Crackerjack - Other Change Planning Report

5.   Planning Assessment

The proposed Other Change is consistent with the outcomes sought by the Noosa Plan 2020 as
demonstrated within the planning scheme’s strategic intent and below and in the following Code
Table assessment.

5.1 Noosa Plan 2020’s Strategic Intent

Crackerjack, as the operator of the venue, once known Cooroy Bowls Club, aligns with the strategic
intent of the Noosa Plan 2020 by promoting social, recreational, and community-focused initiatives
that contribute to the overall well-being and social fabric of the Noosa Shire.

Crackerjack offers a venue where locals and tourist can gather and participate in social or
competition bowls and engage in broader community activities such as special events and
attractions in addition to the dining experience. The venue directly supports the Noosa Plan’s
objective of creating vibrant and accessible spaces.

Additionally, the venue plays a role in supporting local tourism by attracting visitors, be it to partake
in bowls or for the dining experience; or alternatively and in many cases, a combination of both.

A key factor in the continued success and relevance of the Crackerjack and the bowling greens is
the provision of food and drink. As with many recreational and community facilities, a well-
maintained bar and food service area not only contributes to the club’s financial sustainability but
also enhance the overall social experience for local patrons and hinterland visitors.

The food and beverage aspect, including the proposed small batch distillery, provides a vital
revenue stream for the bowls club. Without this service, Crackerjack will struggle financially,
especially considering the ongoing operational costs of maintaining the bowling greens to
competition standard and the associated facilities.

The broader trends of shifting community expectations, demographic changes, and evolving
recreational habits necessitate an updated approach to the bowling club's facilities and offerings.
The proposed redevelopment aligns with the Noosa Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2017, which
emphasises the multi-functional use of sporting infrastructure.

The proposed reconfiguration of dining areas and inclusion of a small-batch still does not constitute
an intensification of the use but rather a necessary diversification of the current use offerings.

Crackerjack with its proposed altered design and operation is unique to Cooroy, and the Sunshine
Coast as a whole; combing modern Asian dining experience with social and competition grade
bowling greens.

The venue adds to the variety of sport and recreation spaces available within the Noosa Shire. The
proposed changes are designed to maximise the flexibility of the space to adopt to changing
needs.




RG Strategic                        Planning Report – Other Change Application                         14