000A88A4.047.tif · 132003.221037

21

NOOSA NORTH SHORE - THE SITE AND ITS ENVIRONMENT

HISTORY OF THE NOOSA NORTH SHORE k

The Noosa North Shore has had a lengthy and torrid development history,
with its potential for development vacillating between wilderness and jet
airports consistent with changes in persuasion of both local and state
governments. This history provides a context for the planning scheme as it
exists today as the plans are a response to the pressures that have been
brought to bear. In tum, the Petrac application is a response to the planning
scheme, seeking to turn its some of its goals into reality. Some aspects of the
development history of the Noosa North Shore are therefore of importance
and a potted history follows: :

e 1965: Wilderness area of the Noosa North Shore first made regularly
accessible by provision. of a public ferry service;

e Early 1980s: Various applications lodged for minor developments of a
camping/ caravanning nature;

e 1981: Application for a camping/cabin facility approved for the current
Noosa North Shore Retreat site;

e 1983: North Shore-Cooloola Interim Policy Plan adopted by Council. The
pian sought to protect sensitive parts of the North Shore and though it had
no legal plan status, it had the effect of a policy;

e 1985: Rezoning sought for the current Noosa North Shore Retreat site for
more extensive facilities, with approval being granted in 1986;

e 1986: Major development applications mooted for Noosa North Shore,
with Noosa Council providing indications of support;

e 1986: Noosa Council overturns the North Shore-Cooloola Interim Policy
Plan resolving that it and many other similar plans cease to have effect;

e 1987/90: Major development applications lodged. These applications have
a long and complex history extending into the early 1990s, where
applications were both refused and approved by Council and the Courts;

© 1988: First Strategic Plan gazetted identifying the North Shore as a rural
and open space area with a visitor node over part of the area;

e 1988: Noosa North Shore Development Control Plan (DCP) adopted. by
Council but not passed by the State Government;

» Late 1980s/early 1990s: Commission of Inquiry into Fraser Island & the
Great Sandy Region undertaken. Major development applications refused
by Council. Meanwhile significant growth in visitor numbers to Noosa
North Shore commences and that growth continues today;

 

8030476RP1/FINAL/19 SEPTEMBER 2003 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA