NPM Submission (LATE) & Councillor Response - Kathryn and Bruce Simpson - MCU22/0039

Subject: RE: MCU22/0039 – Development on Carpenters Road
From: Karen Finzel
Date: 2023-07-17T03:48:29+00:00
To: Kathryn Simpson, Mailbox Records

NOTE: ECM Records for filing and forward to relevant Noosa Shire Council Staff as/is necessary. Thank You.

Kathryn and Bruce,

Firstly, thank you for taking an active interest in the development of the ECO Cottages development MCU22/0039 in Carpenters Road, Cooroy.

Your email has been noted and will be given consideration when it comes to the decision making process.

It always encourages me when people are engaged in the process to gain knowledge and understanding.

The issues and concerns you  raise are important as such and with your permission I am forwarding your email to the relevant Noosa Shire Council Staff.

If within a reasonable time frame you have not received a response please feel free to contact me.

Enjoy your day.

Kind regards
Karen



Councillor Karen Finzel
Elected Representative | Noosa Council

Phone: (07) 5329 6279
Mobile: 0499 340 277
Email:  [email protected]<[email protected]%20>
Website:  www.noosa.qld.gov.au<http://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/>
Location:  Level 3, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin
Mail:  PO Box 141 Tewantin Qld 4565

[cid:[email protected]]


Noosa Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi people, and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Please consider the environment before printing this email

From: Kathryn Simpson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, 16 July 2023 4:31 PM
To: Clare Stewart <[email protected]>; Frank Wilkie <[email protected]>; Joe Jurisevic <[email protected]>; Karen Finzel <[email protected]>; Amelia Lorentson <[email protected]>; Brian Stockwell <[email protected]>; Tom Wegener <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: MCU22/0039 – Development on Carpenters Road

CAUTION: This email originated outside of Council. Do not open links or attachments if the email is unexpected or unusual.

Dear Councillors

We object to the proposed high density eco cottage development of relocatable homes on Carpenters Rd Cooroy. We urge you not to vote for the project because approval would result in disenfranchising the adjoining landowners in Ponderosa Drive in order to satisfy a Noosa Council policy ‘to take action’ on social housing. Why should Councillors have the power to arbitrarily vote away the existing rights and privileges of property owners who live on the quiet, semi-rural acreages adjoining the proposed development?  Councillors, how would you like it, if the amenity and valuation of your property was adversely affected by 33 new dwellings with 50 extra people, cars, dogs and cats as your new neighbours? The manipulation of zoning laws to enable projects that are not the remit of local government is made worse when the project endangers the valuation and amenity of existing properties.

How can Councillors vote on this development when it lacks transparency? The funding of the development lacks transparency. Described as a private social housing endeavour, the source and costing of the project is hazy and inaccurate. Media reports quote the developer’s outlay of  $3 million dollars on the eco cottages - a very conservative value for 20 one-bedroom cottages and 13 two bedroom cottages with expensive micro-grid and solar systems, as well as water, sewage, and electricity infrastructure, water tanks, internal roads and landscaping, a new carpark outside the road entry, a new entry walkway bridge over the creek and upgrading of a flood culvert.  According to the developer, he will also be supplying a new sealed surface for Carpenters Rd. Add to this the (undisclosed) cost of purchase of the development site on 55 Carpenters Rd and it is difficult to understand how the developer will recoup costs, when the cottages (not the land) are sold or rented to multiple not-for -profit organisations. When the cottages are sold or leased to not-for profit organisations, who then will be the landlord?  Who will be in charge of governance and handling the legalities of the head lease - is this something that Council will get involved with?

While the proposed development relies on access through Council land (70 Carpenters Rd) to enable infrastructure, what other concessions will Council be making to facilitate the development? Is Council privy to information about the source of current and ongoing funding to ensure the maintenance of the development in perpetuity, that has not been shared publicly? If another entity is buying the land, why is this information a secret? Will there be Unity Water concessions and does Council plan on making other contributions to the project, in the form of concessions or grants? If so, Council should disclose what rate payer resources they intend spending, before voting takes place.

Sincerely

Kathryn and Bruce Simpson
3 Ponderosa Drive
Cooroy