2020-07-16 Ordinary Meeting Agenda

ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA                                                                     16 JULY 2020


Council Administration
Relocation of Council’s chambers and administration building in Tewantin would not yield community
benefits because Council does not own the land on which the existing building is located. This land
is owned by the State Government and is a reserve for Local Government Civic and Recreation.
Accordingly, proposed uses for other purposes are not permitted. Furthermore, relocation of Council
functions would withdraw Council’s workforce from the Tewantin business district, which is vital to
the success of many businesses in Tewantin.
Commercial Tenants
There may be potential for commercial business use of the campus for a tenant that does not require
a location within an activity cluster but the site’s current and proposed Community Facilities zonings
do not provide support for these and planning scheme conflicts would need to be addressed.
Large Education Providers
Limited opportunity appears to exist in the university or Vocational Employment and Training (VET)
sectors but there has been a number of independent schools express interest in the facility. The
specific educational layout and elements of the campus still suggest education to be the most
suitable use of the facility. Staff have advised that informal education approaches have been made
by the following groups:
   Montessori Noosa
   Arethusa College
   Sage Music Academy
   Black Rock Productions (Arts and Hospitality Training)
Further general enquiries from other independent schools regarding establishing in the Noosa area,
including Steiner Education Australia and Green School International.
Council also supports the Noosa Education and Training Alliance (NETA), which is collaboration of
education and training providers. NETA is currently investigating the feasibility of a locally based
education hub and there may be potential for this to be supported on the site through a range of
models.
Community Groups
Various community uses have been suggested by local residents but there is still no apparent or
pressing need for community group use or to expand Noosa’s community facilities at this site.
Community group use of the site would require substantial ratepayer subsidisation.
Subdivision
Subdivision of the site is not feasible due to the site’s biodiversity and bushfire constraints.


In light of the constraints to expanded development on the site, the Use Options Analysis finds:
The size and layout of the buildings would suit very limited uses and the commercial risks to Council
and ratepayers from managing the site as a rental property are significant. The current economic
environment will also make it more difficult to locate a suitable tenant. … it is recommended that
Council act in a facilitation role only in the potential transfer of the site to interested parties from the
State Government.
Staff indicate that the adoption of a facilitation role, rather than continue to negotiate a purchase,
would allow the State to proceed straight to a lease with a suitable tenant and is now likely to provide
the timeliest outcome for activation of the site.




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