MCU24/0151 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR OUTDOOR SPORT & RECREATION (ROWING CLUB) AT LAKE MACDONALD DRIVE, LAKE MACDONALD · Report

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PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING                                               8 APRIL 2025


  Overlays                        Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands Overlay (Riparian Buffer
                                  Overlay
                                  Flood Hazard Overlay
                                  Regional Infrastructure Overlay (Drinking Water Supply Storage,
                                  Water Resource Catchment, Water Supply Buffer Area)

  Assessment Type                 Impact

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report provides an assessment of a development application to temporarily relocate the Lake
Macdonald Rowing Club from its existing location on the northern side of the lake adjoining Collwood
Road, to Hoy Road located at the lake’s southern end, while planned improvements are undertaken
to Lake Macdonald over a 5-7 year period. The proposed site will provide temporary storage for the
club’s boats and equipment with direct access to the lake for its members. A grassed car park is
proposed on site for members.
The proposal for this temporary land use is not consistent with the Noosa Plan 2020 given the site
is zoned Environmental Management and Conservation. Nevertheless, the proposal to relocate has
arisen due to the Lake Macdonald Improvement Project works to improve dam safety, will enable
the rowing club to continue to undertake its community-based activities on the lake in a manner that
will have minimal impact on the lake and the surrounding area. The facility has been strategically
positioned above the designated flood line and set back from the lake frontage to minimise potential
impacts. Two submissions against the proposal were received, raising concerns about visual
impacts, noise, traffic and anti-social behaviour. Conditions have been imposed to address the
matters raised by the submitters, noting that this is a temporary, low-scale use with a limited number
of members and restricted hours of operation.
The application is therefore recommended for approval with conditions including a requirement that
the approval will lapse after 7 years, with all structures, hardstand areas and fencing to be removed
and the area rehabilitated at this time.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Coordinator Planning to the Planning & Environment Meeting
dated 8 April 2025 regarding development application MCU24/0151 for a Development Permit for
Material Change of Use – Outdoor sport and recreation (Rowing Club) situated at Lake Macdonald
Dr Lake Macdonald and
   A. Approve the application in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in Attachment
      1.
   B. Find the following matters relevant to the assessment and sufficient reason to approve the
      application:
        1. The proposal will enable an existing rowing club to continue to operate while necessary
           improvements are made to Lake Macdonald dam, an important water supply for south-
           east Queensland.
       2. The proposed use is small scale, requires direct access to the lake, is temporary in
          nature and potential impacts on the area’s ecological and water catchment values have
          been minimised.
   C. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016.