Council Report - MCU25 0118 (As Published) · MCU25/0118

               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


Document Set ID: 24496425
Version: 5, Version Date: 29/01/2026