MCU14/0106 Submission PM Support - Barry Bennett

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       'Junction facing a S Million Dollar retail hit' according to the Noosa News of 10 July.

       An exaggerated load of rubbish, but the first shot across the bows of the Noosa Civic expansion plans
       by vested interests in the Junction.       It is the type of hyperbole that we have heard at every stage of
       the Noosa Civic development        process.   This style of emotional   blackmail is aimed solely at
       influencing public opinion and is intended to attempt to retain the status quo.

       Previous development        applications   for expansion of the Noosa Civic precinct have been denied by
       both Noosa Council and Sunshine Coast Council.           Have these restrictions      on Noosa Civic improved
       the economic viability of The Junction?        If vacancies and tenant churn are any indication then the
       obvious conciusion is a resounding No.

       The Junction is a tired example of a 60s approach to retail utilitarianism           with bits and pieces bolted
       on as and when required.        It fails dismally as a shopping precinct for ratepayers as it also fails as a
       tourist retail and residential resource.

       It is time to stop viewing Civic and the Junction as competing for the same dollar.             They need to be
       allowed to evolve separately but in a complimentary         fashion.    The Noosa Civic should be allowed to
       expand to become the major shopping precinct for Noosa Shire, not just for Noosa Heads.                  Doing so
       would help toward stemming the flood of cash and jobs to Maroochydore.                    Meanwhile,   Noosa
       Council needs to have a serious look at a 20 year redevelopment           of The Junction Involving height
       restriction,   population   density and the residential and commercial      mix. It is obvious that in its
       current evolution it does not present as an adornment to Noosa as the country's premier tourist
       destination.    Bunbury In Western Australia is presently engaged in this type of regeneration           and may
       be worthy of Council interest.

       I support the current Noosa Civic development         application In Its entirety.

       Yours sincerely,




       ~
       Barry Bennett

       11 Jul. 1S