Noosa VMU RFI Response Lodged 23.11.23 · MCU23/0078

    approval granted by Council in 2020 post dates the current Noosa Plan and has a number of practical
    implications on the extent and layout of the Precincts identified in the Noosa Plan. By way of example,
    the physical location of a number of precinct boundaries and key elements of the NBC including the
    location of Main Street and Council’s Transit Hub have shifted as a consequence of the approved ROL.
    To highlight the practical effect of the subdivision on the extent and layout of the Precincts, we have
    overlayed the approved subdivision layout over the relevant Zones and Precincts. Refer to the
    attached Precinct and Zoning Plan.

    It is noted that, consistent with Council’s advice in its RFI for the VMU that allowable uses and areas
    are not transferable across the NBC Precincts, Stockwell has recently lodged a code assessable
    development application for the expansion of the existing Noosa Civic Centre on Lot 1 comprising
    6,500m2 of retail floorspace. This proposal will expand the existing 18,000m2 retail centre in a way
    that is consistent with the planning intent for Retail Precinct 5C which envisages a total of 24,500m2 of
    retail floorspace to be established within this Precinct.

2. Higher Order Strategic Issues
 Issue- Provision of Employment within the NBC

 Part 3.2.6, under Centres hierarchy, states … the centres hierarchy also takes into consideration Noosa Shire's role
 in a more regional context. It recognises that a proportion of the Shire's higher order needs is fulfilled by activity
 centres in other areas, particularly the principal regional activity centre of Maroochydore and to a minor extent
 Gympie’s major regional activity centre.

 The Noosa Business Centre and Noosa Junction are the next level in the hierarchy and are the major activity centres
 for Noosa Shire. Both have distinct and complementary roles, with Noosa Business Centre having a predominant
 role providing future long term growth and employment for the Shire.

 The Noosa Business Centre is designated in the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017 as the only major
 regional activity centre in Noosa. The major centre offers the greatest opportunity to accommodate most of the
 long term growth and development for key priority sectors including knowledge based industries such as
 education and training, health, digital economy, technology innovation, and research and development. This will
 be delivered through a number of planning precincts to reflect the desired function and role of the centre. Future
 retail development is provided for in a village mixed use precinct designed around a vibrant open main street
 linked to an open air village green space and connecting with the existing shopping centre. (emphasis added).

 Under the Strategic Framework at section 3.3.5 (s)(i)(B), it is stated that the … Noosa Business Centre – is a key
 higher order centre in the Noosa Shire as it is designated as a major centre in the South East Queensland Regional
 Plan. It caters for the broader Noosaville, Tewantin, and hinterland areas of the shire. Its role and function are to
 provide for a mixed- use Shire-wide Business Centre, with a focus on employment growth and economic
 diversification being a key employment hub for Noosa now and into the future. Innovation and knowledge-based
 industries, health, research and education are present as well as higher order sub-regional retail including a
 discount department store and full line supermarket. There is a very limited increase in retail floor space,
 recognising the role of the regional activity centre at Maroochydore in providing high order retail needs. (emphasis
 added).

 Under the Strategic Framework it is expected that development within the NBC is consistent with the outcomes
 sought for each planning precinct, which provide for a limited amount of retail development. While some
 additional retail development is envisaged, this is limited, with a focus on providing other forms of employment
 generating uses. The proposed development is not consistent with the planning intent for the VMU Precinct (5D)

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