PM Submission - Michele Knightley - MCU23/0019

Subject: MCU23/0019 2a Woongar Street Boreen Point
From: michele knightley
Date: 2023-04-19T23:39:33+00:00
To: Mailbox Planning, Mailbox Council Mail

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RE  MCU23/0019   2a Woongar Street Boreen Point


I am writing to express my concerns regarding a planning application for a material change of use on freehold land at Boreen Point  For Lot: 16 Plan: RP112348


Boreen Point is valued by  residents for its quiet, undeveloped nature. Historically, Boreen has always been a peaceful village with a small community.

Whilst Lot: 16 Plan: RP112348 is zoned Rural Residential, it has adjoining Neighbours that are in the low density residential zone. It is a large house, and I feel it is unlikely that short term accommodation can successfully operate in a manner that does not adversely impact on its surroundings and the residential amenity enjoyed by permanent residents of Boreen Point.


There is ample existing Short term Accommodation in the local area already, including - 2 Motels; the Apollonian Hotel; The Boreen Point campground; Habitat Noosa Eco resort, as well as numerous existing Holiday Lets and Air B & B’s.


The fragile foreshore cannot withstand the impact of increased visitor numbers. In the past 5 years the foreshore areas have seen a rapid and tragic decline, with lots of erosion and destruction of the riparian vegetation as a result of an increase in tourists as well as climate stress. Bringing more people to the area only hastens the destruction of the foreshore.


This unique parcel of land at 2a Woongar St Boreen Point is largely remnant, endemic vegetation, of high environmental significance. I feel that a material change of use will adversely impact the wetland environment, as well as the abundant wildlife that currently lives and breeds there.


This land has been identified as prime habitat for The Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) which is listed as endangered by the Queensland Government under Nature Conservation Act 1992 and by the Australian Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The remnant vegetation consists largely of trees of the Corymbia, Melaleuca, Lophostemon and Eucalyptus genera which are Koala food trees. There is also a colony of Squirrel gliders that live and breed on that section of the Lake Cootharaba Foreshore. Other species of significance also likely to occur include Wallum Rocket frog [Litoria freycineti ] and Wallum Froglet [Crinia tinnula] both listed as Vulnerable. [Vegetation management report, Department of Resources, 2023]


If the property is approved for short term letting, the resulting increase in people, vehicles, and in particular, domestic animals like dogs could have a devastating impact on the wildlife. Native vegetation in the riparian zone will suffer from trampling and firewood collection. Excessive noise and light pollution will have a negative effect on the wildlife and also impact the serenity of adjoining landholders and residents.


The property is zoned as a high risk area on the flora trigger map, which identifies where endangered, vulnerable or near threatened native plants are present or are likely to be present. High-risk areas are limited to natural areas, such as those mapped as remnant vegetation, regrowth vegetation, wetlands and category ‘A’ areas under the Vegetation Management Act 1994. Species of significance that have been identified as likely to occur on this land include Boronia Keysii, and Southern Penda -Xanthostemon oppositifolius.

[Vegetation management report, Department of Resources, 2023]


Another serious matter of concern for Boreen point residents, is the increased risk of wildfire from unattended braziers and campfires. Holidaymakers are highly likely to have fires in the outdoor area by the lake. The fire hydrants in Boreen point have been decommissioned, and we do not have a town water supply. Residents' lives and homes are at serious risk if any sort of fire advances from the lake shore toward Woongar Street, which is a heavily treed area.


In summary, I believe that the risk of fire, and the negative environmental impact make it unlikely that the property can successfully operate as short term accommodation.  I hope that Noosa Council will adhere to the values outlined in the 2020 Noosa Plan, to stop the “rise and creep” of commercial tourist accomodation into quiet residential neighbourhoods.


Michele Knightley

34 Woongar Street, Boreen Point.

ph. 0437479872