Flashpackers Noise complaints · 132007.2446.03

Ann-Marie Griffin
2/45 Solway Drive, Sunshine Beach, Qld, 4567
Mobile 0468 739977

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

I am a resident/owner of 2/45 Solway Drive in Sunshine Beach. Several years ago the Flashpackers at 102 Pacific Ave, Sunshine Beach opened.  We hear the expected noise from such a site, music and parties going on, especially on big International sports nights, long weekends and more so over Christmas. Sometimes it would get out of hand so I’d phone them over and over only for it to go to message bank, so in the end I’d have to walk around to find there is actually nobody manning the place at night (something I found very strange). The next day the owner would call me telling me that nothing was going on after 9pm which was a total lie.  Nights like this happened sporadically, but all in all given the distance from my home it was bearable.
UNTIL…….sometime later the owners purchased the 3 units next door, which are directly and diagonally over my back fence. They cut a hole in the fence to create a walk way between their two sites and have used the units to house their staff in bunks (predominantly young backpackers). The staff sit outside at night especially in summer keeping us awake. I initially would walk around when I'd had enough of the noise (as I knew nobody picks up the phone at the Flashpackers) to tell them my kids can’t get to sleep and it’s predominantly a residential area. The Manager Kirt gave me his mobile number and told me to text him directly in future when I have a problem, which I do.  But when nothing happens, I ring it through or submit an online noise complaint with the Police. Not regularly, as I don't want to use up Police resources and tax payers money, unless it's really gotten late.  Now they want it to become an even bigger disruption to the residences, by putting in an extension for 21 more beds! How can this be allowed? I wonder how confident the owner must be that it’s going through, as up until a week ago so much work has already started on the site. Now, this week it’s gone deathly quiet.
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED FOR LIST OF TEXT MESSAGE SENT THROUGH TO KIRT (THE ONSITE MANAGER).  Please take note that many of my weekends are spent in Brisbane and I was away pretty much for all of January 2018.
I can only imagine that other neighbours have also complained to the Police over the years, as they are much closer.  Generally, I don't know the exact address when I report, so I just put in the backpackers address and add in a footnote that the noise is coming from the units next door.  Last week I spoke to Richard a Constable at Noosa and he was very aware of the problem as he has personally attended to noise complaints to the above address. He said that you could access the amount of complaints for your due diligence through Queensland Police, Freedom of information.
Since the backpacker staff have moved in permanently, I’ve felt the necessity to have cameras installed as an added security to our home. Taking into consideration that my new neighbours are backpackers and presumably travelling without a lot of money (using excess alcohol and who knows what else). As a result, I felt it a necessity not to take any risks with my home and contents.
What I would like to know from Council is how does our future look?  I am friends with the Vet next door and know that Sue will retire in the not too distance future and Rob will sell up. So, if the proposed site gets approved, what happens next? Can they then buy up the Vet next to me and keep building?? Totally devaluing our homes and destroying our home lives, as we once knew it?  When will it stop? It’s horrendous living like this.

In conclusion, my concerns are;
Noise.
Safety/ Security -  21 extra people floating around our neighbourhood daily.
Dormitory style living quarters means a younger demographic is now coming even closer to our residence.
How will this affect our property prices in the future? How can it add value to your home when you have 21 new neighbours over the back fence yelling and screaming.
If this gets approved, then what is stopping them continuing to take over the Vet (next door)?

If you would like to discuss this matter further I am only more than happy to make myself available to you.

Kind regards,

Ann-Marie Griffin
0468 739977