response to information request kabi

        1.   they cannot be more appropriately located in urban areas;
        2.   they have an indelible connection to rural or ecological values of the site;
        3.   there is an overriding community benefit of the development;
        4.   they are not located on Agricultural Land Conservation Area as shown on the Agricultural Land
             Overlap Maps in schedule 2 or are temporary in nature so as not to compromise agricultural
             uses in the future; and
        5.   they do not interfere with remnant vegetation or ecologically important areas.


The educational and group farm stay is different to other rural accommodation facilities
accommodating functions/eddings and the like. Rather, the educational farm stay serves
as part of a sustainable agricultural system (permaculture faming), which improves the
environmental and rural values of the land. Furthermore, owing to the unique attributes of
the site, having remained as an organic golf course; including undulating topography with
no visibility from neighbours and large buffers surrounded by forested areas – there are
few sites within the Shire that could accommodate this undefined use. The outdoor
education, visitor accommodation and nature based tourism components are compatible
with the primary production, character and environmental features of this unique site.

Section 3.2.3 of The Strategic Framework describes the diverse communities of the
hinterland (bold and underlined for emphasis).

       Throughout the hinterland, rural living, bushland management, rural production and nature-based
       tourism is the focus. The natural landscape holds much heritage and open space value, and natural
       features help define communities. Communities hold close connections to the land and enjoy relaxed
       casual outdoor lifestyles, privacy and secluded living environments. In the hinterland, significant land
       is protected for its agricultural potential or for biodiversity values. Working farms coexist with
       complementary enterprises and outdoor recreation. Nature-based tourism offers visitors the
       chance to experience and appreciate the natural attractions of the Shire and its relaxed
       lifestyle, as well as the many attractions of the rural towns and villages. These may also be close to
       the Noosa Trail Network. They are required to be small scale and to fit for the setting with minimal
       effects on the local area having regard to safety and the capacity and quality of
       the access road.

The scale of the development is below the 300 bed threshold considered a referrable
tourist activity under Schedule 10 of the Planning Regulations 2017. The proposed
buildings will not be seen from the surrounding area and as described by the applicant
accordingly:

       “the vision and the philosophy behind the site, is that students are able to
       participate in the food production process. Programs are experiential in nature to
       the extent that students will learn about water quality and ways to improve it while
       canoeing, so too will they learn where their food comes from and how to harvest
       or collect it and how it can be turned into scones and jam, for example. Programs
       such as the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation are where we have
       drawn inspiration from in this instance”.

This rural tourism and outdoor educational experience on this unique site offers visitors
the chance to experience and appreciate a permaculture farm with minimal effects on the
surrounding local area. Considering the site characteristics and approval history - the
establishment of the use is in a suitable compatible location.

As per the relevant Overall Outcomes, this proposal has demonstrated its compatibility
with the planning schemes Strategic Intent and does not significantly compromise the rural
productivity or ecological values of the land. The development should be facilitated as
the it will employ up to 50 local people in maintenance, education and support, as well as
enhancing the knowledge and brand of Noosa hinterland’s rural production and natural
attributes – providing for a strong community benefit consistent with the Noosa Shire’s
rural futures.


                                                                                               Page 2 of 3