L06 Response to submissions · 132007.2446.03

     Based on the police logs, police have attended the site on 13 occasions however have only
     once found any noise to be excessive.

3.   No night manager on site - The submitters have indicated that on several occasions they
     have tried to contact the night manager over excessive noise however no manager has been
     on site. The applicant reiterates that the existing three units are not part of the approved
     backpackers and therefore there are no noise limitation requirements other than standard
     noise requirements applicable to that site.
     The applicant has advised that the manager is on duty at reception until 9pm and encourages
     guests at the hostel who want to party to use the 8.30pm hostel courtesy bus to take them
     into Noosa Junction or Noosa Heads for the night life scene. Flashpackers also have an
     arrangement with KB’s nightclub and Soda Nightclub at The Reef Hotel for exclusive pick up
     of any guests wanting to party. The manager lives on site and is around the hostel premises
     but does not carry the phone with them. The Applicant acknowledges this as an overlooked
     procedure that could easily improve relationships with neighbours and curtail any real or
     perceived noise issues before escalating to be of a nuisance. Management will look to
     introduce this new procedure going forward.

4.   Partying ruckus on site disturbs neighbours - The applicant advises that there is strict
     adherence to no music (amplified or not) after 9pm. This is strictly enforced. As detailed
     above most complaints relate to the tenants of the units talking quietly in the back courtyard.
     The applicant however accepts that guests talking outside whilst at the rear of the hostel has
     potential to create a low level of disruptive noise. The applicant has reacted immediately to
     endeavour to improve this potential by moving the night-time smoking area and chairs away
     from the neighbouring property boundary. Furthermore, the applicant reiterates the proposed
     plans to have all night-time use areas at the street front away from all adjoining properties
     which will achieve the best result for all. The Applicant also advises an immediate change to
     on site night lighting and has reduced night time security lights to turn off earlier at 10pm,
     again encouraging the idea of a quiet, respectful attitude and use which is already displayed
     on signs around the hostel.

5.   Parking in the street – The applicant advises that it is unlikely that their guests park in Nebula
     Street as this area is generally used by the renters of the units in that area.
     The applicant has been told previously by the same neighbours that cars parked in Nebula
     Street include AirBnB renters from 1/45 Solway Drive, Airport transfer business cars
     belonging to a neighbour in Solway Drive as well as school mums and dads. The applicant
     notes that over 85% of Noosa Flashpacker guests arrive by interstate coach and use the
     Hostel Courtesy bus. (Figures on Flashpacker bus use are available if required).

6.   Security of our home with strangers coming and going – This is not a relevant planning
     ground and the submitters have not provided any evidence that backpackers are dangerous
     and a threat to the community.
7.   How can a nursery change to a backpackers overnight? Noosa Flashpackers was approved
     in 2009 after an application was lodged and assessed by Council. This application was
     publically advertised with 2 submissions received from properties to the south of the approved
     hostel. The proposal was consistent with the provisions of the Noosa Plan that detailed the
     site was suitable for a visitor hostel. The use therefore did not occur overnight.
8.   Old business hub approved in this locality however business failed due to access. – There is
     no basis to this comment and it is not relevant. The existing businesses in the area have not