2017-11-07 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                              7 NOVEMBER 2017


The current storage shed used by surf lifesaving is located on Lot 114 MCH839107 at the end of
Hastings Street near the resort complex known as ‘No.2 Hastings Street’ (refer Attachment 2).
The shed was constructed in the mid-1970s to accommodate the SLSQ jet rescue boat, which for
many years provided lifesaving and rescue support services at Noosa beaches and further along
the coast. Over the last 15 years the shed has increasingly been used to store more functional
rescue equipment such as jet skis which have substantively replaced jet boats across the surf
lifesaving industry.

The existing building has served the community well but the site is not suitable for continuing
community group use given the amenity conflict with surrounding residential accommodation.
The building is also in a dilapidated condition with advice from Council’s Building and Facility
team that the building has reached the end of its useful life.

From SLSQ’s perspective, the site no longer serves its operational needs because:
1.   Quad bikes must tow the jet skis to the beach on public roads, which presents compliance,
     and risk issues;
2.   Access into the river at the current location provides a slower response time to incidents on
     the beaches; and
3.   Service requirements have outgrown the current site’s capabilities.

Planning Considerations

A planning report on a proposal to establish a new lifesaving storage shed adjacent to the sand
pumping compound at Noosa Spit was considered by Council on 4 June 2015, with Council
resolving to approve the proposal. The report noted the storage shed would provide much
improved access to the water compared to the current facility and will provide for the storage of
rescue boards, 3 jet skis and 2 all-terrain vehicles.

The principle conditions of the associated Decision Notice are:
1.   The approved use is for storage facility and associated wash-down area only. The shed is
     not to be manned or otherwise used for other purposes.
2.   The existing storage facility on neighbouring land (Lot 114 MCH839107) must be removed
     and the area made good to return it to open public space within 12 months of the
     commencement of the use.

Removal of the shed also allows Council’s Infrastructure Services Department to undertake cost
benefit analysis to consider a new western boardwalk link joining the current boardwalk
immediately east of the current shed location. This project (if ultimately approved by Council) will
significantly improve pedestrian connectivity west into Noosa Woods and is expected to increase
the community’s use and enjoyment of the area.

Surf Lifesaving Queensland Proposal

SLSQ will fund construction of the new storage shed. Local building contractor NGL
Constructions have been engaged by SLSQ to undertake the works with construction timed to
commence 1 November 2017 with the project completed by 30 January 2018.

SLSQ have requested a 20 year lease over the shed to provide certainty of tenure given their
investment and commitment to providing ongoing lifesaving services. SLSQ will be responsible
for the maintenance of the shed and have received all relevant approvals to allow construction to
proceed.




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