Objection MCU18

Councillor Lorentson unfortunately advised the meeting that in her opinion, any such cases
would be likely to succeed. It is improper and inappropriate for Councillor Lorentson to
make such statements on the public record without the benefit of any specific claim before
her; and without the benefit of appropriate legal advice of a suitable stature. Whilst Ms
Lorentson is, I understand legally qualified, she does not (I understand) have high level
expertise in this field and an abundance of caution in a public official would usually preclude
the making of such compromising statements on the record. Mayor Stewart, compounded
this unfortunate position by clearly stating on the record that she will vote to approve all
STA applications, inter alia, for fear of Council being sued.

To adopt such a position and advocate it on the public record is patently improper. By doing
so, Council is stating that Councillors, holding public, representative positions with public
responsibilities are willing to subvert proper processes and decision making if bullying
tactics are applied. To adopt such a position and advocate it publicly is a shameful
dereliction of duty.

Again, consideration of these circumstances from the perspectives of residents is glaringly
absent. Does Council have no concern that it will be sued, most likely in a class action, by
aggrieved residents who have gone through the entire planning process; have experienced
measurable, demonstrable, quantifiable loss, and have extensive documented evidence of
Council decision making to their detriment? One need only look to the record of the
meeting of 15/7 to demonstrate improper dismissal of, and lack of appropriate
consideration and weight, given to residents’ formal objections to applications. Examples
such as this, so clearly demonstrating overt prejudice against objectors (mainly residents),
would be likely to be used to evidence and demonstrate the clear disadvantage being
experienced by residents in this Shire at the hands of their elected representatives. Many
residents have extensive documented histories of poor, detrimental decision making by
Council resulting in significant financial and personal loss.

Councillors are aware through personal representation; submissions and the formation of a
Residents’ Group that residents and traditional accommodation providers are, being
galvanised to action by the exponential proliferation of STA in the locale of 10 Hill
St. Residents and traditional accommodation providers are deeply dissatisfied with Council’s
decision-making. Council should be demonstrating a greater regard for, and protection of,
residents and businesses in this locale, in accordance with the principles and provisions of
the Planning Act and the Noosa Plan, rather than being inappropriately and improperly
persuaded by empty threats and bullying tactics. Council is eroding and denigrating it’s
standing by publicly conceding to such inappropriate importuning by investors and
consultants.

10 Hill St - Duplex: Medium Density Zone

The property is located in a Medium Density Zone. Any consideration of the application
must first confirm that the proposed usage conforms to Medium Density provisions in
particular and then to the provisions and principles of the whole of the Noosa Plan and the
Planning Act. There is thus a threshold argument to be met, before detailed consideration of
the particulars of the property is undertaken.

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