Letter to Council from Bowie

To:  Assessment Manager SCRC
Re: Proposed Development 99 Noosa Drive/3 &29 Lanyana Way
Application Number: MCU13/0087
As a local resident I believe there are a number of significant objections which can be made to the proposed development in the area currently used by Noosa Heads Bowls Club/Carpark/Pinaroo Park/Pinaroo roadway/ and  Council owned property which includes toilet facilities.
My objections are based on concerns about the impact on the natural environment, traffic type and flow, existing retail businesses, the need for any more retail liquor outlets and a tavern as an option to form a new hub for the Junction. The proposers have not shown any evidence for the need for the new commercial facilities they propose, in an area already well serviced by the type proposed.
The proposed plans are for an over development of the said site. The new buildings and road clearly intrude on existing open space and established vegetation zones within the precinct, without any compensation being offered for the loss of such spaces. Present use of a large part of the area by the Bowls Club is off handedly disregarded, with no pretense at looking at an historical or social impact for this community. The present zoning of “community services” is off handedly dismissed and ignored.
I have three main objections to the proposals. Firstly, the social impact of a liquor barn and another Hotel in the area requires careful consideration and study in terms of desirable outcomes for the general community and for those who have to deal with the problems that may arise from late night drinking, noise and party going. The Park the developers tell us is ‘underutilised’ will certainly make a great late night/early morning meeting place when the Hotel closes. To assert that an educational facility built next door to the Hotel is good planning, clearly has no concern for the issues associated with young drinkers which many in the Australian community have raised.  There are already many facilities close to the tavern proposed where alcohol/dining are available. There is gaming at the Reef Hotel, a mere 500 metres from the site.
My second main objection is my concern about the proposed new roadway (Pinaroo Way), which is double the width of the present roadway and which requires a new roundabout in order to be viable. The proposal asserts that the two way road will fit well with the Park, open it up and link it to the new shops/ residential buildings. How can it do this when cars and trucks ( AV vehicles as outlined by the proposers) will be using the road?   In order for the road/roundabout to be built significant tree removal is unavoidable (refer to arborists report) and their will be an impact on local fauna.  The loss of a treed public area and toilet block is hardly compensated for by any part of the proposal.
Whilst there may be some excellent reasons to provide for better traffic flow and access in the area, it should be done with as little impact on local natural environment as possible and with consideration of community safety, visual impact and overall practicality. A road for Coles to have access for delivery trucks should not be a priority.
Pinaroo Park is a reserve containing walk through areas, natural vegetation and some recreation areas. The reason it exists is to conserve a passive green space near a built environment. It does not need to be constantly used by people to have a purpose. The proposers produce no statistical evidence to back their assertion that the area is underutilised. Nor do they suggest how they will compensate anyone for the destruction of the space they require to build a road. No vegetation should be removed without some objective assessment of the impact on flora and fauna. A recent sighting, noted in local media, of a koala crossing the roundabout into Pinaroo Park points to this need.
Thirdly, the site is currently used by the Noosa Heads Bowls Club whose members total over 220 and who use the greens up to 6 days a week. In terms of square metre usage per person over a game time of 5 hours per day, this would measure up well against usage of a football oval or other recreation area. The Club is an effective use of the space. Fees are low ($100), visitors are welcomed constantly from local areas, interstate and overseas and a $2:00 roll up fee is hardly restrictive. To say, as the proposal asserts, that a Commercial Tavern will give better community access and social use, is nonsense and treats many on our community with contempt. The Bowls Club might not be able to continue however to try to demean its 42 year use of the site shows a lack of respect for the values of the Noosa community.
To conclude, I believe the development has important implications when examined in light of the Principles of Noosa Biosphere. Although Council has adopted a Policy, Noosa Junction Placemaking Strategy, this Policy should not over ride existing Planning Zones, now should it support a Proposal which is purely commercial in its intent and focus.
Yours Sincerely,
Jennifer and Stephen Bowie
11 Capri Court, Noosa heads