Objection MCU18

I assert that short-term visitor accommodation in this area is now predominantly provided
by STA operators operating out of residential homes. This development is contrary to the
Plan and must be reversed. Furthermore 10 Hill St was constructed as a residential duplex in
2019. At that time there was already an over-density of STA in Hill St which the developers
and subsequent purchasers (the applicants) must or reasonably should have been aware of
at the time of purchasing - July and September 2020. Nothing has changed in the area to
warrant provision of yet more STA accommodation in residential dwellings since that time.
Quite the contrary. Density of STA in Noosa, and Sunshine Beach in particular is too high.
STA density is having a demonstrably negative effect on: permanent residents; traditional
accommodation providers; businesses and services in general; volunteering, and the
community in general. Council has a responsibility to support the interest of these groups -
their constituents.

Council acknowledges that 23% of dwellings across the Shire are STA and that in areas of
Peregian and Sunshine Beach density levels exceed 50% STA. These statistics represent the
highest density of STA in Australia if not the world. They are not statistics to aspire to or be
proud of in any way. Such statistics are the shameful evidence of at best laissez faire Shire
management and at worst patent mismanagement.

Nothing in these statistics reflects the lofty principles of the Noosa Plan. For brevity I will not
list them all as I assume Council is well versed in the detail. It is difficult to reconcile these
statistics with careful and controlled planning resulting in a sustainable Shire conducive to a
relaxed pace of life where the community’s core values are not diminished by unintended
development decisions. Council has, by these statistics, demonstrably not worked with the
community to maintain and enhance the lifestyle, wellbeing and prosperity of residents
through careful planning and inclusive decision making. Quite the contrary. The meeting of
12/7 clearly demonstrates residents needs are being dismissed by this Council. I can assure
you, as can all of the permanent residents in this area, there is nothing relaxing or lifestyle
enhancing by being surrounded by STA’s.

Residents in the locale of 10 Hill Street are now in the absurd position of seriously discussing
and entertaining the use of (as noted under-utilised) hotel accommodation to obtain respite
relief from the intolerable behaviour of STA users, and to obtain much needed sleep. When
a hotel on Hastings St offered accommodation on an extended basis, I and my fellow
residents joked that we should move into the hotel and let out our homes to STA. I went as
far as costing this proposal which soon revealed this was no “joke” but a seriously viable
proposition.

Council is obliged to ‘protect the lifestyle valued by residents’ Noosa Plan 3.3.3.

My property has a large garage, set below ground level. When I purchased the property in
2009 I viewed this garage as a valuable asset for storage. I did not envisage it as a “bunker”
for living in and do not believe that any reasonable purchaser could have foreseen the
necessity to use it as such.




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