51995.1611.04 -Response to Submisions

Submitters residing immediately east of the site (particularly Units 1–4 at 11 Opal Street) raised concerns
regarding:
    • Noise from refrigeration units operating 24/7 adjacent to the boundary;
    • After-hours bottle disposal, bin noise, and staff cleanup activities;
    • General staff behaviour, including loud conversations and music late at night;
    • Patron noise in the eastern courtyard, including swearing and activity in close proximity to residential
        dwellings;
    • Sleep disturbance, particularly for shift workers in Units 1 and 2;
    • Requests that the eastern courtyard be used exclusively for storage and deliveries, with access restricted
        to patrons.

Planning Response:
The concerns raised are acknowledged and were a key driver behind the proposed changes. The application
intentionally relocates all patron-related activity—including the children’s playground, outdoor dining, smoking
areas, and general seating—from the eastern side of the site to the western side, away from the residential
interface.

In direct response to these amenity concerns:
     • The eastern courtyard will no longer be used by patrons.
     • The area will be formally designated for goods receival and storage, with no licenced or public access.
     • The licenced use area has been redistributed, not increased, and remains within the 450m² cap
         established by the original 1995 approval.
     • An acoustic report by Live It Acoustics confirms that noise levels associated with the proposed use will
         comply with the relevant benchmarks under the Noosa Plan 2020.

The relocation of outdoor activity away from the eastern boundary is a deliberate and considered response to the
long-standing issues raised by neighbours. Further, the applicant is committed to implementing reasonable
operational practices to manage staff behaviour, such as:
    • Quiet pack-down procedures after closing hours;
    • Restricted bin use to avoid excessive noise after 9pm;
    • Clear staff management protocols regarding music, conversation, and respect for adjoining residential
        uses.

These operational practices can be formalised through a Venue Management Plan or incorporated into conditions
of approval where necessary. No extension to approved trading hours or introduction of live music has been
proposed.

3.2. Acoustic Report Methodology and Reliability
Summary of Issues Raised:

Several submitters questioned the validity and reliability of the acoustic assessment undertaken by Live It
Acoustics, citing concerns that:
   • Noise monitoring was conducted on days or times when the venue was closed or operating at low activity


                                                                      PO Box 1818         07 5474 3873
                                                                      Noosa Heads         [email protected]
                                                                      QLD 4567            rgstrategic.com.au