Objection to Noosa Civic development application - MCU23_0078 CCPL 121223

of CCPL’s investment in Noosa Junction, we have relied upon Council's consistent application of the centre
hierarchy. Noosa 5 Cinemas forms part of the wider Noosa Junction major activity centre. Many businesses
within the Noosa Junction activity centre, including Noosa 5 Cinemas, are operating in a very challenging
environment. Leasing opportunities remain available within the Noosa Junction activity centre which is an
indicator of demand.

The development application for the Noosa Civic expansion is substantial, with over 17,000m2 of retail,
commercial and entertainment floor space being proposed. The proposal includes 7,500m2 of shops, food
and drink outlets, offices and health care services, 1,100m2 of bar and dining, 2,700m2 of indoor sport and
recreation, 3,070m2 of theatre (6 screen cinema), 3,000m2 of business uses, 445m2 of research and
technology and permanent and short-term accommodation. The Noosa Civic expansion is far larger than
contemplated by the planning scheme’s activity centre hierarchy. The expansion is proposed to be located
on land that is within 7 kilometres of the Noosa Junction major activity centre. This is a 9-minute drive.

Both Noosa Civic and Noosa Junction are major activity centres intended by the planning scheme to have
distinct and complementary roles. While we acknowledge that Noosa Civic is identified in the Noosa Plan
2020 as the predominate centre, the size of the expansion is simply far too large to “complement” the Noosa
Junction activity centre. The proposed expansion of Noosa Civic will also represent a duplication of existing
functions already provided and will have serious adverse trade and employment impacts on existing
businesses in the Noosa Junction activity centre. This in turn will have a material adverse impact on the long
term viability of the Noosa Junction activity centre.

The Noosa Plan 2020 is a recent planning instrument. It is not a document that is out of date or overtaken
by events. The Noosa Plan 2020’s Strategic Framework provides the following intent statement for Noosa
Junction:

Noosa Junction is a vibrant mixed-use centre. It caters for creative industries, retail via local brands, food
and entertainment venues, knowledge based industries, professional services and education. Development
provisions have been significantly increased, compared to previous planning schemes, to allow for greater
redevelopment options. Entertainment and lifestyle pursuits enhance the centre’s role as a vibrant place
for hospitality in conjunction with retail and services.

The planning scheme’s outcomes for the Major Centre Zone also state that…Uses within a Major Centre do
not detract from the role or function of another Major Centre.

Allowing such a large expansion of Noosa Civic will detract from the existing and envisaged role and
function of the Noosa Junction activity centre. The proposed development cannot achieve the planning
scheme’s outcomes for the Major Centre Zone and will result in Noosa Junction activity centre not being
able to achieve the intent described in the Strategic Framework. Council must ensure that Noosa Junction
remains a vibrant and viable activity centre as described in the Strategic Framework. This must be a relevant
consideration in the assessment of the application.

The proposed cinema is 20m high. The planning scheme sets clear expectations for building heights of 10-
12m on the Noosa Civic site. The proposed cinema therefore represents a +60% increase in building height
above that envisaged for the site. There is no justification in the applicant’s material for such a substantial