MCU25/0118 - APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR MULITIPLE DWELLING - AFFORDABLE RENTAL PREMISES (25 x SMALL DWELLINGS) AT 64 LAKE MACDONALD DRIVE, COOROY · ATTACHMENT 2 - (MCU25 0118) - PLANNING OFFICERS REPORT

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT                             10 FEBRUARY 2026




Preservation of land for cemetery Council has a responsibility not only to ensure sufficient
use                                   cemetery space for its community but also and
                                      importantly to ensure the Planning Scheme can provide
Council’s responsibility is to ensure
                                      housing diversity which is a key contributor to the social
provision of cemetery space rather
                                      fabric of the Noosa community. This application fulfills a
than housing. Concerns raised that
                                      high     need     for    affordable     rental     premises
insufficient cemetery land exists to
                                      (social/community housing).
service the public need for the
cemetery use into the future.         The land use under the Noosa Plan 2020 is a consistent
                                      use in the zone, meaning that it is permitted on proposed
The history of the Planning Zoning
                                      Lot 1. The planning scheme makes Affordable Rental
of this land being maintained as
                                      Premises a consistent use in the Community Facilities
Community Use indicates intended
                                      Zone as it is a residential use that provides a significant
use of the land for cemetery use
                                      community benefit and is commensurate with the zone
into the future.
                                      intent outlined under Part 6.8.1.2 (1)(b) of the Community
The community has informally used Facilities Zone Code.
this land for decades as valued
open green space.
Concerns raised that public access
is to be removed to Lot 1 which is to
remain as a cemetery use.

Setting a precedent                     The development does not undermine the strategic intent
                                        of Noosa Council’s planning instruments. Noosa’s
Concerns of a precedent being set
                                        Housing Strategy identified the demand for affordable
if this development is approved,
                                        housing within the Shire, and such findings informed the
encourages similar developments
                                        Noosa Plan Amendment No.2 which encourages this type
in Cooroy and other hinterland
                                        of development within the Community Facilities Zone,
towns which undermines the
                                        subject to the planning scheme’s built form requirements.
Planning Instruments intentions of
maintaining the character and
liveability of these communities.

Proximity to services                   The site is well located within the urban footprint, in
                                        proximity and well connected to Cooroy.
The proposed location for the
development is distanced from local     Three schools, childcare, medical services and retail
community services such as shops        conveniences are located within the Cooroy township, with
(1.6km from IGA), schools, support      a school bus running past the site on Lake Macdonald
services and public transport.          Drive. A playground is situated nearby at Blue Wren Park
Developments of this concentration      with open space areas within the new subdivision.
should be located within walking