Response to Information Request

Item 2
The proposed realignment will reduce the existing lot size of Lot 2 on SP233312 from 32.33ha to 1.156
ha. The subject site is wholly located within the Rural Zone and the proposed lot size is considered
inappropriate given the intended purpose for rural zoned land and the existing pattern of development
adjoining the site and within the general vicinity.

      2.   Please provide amended plans which provide a suitable lot size reflective of the existing pattern of
           development within the area.

Response:
In response to Item 2 of Council’s information request, it is acknowledged that the amended Plan of
Development Plan No. 54649/B (Appendix A) further reduces the size of proposed Lot 2, by relocating
the boundary 10m from the north western edge of the remnant vegetation. The overall outcomes sought
for the Rural Zone within the Mary River Catchment Area are outlined as follows:

e) Agriculture remains a significant part of the economic activity across the locality through—
       i.   ensuring that traditional Agricultural Uses, including small cropping, cattle grazing and dairying
            are continued, especially on the better agricultural land on and adjacent to the valley floors;
      ii.   ensuring that Agricultural Uses and land suited to agricultural activities are protected; and
     iii.   promoting farm forestry within the locality;

y)    For the Rural Zone—rural land is protected and appropriately managed such that the scenic and
      environmental values, the distinct rural amenity and agricultural productivity of the locality are
      preserved and are not adversely impacted as a consequence of development on or adjacent to that
      land;

Although the proposed size of Lot 2 is less than that of adjoining properties, the overall outcomes sought
for the rural zone are achieved as a result of this proposal. In this regard, the boundary realignment
improves and maintains the agricultural productivity of proposed Lot 245, by ensuring that a large
freehold agricultural lot is established. The applicant currently utilises the land for cattle grazing, so the
proposal represents a practical and logical outcome by retaining all good quality grazing land within the
one title. At present, the existing lot boundaries fragment remnant vegetation, a power easement and are
not a suitable size to maintain commercially viable agricultural practices. As such, the proposed boundary
realignment produces a lot layout which preserves the rural values and productivity of the land and
protects the environmental attributes of the vegetation present on-site. Although proposed Lot 2 is slightly
irregular, the proposed lot layout appropriately contains the existing dwelling, all associated infrastructure
and provides a suitable access onto Blanckensee Road. Accordingly, it is considered that the amended lot
layout depicted within Appendix A is consistent with the Noosa Plan and results in an overall
improvement to the current situation of the allotments.

3.0        SUMMARY

In light of the above information, we request Council continue with their assessment of the application.
We also request Council issue an amended Acknowledgement Notice to confirm that referral to the State
Assessment & Referral Agency is not required, as the amended layout ensure the proposed boundary line
is situated 10m from the edge of the remnant vegetation.

We look forward to receiving Council’s favourable Decision Notice for this proposal in due course. If you
have any questions regarding this application, please do not hesitate to contact our office on (07) 5441
2188 to discuss.

Yours faithfully,




Rebekah Hale B.Urb.Dev (Urb.Reg.Plan), PIA.Grad., MDIA
Senior Town Planner
MURRAY & ASSOCIATES (QLD) PTY LTD