MCU25/0006 - Development Application For Material Change Of Use - Short Term Accommodation (Backpackers Accommodation) At 17 Russell St, Noosaville · Attachment 1 - MCU25 0006 - Planning Officer’S Report

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT                                 07 OCTOBER 2025



 Overdevelopment                Concerns about scale and intensity are noted in a number of
                                submissions. It is agreed that the proposal is an overdevelopment
                                of the site.

 Supporting Submission Comments

 The community has an           The Noosa Plan 2020 recognises the importance of balancing
 obligation to provide safe,    housing for permanent residents with the need for diverse visitor
 affordable                     accommodation.
 accommodation           for
                                It allows for backpacker and motel-style accommodation as a
 backpackers.
                                consistent use in the Tourist Accommodation Zone. Strategy and
                                Sustainability have advised that there is still supply of land and
                                areas of the shire zoned for Tourist accommodation to
                                accommodate affordable accommodation, like backpackers and
                                rooming accommodation uses.

 A lack of affordable Noted, however not a planning issue relevant to the application.
 accommodation       forces
 backpackers into unsafe
 living conditions such as
 sleeping in vehicles or
 public spaces.

 Backpackers fill essential It is agreed that backpackers support the local economy by
 seasonal and casual roles providing a casual source of labour to local businesses.
 in     industries      like
 hospitality and tourism,
 which are vital to Noosa’s
 economy.


6.    HUMAN RIGHTS COMPATIBILITY STATEMENT
In developing this Report, the subject matter has been considered in accordance with the
requirements of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. It is considered that the subject matter
does not conflict with any human rights and supports a human rights approach to decision making
by Council. Council representatives will endeavour to act and make decisions under this report in
a manner that is compatible with human rights. This report should be read in conjunction with
Council’s Human Rights Policy.


7.    CONCLUSION & REASONS FOR DECISION
The proposed development fails to comply with key provisions of the Noosa Plan 2020, including
site cover, plot ratio, landscaping, car parking, and servicing requirements. The scale and intensity
of the proposal represent an overdevelopment of the site, inconsistent with the planning intent for
the High Density Residential Zone. Importantly, the High Density Residential Zone is intended to
accommodate permanent residents and support housing diversity in well-serviced urban areas.
The area surrounding the site is already well serviced with short-term accommodation uses, and
further intensification of this use undermines the strategic planning intent and residential amenity
of the zone.

The application attracted 178 properly made submissions during public notification, raising
concerns about traffic impacts, excessive bulk and scale, and noise nuisance. These impacts are
considered significant and cannot be reasonably mitigated through conditions.