PM Submission - John Cochrane - MCU21/0110

“Adamson Town Planning, specialising in providing higher order town planning advice”



         When read as a whole, the proposed development is consistent with the planning intentions for
         the land, in particular the Tourist Accommodation Zone where a Resort Complex is specifically
         contemplated to the exclusion of other development. The subject land is well located within an
         urban area of Noosa Heads, which is the primary tourist destination for Noosa.

         To the extent there is any inconsistency with the planning scheme, on balance, discretion is
         warranted having regard to a number of relevant matters including:
            • the recently constructed “Parkridge Noosa”, while a substantial development located
                within the Tourist Accommodation Zone will not provide the level of visitor
                accommodation expected and intended under the planning scheme;
            • the proposed “Boutique Hotel” will be the first purpose built luxury hotel in Noosa since
                the “Sofitel” in Hastings Street, which was originally built in 1989, and represents a
                substantial investment in tourism in the Noosa area for many years;
            • the proposed development is integrated with the existing Noosa Springs Golf and Spa
                Resort facilities which provides for economies of scale and efficient use of land and existing
                infrastructure for purely visitor accommodation in a highly desirable location;
            • while the subject land is partly located within the Recreation and Open Space Zone, visitor
                accommodation in the form of nature based tourism and a tourist park, a food and drink
                outlet and outdoor sport and recreation uses are consistent uses in this zone;
            • the subject land as a whole is specifically identified as being protected for visitor
                accommodation purposes in the form of a Resort Complex or Short-term Accommodation
                with the proposed development being consistent with that planning intent;
            • the proposed development is consistent with other planning strategies under the planning
                scheme which seek to protect the amenity and maintain residential areas for permanent
                residential living and not be compromised by short-term visitor accommodation uses;
            • there are a limited number of sites in the Noosa area and in the Noosa Heads locality in
                particular, including the subject site, which are sought to be protected for visitor
                accommodation;
            • of the sites that are specifically protected for visitor accommodation purposes, there is
                only one other site in Noosa Heads within “Settlers Cove” (3-7 Serenity Close) that is vacant
                where a purpose built Resort Complex could be established; however, this site does not
                enjoy the existing facilities and infrastructure offered by the Noosa Springs Golf and Spa
                Resort making the site unique in that regard;
            • the proposed development will have a low environmental impact and has been designed,
                will be constructed, and operated in a sustainable manner;
            • the proposed development will have the capacity to attract high yield/high spending
                visitors and would represent one of the most significant investments in tourism product
                in the Noosa area over past decade;
            • the proposed “Boutique Hotel” addresses a significant demand for a full-service hotel
                product in the Noosa area where there is a shortage of short-stay accommodation rooms
                and a chronic shortage of high-end luxury accommodation;
            • the proposed “Boutique Hotel” will provide a variety of positive economic benefits,
                including 202 jobs and $25.7 million during construction and 158 jobs and $14.3 million
                once operational (in GRP terms);
            • there is a strong community need for the proposed “Boutique Hotel” given the chronic
                shortfall and demand for modern luxury accommodation in the Noosa area, with the
                development well located within an urban area of Noosa Heads, which has good



         Noosa Springs Boutique Hotel – GH Australia Pty Ltd                               Page 68