan Australia
Postal Address of Land: 5-7 Rufous Street, Peregian Beach
Proposal: Integrated shopping complex development

I wish to make a submission on the referenced development application, as follows:

I object to the above-named development proposal on a number of grounds – cultural, economic, amenity and safety.

I have holidayed regularly in Peregian Beach for many years before moving here permanently in 2009. What always attracted me to Peregian Beach is the village feel and the sense of community. The ‘village square’, has always been part of that appeal and although it has changed over the years, its character as a centre for people and local business has been preserved.

I believe that the proposed development will detract from our village community both culturally and economically. The opening of a supermarket will almost certainly have a detrimental impact on the businesses around the square. The demise of thriving, small retail centres at the hands of supermarket-style developments is common occurrence unfortunately.

Not just for locals, Peregian Beach is a tourist destination, and I believe its popularity rests on its quiet and unaffected atmosphere. Part of this atmosphere is the ‘village square’, which attracts people grateful for a different experience. The square reminds me of the charming village squares in towns and villages throughout Europe.

In addition, the amenity of Peregian Beach and the safety of residents and visitors are at risk from this development. Peregian Beach has already been identified by Council as an area lacking adequate provision for recreational activities – a deficit that is certain to increase with future population growth. Given that the land in question is currently zoned Open Space/Recreation it would seem unreasonable to approve a proposal that excises such a large and vital piece of recreational open space from the Peregian community.

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The proposed development also has the potential to create traffic hazards in a section of David Low Way and adjoining narrow streets that currently has to cope with traffic from the Community House, nearby professional suites, kindergarten, tennis courts, Veggie Village, sporting oval and residences. The greatly increased traffic – not just from patrons but also from out-of-hours deliveries, cleaning, maintenance etc – would adversely affect the amenity of residents living in the vicinity of the development.

This area is already well served by supermarkets, particularly those located in Peregian Springs, Coolum Beach and Noosa Junction. Were a supermarket built on the proposed site, most patrons would inevitably drive cars to shop there – not advantaging those patrons much at all in terms of distance, but creating a substantial additional traffic hazard for the community.

Given all the above, I urge the council to reject the development application and ensure that Peregian Beach continues to thrive as a very special location whose distinctive character is appreciated so much by residents and visitors alike.

Kathleen Gordon
12 Calliandra Grove
PEREGIAN BEACH Q 4573

DATE OF SUBMISSION: Friday 30th August 2013

submitted by email attachment to [email protected]