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RFI - 8. Letter - Junction Association
Noosa Junction Association Inc
27 March 2024
Mr L Sengstock
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Noosa Council
Email: [email protected]
Dear Larry
Re AJG PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS PTY LTD ATF THE AJG PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS
TRUST - 2 BOTTLEBRUSH AVENUE NOOSA HEADS - MCU23/0105
In general, we are supportive of Council’s:
1. Zero Emissions Strategy targeting zero net emissions by 2026.
2. Transport Strategy 2017-2027 which prioritises people before cars.
3. Housing Strategy 2022 which contains suggestions for addressing the housing crisis in Noosa
Shire.
4. Policy adopted on 17 May 2018 (Policy) of accepting monetary contributions from property
developers in lieu of providing onsite car parks noting, however, we have consistently expressed
the view the quantum of contributions payable by a Noosa Junction landowner being the same
as those payable in Hastings Street is inequitable when compared with those payable in some
other locations.
It has been more than 25 years since a new building was constructed in Noosa Junction and most of the
buildings are in need of replacement. Accordingly, with our membership including Noosa Junction
landowners and business operators, we perceive it to be of importance to familiarise ourselves with
Noosa Junction development proposals and their status. For this reason, we have reviewed the drawings
and specifications for the above development proposal for land at the corner of Noosa Drive and
Bottlebrush Avenue, Noosa Heads and representatives of our Committee have held discussions with
the owner’s town planning consultant and architect.
This development proposal is for the construction of a 3 level building, 12 metres high containing 6 two
bedroom apartments each with an area of 100m2 and two commercial units. Each apartment will have
its own car park in the building and there will be a car park in the road reserve for commercial vehicles
with its use limited to a short period.
Pursuant to the Policy, in lieu of providing additional car parks within the building for the commercial
units, the owner proposes it enter into an Infrastructure Agreement with Council to pay it the prescribed
sum (estimated at $250k). Whilst acknowledging application of the Policy is at the discretion of Council,
it is our considered view, this development meets the Policy’s criteria for it to apply in that:
1. The development will be significantly constrained in:
1.1 having:
(a) restricted access; and
(b) a small site area with limited onsite manoeuvrability;
1.2 being located near a road intersection; and
Noosa Junction Association Inc
PO Box 1318 Noosa Heads Q 4567
[email protected] 2024-03-27 Letter to Council re development proposal.docx
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1.3 on land which is unable to be readily amalgamated with adjoining land.
2. It is not practical or desirable from a town planning perspective to provide more than 6 car parks
onsite due to the nature and type of the developments on adjoining land.
3. It is in the community’s interest to provide for alternative car parking arrangements because of
traffic and/or pedestrian safety concerns caused by the development.
4. The provision of more than 6 onsite car parks and their access is not practical or desirable being
within a central area and where additional footpath crossovers would adversely impact upon the
streetscape and/or create safety issues.
5. The locality would benefit more from improved public transport, pedestrian or cycle facilities
rather than the provision of additional car parking onsite.
We’re informed Council staff have advised the owner’s representatives that, in this instance, Council may
decline to use the Policy because it does not currently have any projects on which to spend the money.
The Policy specifies contributions paid under it:
1. will be expended in the locality of the development; and
2. may be used for, but are not necessarily limited to, any of the following:
2.1 provision of car parking within a road reserve or on land for which the Council is trustee;
2.2 alteration and rationalisation of existing public car parking to improve efficiency and
utilisation;
2.3 improvements to the configuration of existing infrastructure and facilities to improve
traffic, pedestrian and cycle capacity or safety;
2.4 construction of additional pedestrian and cycle facilities in a locality to encourage
transport means that are an alternative to private cars; and
2.5 construction of public transport infrastructure to improve efficiency and encourage the
use of public transport.
We see no reason why the owner’s contribution could not simply be put to one side for use with projects
within this precinct which meet the above criteria such as the Noosa Junction streetscape, including its
Master Plan, Noosa Drive pathway, etc.
The efforts of our Committee have seen Noosa Junction grow into a vibrant retail and hospitality precinct
with increasing popularity for locals and visitors. For it to continue to do so and remain competitive with
other commercial precincts, Noosa Junction landowners must be encouraged to develop their sites rather
than be confronted with ever changing obstacles to their proposals.
We strongly support the owner’s request that the Policy be applied to its development application and
that Council enter into an Infrastructure Agreement with the owner whereunder it pays Council the
requisite contribution in lieu of providing onsite more than the intended 6 car parks.
We await your reply and invite you to telephone or email me if you have any questions.
Yours faithfully
Chris Brinkley
President and Secretary
0418 708 866 | [email protected]
cc: Ms N Gorton – [email protected]
Mr P Murphy – [email protected]
Ms K Rawlings – [email protected]
Mr S Walsh – [email protected]
Mr M Walsh – [email protected]
Noosa Junction Association Inc Page 2