Attachment 4 - Officer Report Dated 12 September 2023

•     Involves an ancillary commercial or retail activity with a gross floor area of more than
      250m2
•     Provides accommodation for more than 300 persons.
The application seeks approval for a maximum of 299 people on site and GFA less than 5000m2
excluding accommodation and therefore does not require referral to the State.
The SEQ Koala Conservation strategy Koala Habitat Mapping identifies the site is within a Koala
Priority Area and contains Koala Habitat Area (core). Referral of the application to the State and
assessment is not required as the proposed development is located clear of the mapped Koala
Habitat areas apart from some clearing along the driveway which meets the State exemption
provisions.
The Vegetation Management Supporting Map identifies that remnant vegetation is present within
the site. Clearing of native remnant vegetation other than for a relevant purpose is prohibited by
the Planning Regulations 2017. The proposed development avoids clearing of the regulated
vegetation, with all proposed structures located a distance of 1.5 times the canopy tree height of
existing vegetation (40m tallest tree height adopted).
2.6. Statutory Instruments – Planning Scheme
The subject site is located in Cootharaba and is zoned Rural. The applicant has applied for an
undefined use which is identified as an inconsistent use with the zone and is required to follow an
impact assessable application process.
The application must be assessed against the whole of Noosa Plan 2020 to the extent the
provisions are relevant to the development.
3.3.1 Strategic Framework
The Strategic Framework of the Noosa Plan 2020 includes a number of statements of intent and
outcomes for the hinterland area which acknowledge the importance of agriculture and particularly
supports sustainable and ethical practices which minimise reliance on chemicals, such as
permaculture. It also encourages compatible uses such as cooking schools, agritourism, rural
accommodation and leisure and lifestyle experiences. High quality nature-based and rural
experiences are particularly encouraged. The Strategic Framework identifies that these uses are
to be complementary to working farms, required to be small scale and be fit for the site and locality.
…In the hinterland, significant land is protected for its agricultural potential or for biodiversity
values. Working farms coexist with complementary enterprises and outdoor recreation. Nature
based tourism offers visitors the chance to experience and appreciate natural attractions of the
Shire and its relaxed lifestyle, as well as the many attractions of the rural towns and villages. These
may also be close to the Noosa Trail Network. They are required to be small scale and to be fit for
the setting with minimal effects on the local area having regard to safety and the capacity and
quality of the access road….
…Agriculture is an important industry sector for the local and regional economy and employment.
Agricultural land, identified in the Agricultural Lands Overlay Maps in Schedule 2, is protected from
encroachment from urban and rural residential development and other incompatible activities that
would compromise productivity. A diverse range of sustainable agricultural opportunities is
encouraged and takes advantage of Noosa's clean, green credentials and lifestyle. Sustainable
agricultural production is focused on the adoption of best management practices, including
sensible use of chemicals, ethical treatment of animals and appropriate vegetation management,
sediment and erosion control and water quality protection…
…Agriculture will need to adapt to a changing climate and be flexible and innovative in the face of
changing conditions over time. The evolution of traditional agriculture and the emergence of new
sectors are supported by encouraging opportunities for value adding to occur before agricultural
produce leaves the farm gate or leaves the region. This includes ancillary rural industries to
support production, investment and diversification e.g. on farm processing, farm gate sales,
cooking schools and value adding food production, as well as agritourism, low impact home stays,
rural and nature based accommodation, retreats and lifestyle and leisure experiences….