PM Submission - Keith Calvert 2nd Submission - MCU21/0110

I wish to register my strong objection to the proposed hotel at Noosa Springs Resort.

This proposal is inconsistent with the planning scheme; the majority of the proposed development is
located within the Recreation and Open Space Zone. Under the Table of Assessment (Table 5.5.16)
for the Recreation and Open Space Zone, a Resort Complex is an inconsistent use.

Most of the subject site is not included within the Tourist Accommodation Zone.

This proposal is supposedly for a "boutique" hotel which will increase luxury tourism. The design is
anything but "boutique". It is an exercise in cramming as many tiny rooms into a limited space as
possible.

The intention of the developers is to lure new visitors to Noosa. The rationale is these new visitors
will bring money. The alternate view is Noosa is already overcrowded with visitors and the
infrastructure (especially traffic network) is not capable of supporting increased tourists.

According to the application, "The proposed development will have the capacity to attract high
yield/high spending visitors and would represent one of the most significant investments in tourism
product in the Noosa area over past decade". The impact on existing residential properties in terms
of noise, traffic, and emergency evacuations will be substantial. All this so the developer can benefit
from high yield/high spending visitors. Where is the benefit for Noosa residents?

The applicant states: "There is a strong community need for the proposed development in this
location and in the Noosa Heads locality more generally. The subject land is currently underutilised,
and the proposed development makes for efficient use of the existing infrastructure and services." It
is hard to imagine a more fanciful claim. The subject land is heavily utilised and people already find
difficulty parking. There is not a strong community need for this development at all. It is being built
exclusively for non-community people.

Current planning laws ensure that neighbourhoods of permanent housing are protected from short
term visitor accommodation that would impact on the general amenity enjoyed by residents. Given
that nearby residents have invested in this location to be able to access and enjoy the golf course,
this development will have a massive impact on them. With the hotel being marketed to
international golf groups, local residents will find it difficult to book a tee time.

This proposal should be decided by elected Council members, not delegated authority. As such,
councilors need to decide if Noosa is to continue to be the jewel of the Sunshine Coast or to
degenerate into a place where a bit of bending of the rules will reward the greedy. Have some pride
in our town councilors!

Noosa Council has consistently taken a long-term planning approach to sustainable planning. It is
this long-term approach that has ensured that the community's values and principles are not
diminished by contemptable development decisions.


[OCR of page images]
| wish to register my strong objection to the proposed hotel at Noosa Springs Resort.

This proposal is inconsistent with the planning scheme; the majority of the proposed development is
located within the Recreation and Open Space Zone. Under the Table of Assessment (Table 5.5.16)
for the Recreation and Open Space Zone, a Resort Complex is an inconsistent use.

Most of the subject site is not included within the Tourist Accommodation Zone.

This proposal is supposedly for a “boutique” hotel which will increase luxury tourism. The design is
anything but “boutique”. It is an exercise in cramming as many tiny rooms into a limited space as
possible.

The intention of the developers is to lure new visitors to Noosa. The rationale is these new visitors
will bring money. The alternate view is Noosa is already overcrowded with visitors and the
infrastructure (especially traffic network) is not capable of supporting increased tourists.

According to the application, “The proposed development will have the capacity to attract high
yield/high spending visitors and would represent one of the most significant investments in tourism
product in the Noosa area over past decade”. The impact on existing residential properties in terms
of noise, traffic, and emergency evacuations will be substantial. All this so the developer can benefit
from high yield/high spending visitors. Where is the benefit for Noosa residents?

The applicant states: “There is a strong community need for the proposed development in this
location and in the Noosa Heads locality more generally. The subject land is currently underutilised,
and the proposed development makes for efficient use of the existing infrastructure and services.” It
is hard to imagine a more fanciful claim. The subject land is heavily utilised and people already find
difficulty parking. There is not a strong community need for this development at all. It is being built
exclusively for non-community people.

Current planning laws ensure that neighbourhoods of permanent housing are protected from short
term visitor accommodation that would impact on the general amenity enjoyed by residents. Given
that nearby residents have invested in this location to be able to access and enjoy the golf course,
this development will have a massive impact on them. With the hotel being marketed to
international golf groups, local residents will find it difficult to book a tee time.

This proposal should be decided by elected Council members, not delegated authority. As such,
councilors need to decide if Noosa is to continue to be the jewel of the Sunshine Coast or to
degenerate into a place where a bit of bending of the rules will reward the greedy. Have some pride
in our town councilors!

Noosa Council has consistently taken a long-term planning approach to sustainable planning. It is
this long-term approach that has ensured that the community's values and principles are not
diminished by contemptable development decisions.