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Delegated Report - Code - Planning MCU26 0060 (As Published)
DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT DELEGATED REPORT
Author Planning Advisor, FA
C/- Senior Development Planner, Georgina Schramm
Development Assessment
APPLICATION DETAILS
Application No. MCU26/0060
Applicant Lake Macdonald Rowing Club Inc C/- Queensland Bulk Water
Supply Authority trading as ‘Seqwater’
Proposal Material Change of Use - Outdoor Sport and Recreation
(temporary use)
Properly Made Date 25 June 2026
Information Request Date Not Applicable
Information Response Date Not Applicable
Decision Due Date 27 August 2026
Report Reviewed & Andrew Gaffney – 26/08/2026
Finalised By
Patrick Murphy
PROPERTY DETAILS
Property Address Botanical Gardens Lake Macdonald Dr Lake Macdonald Qld
4563
RP Description Lot 1 SP 305289
Land Area 86,230m² / 8.6 hectares
Existing Use of Land Outdoor Recreation, Botanical Gardens
STATUTORY DETAILS
SEQRP Designation Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area
Zone Recreation and Open Space
Precinct Not applicable
Local Plan Area Not applicable
Overlays Area Subject to Biodiversity Overlay
• Area of Biodiversity Significance
Area Subject to Riparian Buffer Overlay
Document Set ID: 25003644
Version: 6, Version Date: 02/09/2026
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• Riparian Buffer Area
Flood Hazard Overlay
Resource Infrastructure – Water Catchment and Supply Buffer
Assessment Type Code
1. PROPOSAL
The application seeks approval for a Material Change of Use - Outdoor Sport and Recreation.
In particular, the applicant seeks to obtain development approval to facilitate the relocation of the
existing Lake Macdonald Rowing Club from Mary River Cod Park. The proposed new location will
be adjacent to the Lake Macdonald Boat Ramp within the Lake Macdonald Park known also as
Noosa Botanical Gardens and Day Use Area.
This proposed use will be temporary in nature and will be located within this location until such
time as proposed dam works administered by Seqwater are complete, which is estimated to be
finalised by 2031. The site will be fully decommissioned and rehabilitated accordingly.
The on-site facility will be in the form of a 12.16 x 2.4m shipping container for the storage of boats
and ancillary equipment for the club.
The proposed hours of operation are from sunrise to 9:30am and 3:30pm to sunset, seven (7) days
a week. A maximum nine (9) users at any one time will utilise the site with typical numbers being
four (4).
The applicant proposes to utilise the existing parking facilities on site; a maximum of 9 spaces are
assumed to be required in peak demand.
The locality and proposal plan are included below.
Figure 1 – Locality
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Figure 2 – Site Plan
Figure 3 – Render
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Figure 4 – Elevations
Figure 5 – Photograph looking at site
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Figure 6 – Photograph looking south
(note works undertaken to the left to facilitate access to lowered water level)
2. APPLICATION BACKGROUND
On 4 June 2025, a development permit for Material Change of Use – Outdoor Sport and Recreation
(Rowing Club) was issued relating to land at the end of Hoy Road, Lake Macdonald (Lot 1
SP305289). Consequence of infrastructure works being undertaken to Lake Macdonald requires
the lowering of the water level, access to the lake is no longer practicable in this location. Therefore,
the Club have liaised with SEQ Water and seeking to now relocate to the subject site.
A Written Advice (WA25/0014) was issued on 23 February 2026 which resulted in the lodgement
of the subject application. The application was referred to Infrastructure Services, Community,
Property Departments prior to providing written advice. No objections were made through this
period.
The application has been provided with owners’ consent from the Property Department and
adequate evidence to demonstrate the application is Code assessable.
3. SITE DETAILS
3.1. Site Description
The facility will be located within a sport and recreation area, being the Lake Macdonald Park
known also as Noosa Botanical Gardens and Day Use Area. This is a major recreation area which
includes picnic facilities, a botanic garden, and boat ramp onto Lake Macdonald. The proposed
location for the facility is in an open gassed area close to the boat ramp.
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3.2. Surrounding Land Uses
Surrounding land uses consist of recreational uses associated with Lake Macdonald to the east
and Rural Residential allotments accessed off the western side of Lake MacDonald Drive.
4. ASSESSMENT
4.1. Instruments for Statutory Assessment
Under the Planning Act 2016 the application must be assessed against each of the following
statutory planning instruments to the extent they are relevant to the development:
• State Planning Policy;
• South East Queensland Regional Plan;
• Planning Regulation 2017; and
• Noosa Plan 2020 (Amendment 3 - 26 March 2026).
4.2. Noosa Plan 2020
The following codes from the Noosa Plan 2020 are applicable to this development:
• Recreation and Open Space Zone Code;
• Recreation Activities Code;
• Works Codes;
• Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands Overlay Code;
• Regional Infrastructure Overlay; and
• Flood Hazard Overlay Code.
The subject site is located in Lake Macdonald is zoned Recreation and Open Space. The proposed
use is identified as a consistent use within the zone and is required to follow a code assessable
application process.
The application has been found to generally comply with all applicable statutory instruments. The
pertinent issues arising out of the assessment are discussed below:
Criteria Planning Scheme Proposal Complies
Building height
• metres 8 metres 3.04 metres
Site cover % 10 <1%
Setbacks
Buildings and roofed structures are set back at least
• 20 metres from street 45 metres
frontages;
• 4.5 metres from internal 4.5m metres approx.
roads;
• 3 metres from another 20 metres
building on the same
site;
N/A
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Criteria Planning Scheme Proposal Complies
• 10 metres from the
boundary of land in a
residential zone or the
Rural residential zone,
except for a Major
Sport, recreation and
entertainment facility
where there is a 50
metre setback;
Building Presentation and Visual Amenity
The park view elevation has not been confirmed and is indicative only at this point in time. Prior to
building works, revised elevation plan is to be provided to Council for endorsement.
The location of the shipping container shed will be positioned on an area of the site close to the
Lake Macdonald waterline, which is approximately RL 96 / 97 AHD. The nearest dwellings to the
west of Lake Macdonald Drive are more elevated, at approximately RL102 - 105 AHD or
approximately 5 – 9 metres above the intended shed location.
Based on the proposed height of the shed of approximately 3.0 metres, it is considered that views
from the west towards the Lake will still be maintained generally across the top of the temporary
shed such that existing amenity is not unreasonable impacted.
Hours of Operation
The proposed hours of operation are from sunrise to 9:30am and 3:30pm to sunset, seven (7) days
a week. A maximum nine (9) users at any one time will utilise the site with typical numbers being
four (4).
Operating hours from sunrise is of particular concern in the summer in considering the adjacent
residential properties.
Consistent with the prior approval hours were limited to 6.00am or after 6.30pm. A condition will
be imposed accordingly.
Car Parking
The number of car parking spaces required in accordance the Table 9.4.1.4 of the Driveways and
Parking Code states “sufficient spaces for the intended use”.
The submitted material confirms that a maximum of nine (9) participants will be present on site at
any one time, with typical training sessions involving no more than four (4) participants.
The existing parking capacity within the parklands and surrounding area is considered sufficient to
accommodate the proposed use without adversely affecting parking availability for other users, for
the following reasons:
a) The activity is limited to early morning and late afternoon periods, outside the peak demand
times for the parklands.
b) Rowing equipment will be stored on site and, therefore, participants are not expected to access
the site with trailers.
c) Ample parking is available within the parklands and along the adjacent road frontage.
Given the low-intensity nature of the activity, the absence of events, and the staggered arrival and
departure of participants, the proposed use is not expected to result in parking congestion, unsafe
vehicle movements, or the displacement of parking for other park users. The development is
considered appropriate in context of the site and proposed scope of operations.
Operational Management
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Acceptable Outcome AO8 of the Recreation Activities Code seeks: AO8 An operation
management plan is provided for a Major sport, recreation and entertainment facility or Outdoor
sport and recreation facilities outlining how the activity will minimise adverse impacts including:
• noise mitigation and noise management protocols;
• safety and security measures;
• crowd control;
• lighting; and
• waste management and collection
The applicant has submitted an operational management plan and code of conduct which outlines
management strategies to management any potential nuisances.
No lighting is proposed to be provided, and no waste will be generated onsite.
The proposed location of the facility is approximately 75-100 metres from the nearest residential
property along Lake Macdonald Drive. Onsite operations are limited to training purposes only, no
events are proposed. The hours from sunrise to 9:30am and 3:30pm to sunset, seven (7) days a
week.
Further to this, the applicant has submitted: The site will be used solely for training purposes. No
events, regattas, competitions, or large public gatherings are proposed. This commitment
substantially limits activity intensity and eliminates noise sources typically associated with event-
based operations, such as crowd noise, public address systems, or coordinated large group
activities. Training will occur on an individual basis, resulting in predictable, controlled, and low-
level noise emissions that do not exceed the existing background noise typical of a public park
environment
The proposed temporary relocation of the Lake Macdonald Rowing Club is expected to generate
negligible noise, with any noise emitted being comparable to, or less than, the existing ambient
noise environment within the park and botanical garden setting. Noise associated with the activity
will be intermittent, low level, and consistent with sounds reasonably expected within a publicly
accessible open space. Furthermore, the proposed use will be limited to operate during daytime
hours so as not to cause nuisance to nearby sensitive receptors.
A Rowing Queensland – aligned Code of Conduct will be implemented and prominently displayed
on site. The Code includes explicit provisions addressing behavioural expectations and noise
awareness, requiring all participants to act respectfully and minimise disturbance to nearby
residential areas. This management measure ensures continual user awareness and reinforces
compliance with noise-sensitive practices without the need for additional technical mitigation.
The applicant has demonstrated compliance with the Acceptable Outcome and will be conditioned
accordingly.
Biodiveristy, Waterways and Wetlands
The subject site is identified within the riparian buffer of the Biodiveristy, Waterways and Wetlands
Overlay Code. The proposed area for storage is located in an existing disturbed area alongside a
concrete pathway on mown lawn. The proposed use is a temporary use to facilitate access to the
water during relevant infrastructure works to the dam. On completion of works the site will be
required to reinstated to its pre-existing condition and will be conditioned accordingly.
Flood Hazard
The subject site is identified within the Flood Hazard Overlay as being susceptible to flooding and
inundation. However, as part of the SEQwater project, the water level was lowered by
approximately 2 metres below full supply level to facilitate required infrastructure works. It is
considered unlikely that a flood event would impact the proposed structure.
Notwithstanding this, should the structure be affected by a flood event, no outdoor storage would
be permitted, and all buildings and structures would be required to obtain the relevant building
approvals. Accordingly, the potential impacts of the proposed development’s vulnerability in a flood
event and impacts on the waterway are considered minimal and can be appropriately conditioned.
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5. CONSULTATION
5.1. Referral Agencies
Not Applicable
5.2. Internal Council Referrals
• Senior Environment Officer – as conditioned.
• The project was previously referred to Infrastructure Services, Community, Parks and
Gardens whom all generally agreed to the project subject to duration of use, finishes and
reinstatement of the site.
• Parks and Garden have confirmed returning to the site to turf is adequate.
6. CONCLUSION & REASONS FOR DECISION
The proposed development generally complies with the requirements of the planning scheme and
does not raise any significant issues that cannot be addressed by reasonable and relevant
conditions. The application is therefore recommended for approval.
The report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016.
RECOMMENDATION
With regard to Application No MCU26/0060 for a Material Change of Use - Outdoor Sport and
Recreation situated at Botanical Gardens Lake Macdonald Dr Lake Macdonald Qld 4563 and
described as Lot 1 SP 305289, it is recommended the application be approved in accordance with
the following details for the Decision Notice:
1. APPLICATION DETAILS
Application No: MCU26/0060
Street address: Botanical Gardens Lake Macdonald Dr Lake Macdonald Qld 4563
Real property description: Lot 1 SP 305289
Planning Scheme: Noosa Plan 2020 (Amendment 3 - 20 March 2026)
2. DECISION DETAILS
Council decided to issue the following type of approval:
• Development Permit for a Material Change of Use - Outdoor Sport and Recreation (temporary
use)
3. CURRENCY PERIOD OF APPROVAL
The currency period for this development approval is stated in the conditions below.
4. ASSESSMENT MANAGER CONDITIONS
PLANNING
When Conditions must be Complied With
1. Unless otherwise stated, all conditions of this Decision Notice must be complied with prior to
the use commencing, and then compliance maintained at all times while the use continues.
Currency Period
2. This development approval authorises a temporary use, and the use is to cease operations
by 27 August 2031, or within 60 days of completion of the Lake Macdonald Dam
Improvement Project, whichever comes first, unless otherwise approved by Council.
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Approved Plans
3. Development authorised by this approval must be undertaken generally in accordance with
the Approved Plans listed in the table below. Where there is any inconsistency between the
approved plans and documents and the conditions of this approval, the conditions of this
approval prevail.
Plan No. Rev. Plan/Document Name Date
Sheet 1 of 2 A Site Plan prepared by Seqwater 10 April 2026
2026
Sheet 2 of 2 A Elevation Plan & Indicative Render 10 April 2026
prepared by Seqwater 2026
Annotated by Council
Amendments Prior to building works, revised elevation plans (park-side view) are to
be provided to Council for endorsement. External colours and finishes
must be of muted/environmental tones that blend with the natural
environment and low-reflective roofing and cladding materials.
Nature and Extent of Approved Use
4. The maximum number of people attending the site at any time must not exceed 9 persons,
with no events that may attract greater numbers permitted to be held from the site.
5. Persons associated with the use are not permitted to attend the site before 6:00am or after
6:30pm.
6. All storage of vessels must be fully contained within the enclosed structure; no outdoor
storage is approved.
7. The building’s purpose is to be clearly sign posted in a way that the structure is clearly for
private use.
Amenity
8. The approved Operational Management Plan/Code of Conduct must be implemented at all
times and made available to all club members and visitors. A copy must also be displayed in
a prominent location within the club structure.
9. The operation of the approved use must not detrimentally affect the residential amenity
(including but not limited to noise, overlooking, light spill or odour) enjoyed by surrounding
residents or cause a nuisance, including a noise nuisance.
10. No flood lighting must be used on site. Any vertical illumination resulting from direct, reflected
or other incidental external lighting emanating from the site must not exceed 8 lux when
measured at any point 1.5 metres outside the boundary and at any level from ground level
upward.
Building Appearance
11. External colours and finishes must be of muted/environmental tones that blend with the
natural environment and low-reflective roofing and cladding materials.
Building Height
12. The maximum height of the development must not exceed 4 metres above the ground level.
including where excavation is undertaken.
Rehabilitation
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13. Upon cessation of the approved use, all structures, equipment, footings and associated
infrastructure must be removed from the site. Any areas disturbed by the approved use must
be reinstated to their pre-existing condition. Disturbed turf areas must be re-established and
maintained until a stable and continuous ground cover has been achieved.
14. Any disturbed areas during construction and cessation of use are to be stabilised to prevent
erosion and sediment entering Lake Macdonald.
Environment
15. Existing vegetation on the site must be retained.
16. Sediment or any other material including building materials or waste products must not be
deposited or released into the road reserve, lake or adjacent properties.
Damage to Services and Assets
17. Any damage caused to existing services and assets as a result of the development works
must be repaired at no cost to the asset owner at the following times:
a. where the damage would cause a hazard to pedestrian or vehicle safety, immediately;
or
b. where otherwise, upon completion of the works associated with the development.
Any repair work which proposes to alter the alignment or level of existing services and assets
must first be referred to the relevant service authority for approval.
5. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Plan No. Rev. Plan/Document Name Date
- - Lake Macdonald Rowing Club – Operational -
Management Plan / Code of Conduct
6. REFERRAL AGENCIES
Not applicable.
7. ADVISORY NOTES
The following notes are included for guidance and information purposes only and do not form part
of the assessment manager conditions:
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003
1. There may be a requirement to establish a Cultural Heritage Management Plan and/or obtain
approvals pursuant to the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (ACH Act).
The ACH Act establishes a cultural heritage duty of care which provides that: “A person who
carries out an activity must take all reasonable and practicable measures to ensure the
activity does not harm Aboriginal cultural heritage”. It is an offence to fail to comply with the
duty of care. Substantial monetary penalties may apply to individuals or corporations
breaching this duty of care. Injunctions may also be issued by the Land and Resources
Tribunal, and the Minister administering the ACH Act can also issue stop orders for an activity
that is harming or is likely to harm Aboriginal cultural heritage or the cultural heritage value
of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
You should contact the Cultural Heritage Unit to discuss any obligations under the ACH Act.
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Equitable Access and Facilities
2. The plans for the proposed building work have NOT been assessed for compliance with the
requirements of the National Construction Code - Building Code of Australia (Volume 1) as
they relate to people with disabilities. Your attention is also directed to the fact that in addition
to the requirements of the National Construction Code as they relate to people with
disabilities, one or more of the following may impact on the proposed building work:
a. the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Commonwealth);
b. the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Queensland); and
c. the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards.
Advertising Devices
3. All Advertising Devices must comply with Schedule 10 of Subordinate Local Law No.1
(Administration) 2015 including both temporary and permanent signage. All freestanding,
pylon or pole signs or signage that is illuminated requires approval from Council prior to being
installed. All signage identified in s6 of Schedule 10 of Subordinate Local Law No. 1 is
prohibited from being erected in the Shire.
External Colours and Finishes
4. Appropriate wall colours will depend on the existing native vegetation and backdrop, but may
include muted earth/environmental tones that blend with the natural environment, such as –
green, olive green, blue green, grey green, green blue, indigo, brown, blue grey, and green,
yellow.
Infrastructure Charges
5. All developments and/or changes to existing developments may require payment of
“Infrastructure Charges” (as applicable) in accordance with Council’s “Charges Resolution”
made pursuant to the planning legislation and regulations current at the time of issue. For
further information, please refer to https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/planning-
development/development-tools-guidelines/infrastructure-charges.
8. PROPERTY NOTES
Not applicable.
9. VARIATION APPROVAL DETAILS
Not applicable.
10. FURTHER DEVELOPMENT PERMITS REQUIRED
Type of Development Permit Required Subject of the required Development Permit
Development Permit for Building Works All building work.
11. SUBMISSIONS
Not applicable.
12. RIGHTS OF APPEAL
You are entitled to appeal against this decision. A copy of the relevant appeal provisions from the
Planning Act 2016 is attached.
During the appeal period, you as the applicant may suspend your appeal period and make written
representations to Council about the conditions contained within the development approval. If
Council agrees or agrees in part with the representations, a negotiated decision notice will be
issued. Only one negotiated decision notice may be given.
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13. OTHER DETAILS
If you wish to obtain more information about the decision, electronic copies are available online at
www.noosa.qld.gov.au or at Council Offices.
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