2A Woongar applic ours final May 2023

Re: Proposed Development Permit for Material Change of Use—Short Term Accommodation (STA)
Application Reference: MCU23/0019, 2A Woongar St, Boreen Point, Lot 16RP112348
9th May 2023
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the above submission.  We are permanent residents, whose property adjoins this address, residing at #10 Woongar.
We have no objection per say to short term accommodation being offered at the above property, but we hope council take into account the concerns outlined below as they pertain to this unique substantive 10ha property abutting the township, Lake Cootharaba  (ie Upper Noosa River) and state land leading into national park environs.   We feel it is imperative that Noosa Council make conditions regarding the licence as unambiguous as possible for the owners of this property, the managing agents, and prospective short-term tenants and for the amenity and future safety of the townspeople.
If this property is approved for STA it is imperative that council ensures any permissions are worded so as not to set a precedent and that any exceptions are exclusive to this unique property, especially given its natural environment.   If provisions and regulations are not tight, then council is in danger of encouraging a property buying  rush to obtain other properties in town for STA purposes, further reducing opportunities for permanent owners and tenants who contribute to the much lauded “community” we experience.     Recent real estate purchases indicate this trend is already under way with properties being increasingly snapped up by non-resident owners.     I know Noosa Council is already feeling the backlash of this trend in other parts of the shire and it would be unfortunate if this continues especially given the present housing crisis being experienced by so many.
However, firstly we would like to acknowledge that the recently departed owners of this property Barbara and Kaye were “custodians” of this property before the term became popular in these fluctuating climactic times.  They paid attention to maintaining a natural environment and respecting the sensibilities of the community.  We hope that the present owners continue with that ethos and extend our belated sympathies for their loss, our town’s loss too for those who knew them.
Our  Concerns  &   Suggestions  for  Noosa  Council’s  deliberation:-
Fire Risk Maintenance:
Thank-you to the present owners for organizing a thorough mowing of the high ground of their property adjoining #2 - #22 Woongar Street.   Some residents have regularly mowed individual segments, but vermin and unwanted wildlife are encouraged on to residential properties, if only some sections are mowed and also some owners are not in a position to attend to this.    There are some dead trees and shrubs on this flat area abutting approximately  #4 - #8 and  it would be helpful  and reassuring if these could be evaluated for removal,  as they are obstacles on the important fire break this provides for the town.

It is over ten years  (formerly done every 1-2 years)  since the escarpment of approximately 35 degrees has been burned back for fire mitigation purposes. We appreciate that mitigation burns may no longer be the preferred method, but over those ten years we have whole trees, shrubs (exotic & native) many fire prone marching up that steep embankment increasing the fire risk, particularly of a crown wildfire to the adjoining properties and the town.   It would be good if as a condition of this approval this slope has its vegetation overload reduced and that this practice is regularly reinstated

Also for the safety of fire personnel trying to access the actual buildings on this property it is important that this slope is maintained as mostly grasses, as conceivably any fire (continues to p2)
would be on both sides of the access road, especially given that there is now a burgeoning forest instead of mainly grasses ensconced on the slope adjoining the bush access road to the property at the base of this escarpment.

The windows of opportunity for maintenance of firebreaks in whatever form they take, burn backs or other mitigating practices are very narrow.   We think there needs to be a provision that regardless of any objection by whoever may be the short term resident, burn-backs or other mitigation processes need to happen when those opportunities arise according to the authorities/personnel charged with those tasks.

Environmental Impact:

Given that almost every residential block in the town has now been developed this property is an important wildlife corridor, especially with its riparian importance to the ecology of Lake Cootharaba.
Therefore we suggest…

Consideration be given to signs at the commencement of the bush access into the property and along that route for speed signs that incorporate a reminder as to wildlife (like koalas) and standard speed sign insignias like in a camping ground. This would be for the safety of those in the vehicles (thinking kangaroos especially) and the wildlife.   City folk are sometimes not too prescient about these hazards.

No open fires or brassieres or beach fires should be allowed, just too risky.   Holiday makers seeking out firewood may be unwittingly removing habitat for birds and other animals.

No cats whatsoever in residence.

As dog lovers we think there should be a containment area near the buildings, so the animals do not roam for their sake as well as community concerns, as sure there would be times when tenants are not on the premises.   Also given the current fashion for smaller dogs, may we suggest to avoid litigation for the owners and other mayhem, prospective tenants may need to be made aware of the impressive size of many of the resident pythons in this town, not to mention the Eastern browns and other species.

It would be good if any modified or new outdoor light fittings were installed with a view to minimizing light pollution in this wildlife area and for the creatures (human and non-human) that use the lake.

Responsibility if the guidelines are not followed by tenants:

We feel for the real estate agent, who will have the weight of the townspeople’s expectation on them of being able to police unruly behaviour, lighting of fires or limitations on numbers of people in this secluded location.      Somehow the onus for following whatever guidelines are agreed upon by the tenants needs to lie with the tenants.    In a parallel world, we think warnings like those in hotel rooms that a false callout to the fire brigade for setting off smoke alarms would entail hefty fines or similar warnings of liability for individuals may need to be in place.

Yours sincerely

Tom  Woodford   &  Anne  Maree  O’Brien, residents of 10 Woongar Street, Boreen Point.      P2 of 2