NOOSA PLAN 2020 PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 2 - POST PUBLIC NOTIFICATION FOR FINAL STATE GOVERNMENT MINISTERIAL APPROVAL · Report

SPECIAL MEETING                                                                   12 DECEMBER 2024


Submissions
There was a significant number of objections to the proposed rezoning of Noosa Lakes Resort from
Tourist Accommodation zone to Medium Density Residential zone. Reasons included the inability
for the dual key units to be permanently let, and current use as short-term accommodation, the
purpose built nature of the resort.

Response
Historically the site was zoned Residential but intended for tourist accommodation. There was long
debate on this site's inclusion in the Tourist Accommodation zone under Noosa Plan 2020, with
several owner objections at the time. Despite the site having a high number of dwellings permanently
occupied, the complexity of the dual key unit configuration, where the accommodation units cannot
be permanently occupied, together with the site unlikely to redevelop in the short term, makes it
reasonable to retain the site in its current Tourist Accommodation zone.

Recommendation
It is recommended the following changes be made to the proposed amendments in response to this
submission:
   •   remove Noosa Lakes resort, 3 Hilton Terrace, Tewantin from the proposed Medium Density
       Residential zone and the site remain in its current Tourist Accommodation zone; and
   •   all proposed amendments referencing the site be reverted to existing wording.

5. Dwelling Houses becoming inconsistent in Medium and High Density Residential Zones
The advertised amendment proposed dwelling houses as being inconsistent in the Medium and High
Density Residential zones.

Submissions
Submissions objected to dwelling houses being inconsistent in the Medium and High Density
Residential zones, including an on-line petition with 600 signatories. These submitters also referred
to dual occupancies being inconsistent on lots 600sqm or greater discussed in section 7 below.

Issues of concern included the removal of rights and freedom of choice; devaluing of private property;
need to replace or renovate existing houses; houses providing housing diversity; and certain
properties being too small to accommodate more than a house.

Response
During the drafting of Noosa Plan 2020, Council sought to make dwelling houses inconsistent in
Medium and High Density Residential and Tourist Accommodation zones to ensure land was
developed at its highest and best use and increased housing diversity, however this was not
supported by the State at the time. Changes to the Planning Regulation in 2022 have since made it
possible to make dwelling houses inconsistent in the Medium and High Density Residential zones
(not Tourist Accommodation zone), which was proposed by the amendments.

The intent of the Medium and High Density Residential zoned land is to deliver a range of medium
and higher density dwellings. The use of this land for a single dwelling house is an underutilisation
of the land. There is ample Low Density Residential zoned land for single dwelling houses catering
to larger household needs.

Notwithstanding this, it is recognised that whilst sites under 500sqm can be developed for more than
one dwelling, on many sites this can be difficult.

While it is a matter to be determined at the time, it is likely an extension or replacement of an existing
dwelling house in the Medium and High Density Residential zones would be supported, subject to
assessment of the scale and intensity. Therefore, if an existing house was destroyed for instance by
fire, it could be rebuilt.