Ordinary Meeting - 15 August 2024
Date: Thursday, 15 August 2024 at 10:00AM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 01:45:27
Synopsis: Car Wash approved despite traffic concerns, facade condition added, Peak-Period transport measures endorsed incl. Main Beach drop-off, Petition opposing Plan Amendment noted, Three appeals defended.
Meeting Attendees
Councillors
Frank Wilkie Karen Finzel Amelia Lorentson Jessica Phillips Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Strategy & Environment Lynne Banford AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Frank Wilkie: Petition with 1,018 signatures opposing Noosa Plan 2020 Amendment No.2 (protecting Medium Density Residential zones) was received and referred to CEO (Item 4; 00:50). Brian Stockwell: Council adopted Planning & Environment Committee items incl. Noosa Blue approval changes and updated Infrastructure Charges Resolution No.8 (Items 8.1.5.1–5.2; 01:53–03:35). Nicola Wilson: Services & Organisation items adopted incl. FireTech ROPS refresh, Holiday Parks update, Capital Program status, and award of Pathways Package 3 to Integral Concreting (Items 8.2.5.1, 6.1, 6.2, 7.1; 02:30–04:45). Council: Agreed to defend three Planning & Environment Court appeals (two STAs at Cootharaba and Kin Kin; one Childcare Centre at Noosaville) (Items 8.3.6.1–6.3; 03:40–05:35). Council: Adopted Annual Delegations (Council to CEO) under s257 LGA 2009; approved BR1 2024/25; noted July financials and 2023/24 Annual Performance Report (Items 8.3.6.4–6.7; 03:40–05:35). Council: Supported Emu Mountain Rd northern shared path (Option 1b) to be delivered/maintained by Sunshine Coast Council; environmental mitigation/offsets requested (Item 8.3.6.8; 20:48–21:21). Jessica Phillips: “Go Noosa” 2024/25 endorsed; Lions Park overflow parking approved for Dec–Jan and Apr 2025; Main Beach Local Government Reserve approved as temporary Drop-Off Zone over peak two weeks (Item 8.3.6.9; 05:41–07:54). Amelia Lorentson: Amendment to consider alternative drop-off site near Noosa Drive bus stop lost (For: Lorentson, Phillips, Finzel; Against: Wilkie, Stockwell, Wegener, Wilson) (Item 8.3.6.9.F; 08:02–10:06; 17:01). Council: Noted Parking Management Plan and forthcoming Movement & Place study; Local Loop bus-priority concept to workshop (Item 8.3.6.9.G–H; 20:51–26:33). Council: Approved MCU22/0201 for Car Wash and Food & Drink Outlet at 34 Elm St, Cooroy; delegated CEO to issue permit with added condition requiring articulation of east wall; reasons for approval recorded (Item 9.1; 28:32–01:44:22). Vote record: Car wash approved 5–2 (For: Wilson, Phillips, Lorentson, Finzel, Wegener; Against: Wilkie, Stockwell) after failed deferral (For deferral: Wilkie, Wilson) (Item 9.1; 01:07:50–01:10:31; 01:44:22). Contentious / Transparency Matters Frank Wilkie: Noted mixed community views on Main Beach Drop-Off; staff advised bus-station alternative was unviable in timeframe due to TransLink obligations and congestion risks (Item 8.3.6.9; 10:06–13:54). Amelia Lorentson: Cited petition and consultation indicating opposition to using green space for parking; sought options assessment before locking in Surf Club drop-off; amendment lost (Item 8.3.6.9; 15:45–17:01). Patrick Murphy (staff): Traffic consultants did not meet prior to car wash decision; staff had drafted refusal grounds over queuing/laneway operations/refuse collection but councillors proceeded to decide (Item 9.1; 31:34–32:39). Brian Stockwell: Warned approving an inconsistent use in a District Centre without resolving traffic/amenity conflicts departs from scheme intent for active street frontages and articulated facades (Item 9.1; 01:24:34–01:32:23). Frank Wilkie: Emphasized planning scheme as a community “contract” and cautioned against first-time approval where traffic concerns remain untested; deferral failed (Item 9.1; 01:38:32–01:42:22). Legal / Risk Council: Resolved to defend three P&E Court appeals: STA at 428 Cootharaba Rd (D96/2024), STA at 561 Gympie Kin Kin Rd (1997/2024), and Childcare Centre at 28 Eenie Creek Rd (1998/2024) (Items 8.3.6.1–6.3; 03:40–05:35). Planning Act 2016: Car wash approval recorded “relevant matters” to justify approval despite inconsistency, aligning with s60(3) and s63(5) reporting; council tightened reasons to remove assertions about reduced traffic (Item 9.1; 36:50–45:43; 01:05:12–01:06:06). Risk posture: Proceeding without resolving expert traffic disagreement increases litigation exposure; however, detailed reasons and a façade-articulation condition may strengthen defensibility on amenity grounds (Item 9.1; 31:34–32:39; 55:41–56:57). Delegations & Procurement: Annual delegations to CEO adopted (s257 LGA 2009); confidential pathways contract awarded with CEO authorised to finalise contracts, aligning with probity protocols (Items 8.3.6.4; 8.2.7.1; 03:40–05:35; 02:30–04:45). Charges Resolution: Adoption of Infrastructure Charges Resolution (No.8) 2024 effective 15 Aug 2024 mitigates infrastructure funding risk for growth (Item 8.1.5.2; 01:53–03:35). Conflicts of Interest Nicola Wilson: Declared a declarable COI for the car wash (partner made a supporting submission); Council resolved she could participate and vote as a reasonable person would trust the decision is in the public interest; she abstained from that eligibility vote (Item 9.1; 28:32–29:57). Planning Scheme, Zoning & Design Brian Stockwell: Argued District Centre intent (active edges, weather protection, non-dominant parking, facade articulation AO15m/0.75m) conflicts with a 19.4m x ~7.5m wall and vacuum bays to Elm St; said industrial character should locate in industrial zones (Item 9.1; 01:24:34–01:31:45). Council: Added condition directing articulation/green elements/awning/timber battening to mitigate wall bulk; CEO to settle detailed conditions with applicant (Item 9.1; 55:32–56:39). Frank Wilkie: Amended reasons to remove unverified claims (no available land; reduced traffic movements), retaining complementary-use rationale only (Item 9.1; 42:55–45:43; 01:05:12–01:06:06). Short-Term Accommodation & Transport Management Council: Firm litigation stance on STA refusals signals continued application of Noosa Plan 2020 STA controls (Items 8.3.6.1–6.2; 03:40–05:35). Jessica Phillips: Peak-period traffic measures advanced: Lions Park overflow parking (with DoR notification, Lions Club delivery), Main Beach Drop-Off Zone, and future Parking Management Plan plus Movement & Place study (Item 8.3.6.9; 05:41–07:54; 20:51–26:33). Environmental Concerns Council: Emu Mountain Rd path approval conditioned on revegetation and offsets; SCC to liaise with environmental agencies (Item 8.3.6.8; 20:48–21:21). Amelia Lorentson: Framed car wash as environmental net benefit via water recycling and improved water quality to Lake Macdonald; these were adopted as reasons (Item 9.1.D.5; 36:50–42:55). Council: Go Noosa measures include facilities for disability access, scooters, lifeguards, emergency services, waste and temporary amenities at Main Beach during peak, reducing unsafe circulation (Item 8.3.6.9.F; 05:41–07:54). Community Engagement & Public Value Council: Will seek community feedback on Lions Park future use; noted historic direction not to use green space for parking but approved limited peak use pending broader engagement (Item 8.3.6.9.E–G; 17:24–21:21). Amelia Lorentson: Highlighted 498 of 520 properly made submissions supporting car wash; noted local business and community endorsements (Item 9.1; 36:50–38:21; 01:34:52). Karen Finzel: Stressed collaborative, staged approach with experts and stakeholders to manage complex overlays in Hastings St precinct (Item 8.3.6.9; 24:51–26:31).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Ordinary Meeting Thursday, 15 August 2024 10:00 AM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Nicola Wilson “Noosa Shire – different by nature” ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 15 AUGUST 2024 1. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COUNCILLORS Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener Cr Nicola Wilson EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Acting Director Strategy & Environment Lynne Banford APOLOGIES Nil. 2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 2.1. ORDINARY MEETING 18 JULY 2024 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 18 July 2024 be received and confirmed. Carried unanimously. 3. MAYORAL MINUTES Nil. 4. PETITIONS 1 PETITION: Oppose Amendment No. 2 to the Noosa Plan 2020 to Protect Medium Density Residential Zones Refer to Attachment 1 to the Minutes Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That the petition with 1018 signatories submitted by Suzie McDonald, requesting that Council oppose Amendment No. 2 to the Noosa Plan to protect medium density ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 15 AUGUST 2024 residential zones be received and referred to the Chief Executive Officer to determine appropriate action. Carried unanimously. 5. NOTIFIED MOTIONS Nil. 6. PRESENTATIONS Nil. 7. DEPUTATIONS Nil. 8. CONSIDERATION OF COMMITTEE REPORTS 8.1. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT - 6 AUGUST 2024 8.1 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT - 6 AUGUST 2024 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Amelia Lorentson (Chair) Cr Tom Wegener Cr Brian Stockwell NON COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Nicola Wilson EXECUTIVE Acting CEO Larry Sengstock Director Strategy & Environment Kim Rawlings Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray APOLOGIES Nil COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL 5.1 51998.2462.07 APPLICATION FOR AN OTHER CHANGE TO A TOWN PLANNING CONSENT PERMIT FOR MULTIPLE DWELLING (65 UNITS), CONFERENCE FACILITY AND VEHICLE HIRE PREMISES AT 16 NOOSA DRIVE, NOOSA HEADS ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 15 AUGUST 2024 That Council note the report by the Senior Development Planner to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 6 August 2024 regarding Application No. 51998.2462.07 for an Other Change to Development Approval for Multiple Dwelling (65 dwelling units), Conference Facility and Vehicle Hire Premises situated at Noosa Blue 501 - 503/16 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads and: A. Approve the Other Change application B. Amend the approval type as follows: Development Permit for Material Change of Use for- Multiple Dwelling (65 Units) as defined by the 1990 Schedule to the Planning Scheme Indoor Sport & Recreation (Yoga Studio & Health Spa), Shop, Office and Food & Drink Outlet as defined by the Noosa Plan 2020 C. Amend conditions 1 and 9 as outlined in Attachment 1. D. Include additional conditions 54 to 56 as outlined in Attachment 1. E. Delete conditions 10, 11 and 13 as they are no longer relevant to the proposal. F. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016. 5.2 UPDATE TO INFRASTRUCTURE CHARGES RESOLUTION That Council note the report by the Infrastructure Assessment Coordinator to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 6 August 2024 and: A. Adopt the “Noosa Shire Council Charges Resolution (No.8) 2024” provided as Attachment 1 to the report, to replace the “Noosa Shire Council Charges Resolution (No.7) 2022” and take effect on 15 August 2024. 5.3. MCU22/0201 APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR CAR WASH AND FOOD & DRINK OUTLET AT 34 ELM STREET, COOROY That Planning & Environment Committee Agenda Item 5.3 be referred to the General Committee due to the significance of the issue. 6.1. PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED BY DELEGATED AUTHORITY - JUNE 2024 That Council note the report by the Development Assessment Manager to the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting 6 August 2024 regarding applications that have been decided by delegated authority during the month of June as per Attachment 1 (excluding item MCU16/0070.01). Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That the report of the Planning and Environment Committee meeting dated 6 August 2024 be received and the recommendations therein be adopted except where dealt with by separate resolution. Carried unanimously. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 15 AUGUST 2024 8.2. SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE REPORT - 6 AUGUST 2024 8.2 SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE REPORT - 6 AUGUST 2024 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Nicola Wilson (Acting Chair) Cr Frank Wilkie Cr Jessica Phillips NON-COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Tom Wegener Cr Amelia Lorentson EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh APOLOGIES Cr Karen Finzel (Chair) COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL 5.1 CONTRACT NO. T000078 – REGISTER OF PRE-QUALIFIED SUPPLIERS FOR PROVISION OF FIRETECH SERVICES {REFRESH} That Council note the report by the Director Digital Hub and Innovation to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 6 August 2024 and A. Approve the award of Contract No. T000078 for the Register of Prequalified Suppliers for the Provision of Firetech Services {Refresh} for a period of twelve (12) months effective 1 August 2024 to the following suppliers that will be in addition to the existing list of suppliers on this ROPS: Australian Uav Technologies Pty Ltd Covey Associates Pty Ltd Cwift Pty Ltd Fliight Technologies Pty Ltd Kablamo Pty Ltd TTF Richlauren Trust t/as Larnach Ventures (Apac Surveillance) RPS AAP Consulting Pty Ltd MS&C Group Pty Ltd t/as Watchtowers Networks B. Subject to satisfactory performance of the suppliers, authorise the CEO to approve the option to extend the contract at the expiry of this term for a further two (2) terms of up to twelve (12) months each ending on 31 July 2027. 6.1. NOOSA HOLIDAY PARKS UPDATE That Council note the report by the Commercial Business Advisor to the Services and Organisation Committee Meeting dated 6 August 2024 providing an update on operations of the Noosa Holiday Parks Business Activity to 30 June 2024. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 15 AUGUST 2024 6.2. CAPITAL PROGRAM 2023/24 DELIVERY STATUS That Council note the report by the Infrastructure Planning Officer to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 6 August 2024 providing an update on the delivery of the 2023/24 Capital Program as at 30 June 2024. 7.1 CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION - CONTRACT NO. CN00644 – CONSTRUCTION OF PATHWAYS - PACKAGE 3 CLOSURE OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC That Council note the report by the Graduate Engineer to the Services and Organisation Committee dated 6 August 2024 and A. Award Contract No. CN00644 for Construction of Pathways 2023-24 Package 3 to The Trustee for Integral Concreting Services Family Trust as outlined in the report; and B. Authorise the CEO to negotiate and finalise contracts on Council's behalf with The Trustee for Integral Concreting Services Family Trust. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Jessic Phillips That the report of the Services & Organisation Committee meeting dated 6 August 2024 be received and the recommendations therein be adopted except where dealt with by separate resolution. Carried unanimously. 8.3. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT - 15 JULY 2024 8.3 GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT - 12 August 2024 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Brian Stockwell (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Tom Wegener Cr Frank Wilkie Cr Nicola Wilson EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Community Services Kerri Contini (via Teams) Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Acting Director Strategy & Environment Lynne Banford APOLOGIES Nil. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 15 AUGUST 2024 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL 5.1. MCU22/0201 APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR CAR WASH AND FOOD & DRINK OUTLET AT 34 ELM STREET, COOROY In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Nicola Wilson provided the following declaration to the meeting of a declarable conflict of interest in this matter: I, Cr Nicola Wilson, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter as my partner, Roy Vanderberg, made a submission to this application when it was notified for 15 business days in 2023 in accordance with the Planning Act 2016 and received 520 properly made submissions. Although I have a declarable conflict of interest, I do not believe a reasonable person could have a perception of bias because this is one submission of 500 and neither Roy nor myself have a financial interest in the outcome. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision. That the matter be deferred to the Ordinary Meeting dated 15 August 2024 to allow the applicant's consultant to discuss traffic issues raised with Council's traffic consultant. 6.1. APPEAL D96 OF 2024 RELATING TO REFUSUAL OF MCU24/0003 MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR SHORT TERM ACCOMMODATION AT 428 COOTHARABA ROAD, COOTHARABA That Council note the report by the Development Planner to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 August 2024 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal D96 of 2024 and agree to defend the appeal. 6.2. APPEAL 1997 OF 2024 RELATING TO REFUSUAL OF MCU23/0101 MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR SHORT TERM ACCOMMODATION AT 561 GYMPIE KIN KIN ROAD, KIN KIN That Council note the report by the Senior Development Planner to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 August 2024 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal 1997 of 2024 and agree to defend the appeal. 6.3. APPEAL 1998 OF 2024 RELATING TO REFUSUAL OF MCU22/0094 MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR CHILDCARE CENTRE AT 28 EENIE CREEK ROAD, NOOSAVILLE That Council note the report by the Coordinator Planning to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 August 2024 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal 1998 of 2024 and agree to defend the appeal. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 15 AUGUST 2024 6.4. ANNUAL REVIEW - REGISTER OF DELEGATIONS - COUNCIL TO CEO That Council A. Note the report by the Governance Officer to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 August 2024 regarding Council's Annual Delegation Review; and B. Adopt the Register of Delegations – Council to Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to section 257 of the Local Government Act 2009, to delegate the powers of the Local Government outlined in the Register of Delegations provided in Attachment 1, to the Chief Executive Officer of Council. 6.5. BUDGET REVIEW 1 (BR1) FOR THE 2024/25 FINANCIAL YEAR That Council note the report by the Financial Services Manager to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 August 2024 and approve the proposed changes to the Budget and Schedule of Fees and Charges for the 2024/25 financial year as outlined in the Revised Budget Financial Statements provided in Attachments 1 5 to the report. 6.6. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT – JUL 2024 That Council note the report by the Financial Services Manager to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 August 2024 outlining July 2024 year to date financial performance against budget, including changes to the financial performance report with the inclusion of key financial sustainability indicators. 6.7. ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT INCLUDING Q4 OPERATIONAL PLAN 2023-24 PROGRESS REPORT That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the General Committee dated 12 August 2024 regarding the Annual Performance Report and: A. Note the progress report outlining Council's performance over 2023-24 financial year and detailing the status of initiatives in the 2023-24 Operational Plan to 30 June 2024 provided as Attachment 1; and B. Note the status of Council's Key Performance Indicators as provided as Attachment 2. C. Note the development of indicators which support the Corporate Plan performance measures as provided as Attachment 3. 6.8. EMU MOUNTAIN ROAD - SHARED PATHWAY That Council A. Note the report by the Director Infrastructure Services to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 August 2024; B. Support a shared path and cycleway along the northern side of Emu Mountain Road described at Option 1b to be funded and constructed by Sunshine Coast Council including the submission of grant applications by Sunshine Coast Council; C. Request Sunshine Coast Council liaise with environmental agencies and stakeholders to mitigate environmental impact of Option 1b including revegetation of batters and consideration of offset planting; ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 15 AUGUST 2024 D. Note that Noosa Council will refer any ongoing issues or concerns about performance of the crossing on David Low Way and / or vehicular congestion arising from modifications to the David Low Way roundabout to Sunshine Coast Council and TMR for their attention; and E. Authorise the CEO to execute an infrastructure agreement with Sunshine Coast Council for their ongoing maintenance of the proposed shared pathway including pavements, embankments and boardwalks. 6.9. GO NOOSA TRANSPORT INITIATIVES 2023/24 EVALUATION AND 2024/25 IMPLEMENTATION Motion Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council A. Note the report by the Acting Director Infrastructure Services to the General Committee meeting dated 12 August regarding the Go Noosa Initiatives; B. Delegate authority to the CEO to approve the ongoing implementation of the Go Noosa initiatives as outlined in this report, subject to Council’s budget processes; C. Note the proposal for Council Officers to undertake a review of the of the Boreen Point Flexilink and Council Cabs service and report back to Council; D. Note that, as Council has yet to conduct community engagement specifically on the future use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park Reserve during peak periods as per the Motion of March 16, 2023, approve the use of the Noosa Head Lions Park for additional overflow parking in the period from Saturday 14 December 2024 to Tuesday 28 January 2025 and Saturday 2 April 2025 to Monday 21 April 2025 by the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club at their discretion and that Council communicate these intentions with the Queensland Department of Resources; and 1. Authorise the CEO to negotiate fees. E. Seek community feedback on the future use of the park; F. Approve the temporary use of the "Main Beach Local Government Reserve”, adjacent to the Noosa Heads Surf Club, as a “Main Beach Drop Off Zone” for the peak Christmas /New Year’s Eve two-week period (with a preference for the dates to be 23 December 2024 to 5 January 2025) including drop-off/pick-up, disability permit holders, scooter/motorbike, Council lifeguards, emergency services vehicles, NYE rapid response area, and additional facilities such as waste collection, temporary toilet block etc; G. Note that a Parking Management Plan, including a Local Parking Plan for Noosa Heads is under preparation and a Movement and Place study is proposed for the 2025/26FY, that closely considers carparking and circulation in the Main Beach locality including future use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park, the Noosa Heads Bus Station, the Maze Carpark and the Main Beach Local Government Reserve which will wholistically consider the uses, design and circulation within these critical spaces for Noosa Heads and will be subject to community engagement; and H. Note that Council’s resolution on 13 September 2021 that allowed the concept of a one-way "Local Loop" with Bus Priority Lane, from Noosa Drive to Noosa Parade be referred to a Councillor workshop to encourage bus usage and frequency. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 15 AUGUST 2024 Amendment No.1 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That item F be amended to read: F. That Council approves the establishment of a drop-off zone for the peak Christmas and New Year period either at Main Beach Reserve adjacent to Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club or to a location behind the carpark such as the area behind the bus stop on Noosa Drive. Staff will assess the options and report back to Council with recommendations by the October meetings, or earlier, to ensure its operational time. For: Crs Lorentson, Phillips, Finzel Against: Crs Wilkie, Stockwell, Wegener and Wilson Lost. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council A. Note the report by the Acting Director Infrastructure Services to the General Committee meeting dated 12 August regarding the Go Noosa Initiatives; B. Delegate authority to the CEO to approve the ongoing implementation of the Go Noosa initiatives as outlined in this report, subject to Council’s budget processes; C. Note the proposal for Council Officers to undertake a review of the of the Boreen Point Flexilink and Council Cabs service and report back to Council; D. Note that, as Council has yet to conduct community engagement specifically on the future use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park Reserve during peak periods as per the Motion of March 16, 2023, approve the use of the Noosa Head Lions Park for additional overflow parking in the period from Saturday 14 December 2024 to Tuesday 28 January 2025 and Saturday 2 April 2025 to Monday 21 April 2025 by the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club at their discretion and that Council communicate these intentions with the Queensland Department of Resources; and 1. Authorise the CEO to negotiate fees. E. Seek community feedback on the future use of the park; F. Approve the temporary use of the "Main Beach Local Government Reserve”, adjacent to the Noosa Heads Surf Club, as a “Main Beach Drop Off Zone” for the peak Christmas /New Year’s Eve two-week period (with a preference for the dates to be 23 December 2024 to 5 January 2025) including drop-off/pick-up, disability permit holders, scooter/motorbike, Council lifeguards, emergency services vehicles, NYE rapid response area, and additional facilities such as waste collection, temporary toilet block etc; G. Note that a Parking Management Plan, including a Local Parking Plan for Noosa Heads is under preparation and a Movement and Place study is proposed for the 2025/26FY, that closely considers carparking and circulation in the Main Beach locality including future use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park, the Noosa Heads Bus Station, the Maze Carpark and the Main Beach Local Government Reserve which will wholistically consider the uses, design and circulation within these critical spaces for Noosa Heads and will be subject to community engagement; and ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 15 AUGUST 2024 H. Note that Council’s resolution on 13 September 2021 that allowed the concept of a one-way "Local Loop" with Bus Priority Lane, from Noosa Drive to Noosa Parade be referred to a Councillor workshop to encourage bus usage and frequency. For: Crs Phillips, Wilson, Lorentson, Finzel, Wegener, Wilkie Against: Cr Stockwell Carried. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That the report of the General Committee meeting dated 12 August 2024 be received and the recommendations therein be adopted except where dealt with by separate resolution. Carried unanimously. 9. ORDINARY MEETING REPORTS 9.1. MCU22/0201 APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR CAR WASH AND FOOD & DRINK OUTLET AT 34 ELM STREET, COOROY (DEFERRED FROM GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING DATED 12 AUGUST 2024 ITEM 5.1) The following material was presented to the meeting in relation to this item: Cr Stockwell - refer to Attachment 2 to the Minutes In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Nicola Wilson provided the following declaration to the meeting of a declarable conflict of interest in this matter: I, Cr Nicola Wilson, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter as my partner, Roy Vanderberg, made a submission in favour to this application when it was notified for 15 business days in 2023 in accordance with the Planning Act 2016 and received 520 properly made submissions. Although I have a declarable conflict of interest, I do not believe a reasonable person could have a perception of bias because this is one submission of 500 and neither Roy nor myself have a financial interest in the outcome. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Council note the declarable conflict of interest by Cr Wilson and determine that Cr Wilson participates and votes on this matter because Council believes that a reasonable person would trust that the final decision is made in the public interest. Carried unanimously. Cr Wilson did not vote on the above motion. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 15 AUGUST 2024 Motion Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council note the report by the Co-ordinator Planning to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 6 August 2024 regarding MCU22/0201 for a development permit for material change of use for a Car wash and Food and drink outlet at 34 Elm Street, Cooroy, and: A. Approve the application. B. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer to issue a Development Permit for material change of use for a Car wash and Food and drink outlet at 34 Elm Street, Cooroy, and impose reasonable and relevant conditions on the approval. C. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016. D. Find the following matters relevant to the assessment and sufficient reason to approve the application: 1. There is a strong level of economic, community and planning need for the development in this location. 2. There is no car wash currently provided . 3. The proposed development will provide substantial community benefit and will not cause any adverse impacts on the amenity and character of the area. 4. The proposed development accords with reasonable community expectations, given the significant number of submissions in support that have been received. 5. There will be significant environmental benefits for a car wash to be provided in the location, resulting in improved water quality entering local waterways, including Lake Macdonald. 6. A car wash is for the commercial washing of vehicles, which is a complementary use to the existing service stations in this location, which will result in the sharing of facilities and reduced traffic movements. 7. Conditions can be imposed to address any issues raised by submitters about the hours of operation of the development. Amendment No.1 Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That item 2 read: 2. There is currently no car wash provided within Cooroy and the Noosa Hinterland. Carried unanimously. Amendment No 2. Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Item 3 reads: 3. The proposed development will provide community benefit. Carried unanimously. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 15 AUGUST 2024 Amendment No 3. Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Item B be amended to read: B. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer to issue a Development Permit for material change of use for a Car wash and Food and drink outlet at 34 Elm Street, Cooroy, and impose reasonable and relevant conditions on the approval, including conditions which require modification of the east wall to increase its articulation (e.g. awning over walkway, addition of green wall elements, use of timber battening etc.) For: Crs Stockwell, Wilkie, Wegener and Finzel Against: Crs Wilson, Lorentson and Phillips Carried. Amendment No. 4 Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That item 6 read: A car wash is for the commercial washing of vehicles, which is a complementary use to the existing service stations in this location. Carried unanimously. Procedural Motion Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That the matter be deferred to a future Council meeting to allow the applicants consultant to discuss traffic issues raised, with Council's traffic consultant. For: Crs Wilkie and Wilson Against: Crs Phillips, Wegener, Lorentson, Stockwell and Finzel Lost. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council note the report by the Co-ordinator Planning to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 6 August 2024 regarding MCU22/0201 for a development permit for material change of use for a Car wash and Food and drink outlet at 34 Elm Street, Cooroy, and: A. Approve the application. B. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer to issue a Development Permit for ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 15 AUGUST 2024 material change of use for a Car wash and Food and drink outlet at 34 Elm Street, Cooroy, and impose reasonable and relevant conditions on the approval, including conditions which require modification of the east wall to increase its articulation (e.g. awning over walkway, addition of green wall elements, use of timber battening etc.) C. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016. D. Find the following matters relevant to the assessment and sufficient reason to approve the application: 1. There is a strong level of economic, community and planning need for the development in this location. 2. There is currently no car wash provided within Cooroy and the Noosa Hinterland. 3. The proposed development will provide community benefit. 4. The proposed development accords with reasonable community expectations, given the significant number of submissions in support that have been received. 5. There will be significant environmental benefits for a car wash to be provided in the location, resulting in improved water quality entering local waterways, including Lake Macdonald. 6. A car wash is for the commercial washing of vehicles, which is a complementary use to the existing service stations in this location. 7. Conditions can be imposed to address any issues raised by submitters about the hours of operation of the development. For: Crs Wilson, Phillips, Lorentson, Finzel and Wegener Against: Crs Wilkie and Stockwell Carried. 10. CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil. 11. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Nil. 12. NEXT MEETING The next Ordinary Meeting will be held at Council Chambers, 9 Pelican St, Tewantin on Thursday 19 September 2024 at 10.00am. 13. MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 11.45 AM.
Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 00:05.520
Well good morning and welcome everybody to the ordinary meeting of 15th of August declare the meeting open. I'd like to begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which were gathered which is the Kabi Kabi. All councillors are in attendance. Item 2 is the confirmation of the minutes, so can I have a move and a seconder for the minutes of the ordinary meeting held on the 18th of July. Thank you Councillor Lorentson. Seconder? Councillor Wegener. There are no mural minutes. All in favour? There are petitions. I have a petition from Susie MacDonald with 1,018 signatures opposing the amendment number 2 to the Noosa Plan 2020 to protect medium density residents. medium density residential zones, I ask that this petition be received and referred to and received by the CEO for an appropriate response. Can I have a seconder please? I'll be just second. Seconded. Councillor Lorentson. Larson, councillors, just a reminder this is a formal meeting so when we ask questions or speak to the motion we are standing and that questions are to elicit answers not to further your debate. So there are no mural minutes of the petition. Any other petitions? Yes. I don't think we voted on the petition. All in favour of the petition be received. Thank you councillor Stockwell. Experience does count. Thank you. Frank. There are no notified. Yes. Tom Wegener 01:46.553
Did you get an acknowledgement of country? Yes. You did? Yes. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:53.085
I'm glad it was so memorable. I'll speak louder next time. There are no notified motions, no presentations and no deputations. Brings us to item eight which is consideration of the committee reports. These are the items that were discussed at the previous planning. and environment committee report and have gone through to the ordinary meeting with the recommendations unchanged. And the first one is an application for another change to a town planning consent permit for multiple dwellings, 65 units, conference facility and vehicle hire premises at 16 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads. 5.2 is an update to the infrastructure charges resolution. 5.3 an MCU 22-0201 application for a material change of use for a car wash, food and drink outlet, 34 Elm Street, Cooroy, and that was referred to the General Committee. The planning applications decided by delegated authority June 2024. So can I have a mover and a seconder for the Planning and Environment Committee recommendations to be adopted please? Thank Councillor Stockwell we have a seconder please. Thank you Councillor Wegener. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. The Services and Organisation Committee report Committee on the 6th of August had a number of items referred straight through to today without change. They are contract number T00... T0000078 which is a register for pre-qualified suppliers for provision of fire tech services. 6.1 is the Noosa Holiday Parks update. 6.2 is the capital program 23... status and 7.1 was a confidential item. A contract number CN00644 for construction of pathways. Package 3 closure of... and it was closed to them, to the public because... To the public, because it had sensitive commercial and confidence information. So may I have a move and a seconder for the service of an organisation committee of recommendations to be adopted please. Councillor Wilson, quick to her feet. Moved. Seconded by Councillor. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Thank you. We now have items that were dealt with at the general committee report. 5.1 which is the item the car wash was deferred to this ordinary meeting and that'll come up for discussion later in this meeting. We have appeal D96 of 2024 relating to refusal MCU240003 material change of use for short-term accommodation at 428 Cootharaba Road, Cootharaba. 6.2 6.2. Appeal 1997 of 2024 relating to refusal of MCU 230101 material change of use for short-term accommodation at 561 Gympie Kin Kin Road, Kin Kin. 6.3 is appeal 1998 of 24 relating to the refusal of MCU 22/0094 material change of use for childcare centre at 28 Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville. 6.4 annual review register of delegations council to the CEO. 6.5 was budget review BR1 the 24/25 financial year. 6.6 was the financial performance report July 2024.6.7 annual performance report including Q4 operational plan 2023/24 progress report. 6.8 an emu mountain road shared pathway. The next item Councillor Phillips Phillips would like to pull out and move a motion and that is for the Go Noosa transport initiatives 2023/24 evaluation and 24/25 implementation. Jessica Phillips 05:41.210
Thank you Mr Mayor. I'd like to move a motion in relation to this and I'm just In the motion, thank you, with a preference for the dates to be the 23rd of December to the 5th of January 2025. Okay. Frank Wilkie 06:16.727
Did you wish to ask any questions about those dates, Councillor? Jessica Phillips 06:20.107
No, I don't, thank you. Frank Wilkie 06:21.027
May I have a seconder for the motion? Jessica Phillips 06:22.527
I'll second. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 06:24.363
You, Councillor Wilson. Councillor, speak to the motion about the dates or any aspect of the motion. Jessica Phillips 06:30.903
Thank you. I'll keep it quite short. There's a mixed feeling in the community about this drop-off zone at the surf club. And firstly, I'd like to acknowledge that there is mixed opinions in the community. When I'm looking at things, I'll often try and put a lens. Is it effective? Is it efficient? And with that in mind, I think the community would probably like to see some some clear dates. Not to affect operationally though, I've asked for a preference of dates, knowing that sometimes our weather and different reasons can affect that. But I think it gives an opportunity to tell our community we're listening. There are people out there that haven't been haven't been overwhelmingly supportive of this and then there are there is feedback that that it was successful and so with that I'd like some more clearer dates so then we've got some preparation around a busy period in our community. I'd also like like to specifically acknowledge that this covers a time of 31st of December for New Year's Eve and this car park was very effective for the emergency services response on New Year's Eve so I do think that it requires some consideration and that's why I just ask that specifically we have those dates so community can be prepared for those dates to see the car park used in a different way to what we're used to seeing it. Frank Wilkie 07:54.915
Thank you. Councillor. Any other councillors wish to speak to the motion? Amelia Lorentson 08:02.016
I'd like to move an amendment, F, that council approves the establishment of a drop-off sale for the peak Christmas and New Year period either at Main Beach Reserve adjacent to Noosa Head Surf Life Saving Club or to a location behind the car park such as the area behind the bus stop on Noosa Drive. Staff will assess the options assess the options and report back to Council with recommendations by the October meetings or earlier to ensure its operational time. Frank Wilkie 08:43.008
Anyone willing to second that for the purpose of debate? I'll second. the original motion. Sorry, I'm happy. Jessica Phillips 08:49.428
Yes, seconding the same. Frank Wilkie 08:50.408
Thanks, Councillor Finzel. Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 08:54.644
The primary goal of establishing a designated drop-off sign is to reduce the number of cars entering Hastings Street, which is I think in Trinidad, Chubut, Chester, and Drago the peak Christmas and New Year period. I'm concerned that allowing cars to drive into Hastings Street or drop-offs may worsen the traffic situation creating unnecessary delays and frustration. for drivers and pedestrians alike. I would like consideration of a drop-off area to a location behind the car park such as the area behind the bus stop on Noosa Drive to divert traffic away from Hastings Street. This not only helps to ease congestion but also provides an opportunity to better understand the traffic impacts of moving the drop-off zone to a less congested area. To a location behind the car park such as the area behind the bus stop on Noosa Drive to divert traffic away from Hastings Street. This not only helps to ease congestion but also provides an opportunity to better understand the traffic impacts of moving the Also concerned that there were no options provided to Council that we were given the surf club as the only option. The amendment provides Council and community with consideration of other options. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 10:06.124
A question of staff. Acting Director of Infrastructure, Shaun Walsh. Thank you, Shaun. Has advice been provided about the viability of using the bus stop as a drop-off zone during this period and everything else that's associated with it, emergency services area? Yeah, so I've conferred with the traffic engineer and the team, so there's concerns for jumping to using a I drop-off stopped because our primary obligation in that location is to save transit passengers under the transit program. I've also noted in that location, this is a key congestion location due to the entry to the Noosa Alliance Park, and the congestion that we experience is, you know, Noosa Drive or along Noosa Parade. The benefits of the main beach, you know, drop-off zone is the result of one congestion point, which is the Hastings Street Noosa Drive congestion, by preventing traffic queuing up the entry car park, and it provides a much safer interface. Now, longer Now, longer term, as referenced in discussions in the general committee, a master planning exercise to look at the Noosa Heads Lions Park, the Noosa Heads Bus Station, the Maze Carpark, and the main beach reserve would provide a better integration design outcome, but at this point for this season, we don't think that an alternative location is available, which actually Amelia Lorentson 11:38.397
Stop, the area behind the bus stop, has that been considered in terms of benefits, traffic assessment, etc? And has that been brought to councillors for consideration? Yeah, so last year we actually had a workshop with councillors where we actually presented the outcomes of the Noosa Shire's bus station design process, and they indicated that there is the opportunity to improve circulation and efficacy of that bus station, but it requires significant redesign of all of those spaces to meet TransLink requirements as well as, you know, make available drop-off sites. So it's a viable solution in the longer term to actually arrange a drop-off area there, but within the timeframes available for Christmas and the budget available and liaising with TransLink and the engineering requirements, we don't think it's a viable option at this Because, as I said, under contract obligations with TransLink, we have to keep the bus station functioning in accordance with standards. Frank Wilkie 12:37.182
Further questions of Director Walsh? Acting Director Walsh? Councillors, any Councillors wish to speak? Brian Stockwell 12:47.575
Just thinking... Is there an opportunity to do a bus? Is there another, whether it's this location or another, is there to actually create another drop-off one? I'll be looking through the maps, I can't tell you, but you know, a range of car parks that could be used for a drop-off. So that we actually have two, so people don't have to interact with each other. Shaun Walsh 13:14.828
To the Chair, so, without an appropriate detailed assessment, our initial concerns would be that we already have traffic congestion at the location going It also provides another 300 vehicle spaces. So, by actually promoting another drop or so in that location, we're actually going to, you know, create a further congestion on that location, and more moves around that particular roundabout. roundabout. So again, I think it gets back to the desirability of a properly integrated design approach between a final cost of 25, 26. But I'd be hesitant or reluctant to actually suggest that it would achieve both of these things. Frank Wilkie 13:54.788
You. Other people wish to speak to the amendment? I'll speak. Thank you very much for your expert advice, Shaun. The expert advice is that it's not feasible to have a drop-off centre at the bus stop. It's untested. untested whether it would stop cars from... It would increase the amount of cars entering Hastings Street. The purpose of the trial at the main beach precinct is that it's been shown to improve the flow of traffic around the flow of traffic around the Hastings Street roundabout, you don't have cars backing down the entrance ramp there, and to allow vehicles to safely unload their passengers, six or more vehicles to safely unload their passengers and gear right at the doorstep of Main Beach is a safer, very effective way to help people move around Noosa Heads the peak period and it's untested and certainly the advice is to the contrary that it would be very unsafe to have a drop-off zone in an area where buses are operating as well. I appreciate there was some talk about this on Facebook this morning and it's good that these ideas are tested but clear at this late stage we need as Councillor says we need to signal to the community what's going to happen and when which dates let's not confuse the community or ourselves by Amelia Lorentson 15:45.120
So the amendment in front of us is not a decision. The decision may be in fact to approve the surf club as a land drop off area. The amendment in front of us is consideration of options. Options that we as a council and community haven't had an opportunity to explore. We have a petition of 1,022 people opposing the people's park. Our own consultation and it's recorded in the report in front of us is that 60% did not approve the car park mentioned in the people's park that they value our car parking spaces. So the motion not only considers options it also respects the community that we serve and what they've made really clear that they would like to be consulted in this process. So I ask that the amendment be approved and again it's a consideration. The outcome or the recommendation they come forward about the main bench drop off area is for the reasons that have not even been spoken around this table, the preferred location. Frank Wilkie 17:01.150
Thank you. Put the amendment. Those in favour? That's Councillor Lorentson, Finzel and Phillips against. That's Stockwell, Wilson, Wegener and Wilkie amendments lost. We go back to the original motion to which Councillor has spoken. Anyone else wish to speak to the original motion? Brian Stockwell 17:24.000
Councillor Stockwell. I'll just restate my position. It has just been said that the community want consultation. I'll just reflect that when we did the livability survey we asked the question and got very clearly back from the community that it's a priority not to use green space for car parking. When we asked in the in the discussion page related to the destination management plan less than five percent of the people thought we should do nothing and the vast majority thought that not having car parking and there was just status quo and we should and that the vast majority wanted to do more. We know there is more planning to do there is more planning to do before we can do more, but I see this as a retrograde step that isn't listening to the community. Amelia Lorentson 18:12.921
In terms of the consultation and the question question directed to the CEO, how many responses did we get for the destination management plan? My understanding, and I'm throwing my recollections, about 400. Larry Sengstock 18:29.702
I'm not sure on that one, particularly because the destination management plan is much broader than that. It wasn't so much broader. Yeah, so to actually follow it into that, and we're still working through those responses as we speak. looking at our acting director there as well, and I think that's the case. That's the case, yeah. Thank you. Oh, another question. Brian Stockwell 18:49.600
A number was given for an online petition. My experience with online petitions is generally 50% above having an address Brisbane. Have we been able to assess how many were local residents in the petition that was... the number was given? Larry Sengstock 19:04.198
Which petition? Brian Stockwell 19:05.898
Oh, sorry, the petition regarding the Noosa Kids' Car Park. Sorry, I'll be more specific. The petition about not doing what is proposed in terms of the surf lifesaving car park, about not using, not closing No, I haven't done that. Larry Sengstock 19:24.955
I don't know the answer to that one, sorry. I might have to come back to you with that. Amelia Lorentson 19:30.135
Question? I'll speak to the motion. I think we've spoken enough, so I'm going to make this really brief. And I actually want to direct this to Noosa Lions Club. We've got the president, Michael Roach, here today, and ex-president... I want to extend on behalf of council and this community my thanks to the dedicated volunteers for their remarkable service to our community. The Lions are the face of Noosa. They warmly welcome our residents, our workers, and visitors at the Lions Club. They put in long long hours managing the car park not for personal gain but with the knowledge that the funds they raise will be reinvested back into the community. It's been a true pleasure to advocate over the years for what is the Lions Club most significant fundraising activity managing the Lions Park for 30 days out of 365 days a year. In particular I want to acknowledge past president Ian Gloop who was not prepared to ever take no for an answer. Your perseverance and commitment to service and the club are truly commendable and inspiring. Frank Wilkie 20:48.740
Anybody else wish to speak to the motion? Jessica Phillips 20:51.360
Yes thank you I just wanted to point out part G which is our commitment to a parking management plan that is already underway and a movement in place study that's proposed for 2025-26 so I think that parking plan will capture all of those different options that we do want to look at and I think that's I think, I just want to note my commitment to resources being used for that purpose rather than trying to address short-term options. Frank Wilkie 21:21.427
Yeah, and in response to Councillor Stockwell, yes there is strong community feedback that our green spaces ought not to be used as car parks. It's not a Noosa, not the Noosa-looking field. And there is the question confronting all of us as a community is long term as we head down Noosa Hill and look to the left during the peak period, do we want to see the entry statement to Noosa be a sea of cars or a green space where families can, are recreating. That's where, that's the long-term question and the question about the legacy that we want to leave our children and our children's children. But we did say, when we passed the motion in March 2023, about Committed to determining the long-term future of the Noosa Heads Lions Park after community consultation specifically about the use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park and that's the reason why I'm supporting use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park for overflow parking this Christmas and Easter as per this motion and also use use of the surf club car park because we know it's the right thing to do because it does increase the flow of traffic and makes it easier for people to get around, to drop off directly at Main Beach. know the police and emergency services have requested use of this area during New Year's Eve and it makes it safer for everyone. So, we know it's the right thing to do. I hope you'll support this motion. Wegener. Tom Wegener 23:22.643
Just put my little two cents in. We have found through our public consultation over and over again that congestion is a big, big issue for Noosa residents down through the Hastings Street area, especially during the peak seasons. We also know that through consultation, doing nothing is supported by about 5% of the people. So we have to do something. And this plan is actually doing something. I think pudding pudding with a rubber hits the road. We are actually doing things, making haste slowly, but I thoroughly support this and our actions going forward to addressing the congestion problem because it is a big one. It's the most beautiful place on earth. Going back to the main beach, Noosa Heads, Hastings Street, the whole national park down to the river mouth. It is such a small chunk of area. chunk of area and it is so breathtakingly beautiful that we need to make it as can maintain its beauty not destroy that which what we're trying to protect and it brings you back to Waikiki where I spent a lot of time and that was you know generally considered one of most beautiful places in the world and they did some things to make it make it keep it nice but it's lost its soul. soul and that's not going to happen in Noosa while we're on the watch. So thank you we are we actually are addressing the problem and we want to do our best for Noosa. Thank you Yes Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 24:51.651
Yes so following along I support the motion. I think this provides a great opportunity to bring everyone along with us. These are complex are complex issues that involve many overlays and I want to support this motion and we're going to move forward slowly and hopefully bring everyone with us. We've got staff, we've got experts, we've got external transport providers, we've got our retail operators, we've got our general residents and people that enjoy this place and our businesses. So we want So we want to go cautiously and move forward and bring everyone on the journey, acknowledging the past, the present, and the future. And I think as a council, everyone around the table is clearly hearing from entity that has a voice in this space. And we want to acknowledge each one of those voices and give them the due respect that their expertise, commitment, or volunteering in this space is acknowledged. So I support this. might not be to everyone's pleasure what we're doing, but these are difficult decisions, but I trust that the leadership around this table and the intentions of the community and the expertise that comes before us is being taken into consideration. And collectively, I hope that we can protect the Crown and And that that beautiful space that everyone comes to enjoy will be celebrated and we're at a speed bump, we're at that most difficult part where we've got to bring it to the pointy edge of challenging decision making. But I believe together. together we can collaborate and bring about the best solutions. So, Thank you, Frank Wilkie 26:31.100
Councillor Finzel. Councillor, would you wish to close? Jessica Phillips 26:33.560
Very shortly. Thank you, Mr Mayor. I'm just going to say a big thank you to the Lions Club as well. To the Lions Club for their many, many years their many many years of commitment to our community I also get really excited when I read SIG community feedback on the future of the park number E and I'm very excited to see note that council's resolution on the 13th of September 2021 that allowed the concept of a one-way loop local loop with a bus priority lane from Noosa Drive to Noosa Parade be referred to a So I look forward to that, because as some of the councillors have pointed out, we have to do something. We're here community, but we've got to meet somewhere in the middle with them. So I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds as a new councillor. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 27:18.534
Thank you, Councillor. We'll put the motion. Those in favour? That's Councillor, Finzel, Wilson, Wegener, Wegener, Lorentson and Wilkie. Against? Councillor Stockwell. The motion is carried. We're now on to ordinary meeting reports. We have one item that was referred from the General Committee to the ordinary meeting, which is the MCU 220201 application. Oh, sorry. Now, we also need to have a move and a second for all the general committee recommendations. Thank you, Councillor Stockwell. Councillor Finzel, all in favour? That's carried unanimously. Thank you. Now, the item that was referred to the ordinary, which is the application for material change of use for car wash and food and drink outlets. wash and food and drink outlet at 34 Elm Street, Cooroy, which was deferred from the General Committee meeting due to a request that they allow time for traffic consultants to meet. for us to get feedback for that today. Councillor Wilson, do you have a declaration? Nicola Wilson 28:32.084
I do. I, Councillor Wilson, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter as my partner Roy Vanderboog made a submission to this application when it was notified for 15 business days in 2023 in accordance with the Planning Act 2016 and received 520 properly made submissions. Although I have a declarable conflict of interest, I do not believe a reasonable person could have a perception of bias because this is one submission of an implied long submission of 500 in support and neither Roy nor myself have a financial interest in the outcome. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision. Frank Wilkie 29:15.541
Just a question, Councillor Wilson. Second line, you've mentioned you've informed the meeting, you have a terrible conflict of interest. My partner Roy Vanderburg made a submission. Was it in favour or against this application? application. Jessica Phillips 29:31.041
Believe it was in favour. I believe it was. I haven't seen it. Frank Wilkie 29:35.801
Are you happy to have that added to your declaration just in the interest of openness? So we have the submission, the declaration changed. Second line, made a submission in favour of this application. Jessica Phillips 29:50.620
So maybe, sorry, take the other one out. Yeah, I kind of meant to say it further up. Frank Wilkie 29:57.811
Just to clarify. Okay. I'll move that Councillor Wilson be allowed to stay in the room. Second. Councillor Stockwell. I'll read out the full motion if I can. The Council note the declarable conflict of interest for Councillor Wilson. In turn, the Councillor Wilson participates and votes on this matter because Council believes that a reasonable person would trust that the final decision all in favour that's unanimous except for councillor note that councillor Wilson did not vote okay stuff have you back here can you give us an update on what has happened since the first is the officer recommendation has been amended to further include grounds of refusal related to the traffic issues when the report was first prepared as we discussed that matter hadn't been unfortunately fully flushed out and so so now that we've prepared grounds of refusal to include the traffic matters so I believe it's at point four at four the traffic issues issues associated associated with the proposed car wash have not been satisfactorily resolved, specifically with regards to the inadequacy of queuing on the approaches to the various components of the development, whether increased traffic volumes in Diamond Lane can be acceptably accommodated. Patrick Murphy 31:34.194
Accommodated from both the geometric and practical operation perspective, and how refuse collection is proposed to occur in a satisfactory manner. Frank Wilkie 31:43.074
That's an extra question as well, how refuse is to be collected? Patrick Murphy 31:48.397
That is a matter which has been an issue and conveyed to the applicants at the time that the So is that a change to the reasons for refusal? So point four, A, B and C are all changes to the The second matter to provide you with an update on is the, unfortunately the traffic consultants haven't been able to have a discussion at this point. They're both very busy. It was a public holiday in Brisbane yesterday, so there was an inability for them to make contact with one another at this stage. So those matters remain unresolved in our opinion. So we have suggested that, or we do suggest that it might be an opportunity for councillors to defer the matter to a future round of meetings to enable further time for the traffic consultants to resolve these matters. Frank Wilkie 32:39.028
Thank you, Patrick. you, Patrick. Questions of staff? Amelia Lorentson 32:44.430
I'd like to move an alternate motion. And before I move an alternate motion, I'd like to make a request to the Chair. want to request that the Chair or other councillors, if possible, refrain from setting a loud five-minute alarm when councillors are speaking, as happened during Monday's general meeting. The loud alarm that went off at five minutes disrupted, it was myself actually, it disrupted my train of thought and broke the concentration of councillors who were listening. Traditionally, this council has allowed a little bit of latency, one to two minutes over these five minutes. minutes speaking time. I make the request through the chair that this leniency is continued today. Frank Wilkie 33:32.689
In answer to your question, leniency was and always has been applied and I take your point about loud alarms, I never use one. Thank you very much. Thank you. Anyone else care to move? I wasn't aware of any alarms, I certainly didn't set one. Thank you. Alright, we'll take that. Amelia Lorentson 33:54.222
I'd like to move an alternate motion. Patrick Murphy 33:59.802
Just give us one minute. Amelia Lorentson 34:34.780
Thank you. That council notes the report by the coordinator of planning to the Planning and Environment Committee meeting dated 6th of August 2024. Regarding NCU22/0201 for a development permit for material change of use for a car wash and food and drink outlet at 34 Adams Street, Cooroy. And A approved. A approved the application. B Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer to issue a development permit for material change of use for a car wash and food and drink outlet at 34 Adams Street, Cooroy and post reasonable and relevant conditions on the approval. C Note the report is provided in accordance with section 63.5 of the Planning Act 2016. the following matters relevant to the assessment and sufficient reason to approve the application. One, there is a strong level of economic, community and planning need for the development in this location. Two, there is no car wash currently provided with Cooroy and the use of hinterland and no other suitable land available for that purpose. Three, the proposed will provide substantial community benefit and will not cause any adverse impacts on humanity and character of the area. Four, the proposed development accords with reasonable community expectations given the significant number will be a significant number of submissions in support that have been received. There will be significant environmental benefits for a car wash to be provided in the location, resulting in improving water quality entering local waterways, including Lake Macdonald. A car wash is for commercial washing vehicles which is a complimentary use to the existing service stations in this location, which will result in the sharing of facilities and reduce traffic movements. can be imposed to address any issues raised by smithers about the hours of operation of the development. Frank Wilkie 36:38.690
Right, can we have a seconder for that please? Councillor? Thank you. Councillor Lorentson? Amelia Lorentson 36:50.160
Despite presenting a zoning conflict and non-compliance with the planning scheme, the proposed car wash warrants approval if it can be demonstrated that the public interest is better served by approving the application. In making this decision, we as councillors need to consider the following: following: 1. Is there an economic community for planning the proposed development? 2. Are there relevant factors that support approving the development? And 3. Should the application be approved or refused in the exercise of planning discretion? The car wash project offers significant environmental, economic, community and social benefits. Which when waived against the planning scheme non-compliance justifies its approval. I urge councillors to consider these benefits and the need outlined in the motion and to exercise your planning discretion under the Planning Act. approve the car wash. Its service meets community needs, it supports the local economy and offers environmental benefits making non-compliance less significant in light of the overall positive impact on the community. The following relevant matters are relied upon to support the approval. Planning and economic need. The proposed car wash addresses a clear economic and community need at the Cooroy District Centre. There are over 10,000 vehicles in Cooroy that currently lack access to a commercial car wash without travelling to either Noosa or Gympie. National statistics show an average of 7,411 registered vehicles per car wash across Australia, indicating that Cooroy requires at least one car wash to meet local demand. The site's proximity to the petrol station enhances convenience, making it an ideal location that complements existing businesses and builds a An economic needs assessment report commissioned by the applicant confirms strong community and economic demand for the car wash in Cooroy. It highlights unique features such as super base, and an undercarriage wash that will attract business, benefit local businesses, and stimulate the economy. Additionally, the car wash will create local jobs contributing to the community's economic growth. Community and public interest. The proposed car wash has received overwhelming community support, highlighting its importance in fulfilling local needs and enhancing the Cooroy District Centre. Of the 520 submissions, there were 498 in support, with letters of endorsement from the local chambers of commerce, residents, and businesses. This strong community backing highlights the car washers' role in serving the public interest, which is a critical factor in planning decisions. The applicant also plans to contribute to the community by facilitating fundraising opportunities for local schools and clubs, offering discounted wash rates for senior citizens and implementing environmentally friendly initiatives. These include using advertising space for local environmental education, providing a notice board for community events and installing a reverse vending machine for recycling. Environmental benefits: The car wash is designed with sustainability in mind, aligning with the community's environmental values. It will recycle water, use solar power and harvest rainwater, significantly reducing its environmental impact. Facility also... protecting the unique ecosystems of the Cooroy and Noosa regions. Design and build form: the carwash design meets the highest building standards and carwash best practices. Featuring architectural elements and, hence, the Cooroy Local Plan. It is designed by Tracy Michaels from TNC Building Design, one of the most respected experts in the industry with over 20 years of experience designing over 300 car washes across Australia and New Zealand. The design includes overhanging roofs, timber panel features, shaded seating areas, adding aesthetic value to the area while minimising crime risk and integrating with the surrounding environment. Location suitability: the site's location between two petrol stations ensures visibility and accessibility. and accessibility which are essential, crucial for a car wash's success. Although the site's current zoning as a district centre may not fully align with the car wash use, its specific circumstances make it a practical choice. The site is also removed from residential areas, minimising potential impacts on residential amenities. Addressing the cleaning concerns: to mitigate about potential queuing, the applicant has consulted with existing car washes of similar similar scale like it's an under super wash in tamworth team wash director and do his car wash all have provided feedback and see no issue with queuing they have all stated that the proposed car wash layout should effectively manage traffic flow without issues additionally the applicant is willing to include an on-site manager to address any queuing concerns as a condition of approval. I also want to note that the applicant's traffic consultant has also sent an email to all the councillors and he stated that there is more than adequate on-site queuing to accommodate any risk without a material risk of overflow into Opal Street. I urge councillors to approve the car wash development because it serves a greater public interest than strict adherence to the planning scheme. In conclusion, Additionally, The car wash will meet community needs, it will support the local economy and it offers significant environmental benefits, making it a valuable... addition to the Cooroy district area and it gives, most importantly, the residents of Cooroy and the Noosa hinterland a much needed car wash. Frank Wilkie 42:55.847
I'd like to move an amendment. Point 2, just to read, there is no car wash currently provided within Cooroy and the Noosa hinterland. That's item 2. Read, there is no car wash currently provided within Cooroy and the Noosa that's item 2. Read, there is no car wash currently provided within Cooroy and the Noosa hinterland. That's item 2. Read, there is no car wash currently provided within Cooroy and the Noosa hinterland. That's item 2. Stop after Hinterland. Thank you. May I have a seconder for that, please? No seconder. Thank you. Councillors, I move in this law. There may be a majority of councillors who wish to approve this development. There's no doubt that it'll be very well used and successful. But if you're Let's not have a statement that is easily... is factually not right. A simple search this morning revealed that there is industrial land immediately available for sale out of... It's a entire court, so for us to say that there is no land immediately available for that purpose is just not right. So, by all means, if you want to support this, let's just stick to statements that can be supported. Amelia Lorentson 45:22.220
I'm happy to support the amendment. I think I concur with what Councillor Wilkie has said. It's arguably there's no other available land for a car wash, so I'm happy to support the amendment. Frank Wilkie 45:43.341
Yes, Mr. Speaker, to the motion to put the amendment 1,500. That's unanimous. I'd also like to move a second amendment. And that is, can I see the original motion, please, Vicki? That it'll be section three. So if you cut and paste section three. Subtitles And lift the wrist. Do I have a seconder to test this one please? Amelia Lorentson 46:51.640
Thank you Frank Wilkie 46:53.060
Councillor Finzel. I do this because if you wish to approve it, yes there's arguably community benefit for a car wash. The location is the issue and this whole substance of the refusal, the recommendation for a refusal is that there will be previous community impact on amenity in terms of there will be a 19 metre long concrete block wall, 7.5 metres high, facing towards the bowls club and the residents at the end of that street. That has an impact on amenity. We've also not tested the consultant's that there won't be queuing. Staff say there is concerns about queuing. If there is queuing, that's going to have an impact on the amenity of that particular neighbourhood. By all means, if you want to support it, do it, but let's not make not make statements that cannot be supported. A 19 metre long rock wall, 7.5 metres high, will have an impact on amenity. And I think without having consultants meet to test the ideas against each other, it's very unwise to say there'd be no impact on resident amenity. So for that reason, take a proportionary approach, stick to statements that are supported. That's why I'm suggesting this change to the wording. Amelia Lorentson 48:26.729
In terms of the majority of neighbours, they've got two service stations and a Bowls Club. Have they made any submissions in support or objecting to the proposed development? Nadine 48:42.349
Through the Chair, I'm uncertain about the service stations, but I understand the Cooroy and Bowls Club did put a submission in support of the application. can quickly check if you'd like on the other two? Amelia Lorentson 48:55.906
That would be great, thank you. And that other question is confirmation. My understanding is that the intentions are for it to have a mural, which will possibly, you know, tell the story, the Cooroy history. Are you aware of that, Patrick? Patrick Murphy 49:18.491
Certainly there is a proposal to have a mural on the wall. Notwithstanding, it's my opinion that it still will have an appearance of significant bulk, considering its height and length. And just maybe go back to the point before with Nadine, the service station certainly did not object to the application. Amelia Lorentson 49:35.813
Thank you, so no objections by the service stations who will be adjoining Noosa. That is correct. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 49:43.033
Question, you did show us a map which showed some of the submissions that we were against. It seemed to be in the same, around the same street to the east of the development. Nadine 49:56.513
That's correct. We had some in Diamond Lane and Opal Street, so further to the east of the Bowls Club. Thank you. I have a question about the submissions that were against. When did that so there was a public notification period. As part of the process, there's a public notification period. They were submitted during that period. So in terms of timeframe, I'm not quite sure of your question, so. Jessica Phillips 50:33.463
Well, my understanding is the people that submitted against, some of them have actually supported the application now. Nadine 50:48.122
I haven't checked that, I'm sorry. So when a submission comes in, it's logged in our system and it's identified as properly made and also a for or against. So I based that on the analysis of how it's been put in. So I haven't gone through to see if any of those people have since put in a further submission to say that that they've withdrawn their previous objection. So I'm sorry, I can't really answer that. Jessica Phillips 51:18.019
Okay, so my question is potentially, could they have put in the submission against prior to some of the changes that the applicant made? Yes, yes. So can we accurately use those submissions that were against in our argument? Through the Chair, yes. So when, as part of the public notification period, there's a specific time, 15 business days, and those people submitted objections against the proposal. I haven't seen anyone coming back and formally withdrawing those letters of objection. So I haven't received any letters. I don't know. I'd have to do a further analysis to identify whether they have... So a name has been put in as an objection. If they've later on, outside that public notification period, if they've later on made a further submission. But noting the period that I deal with are generally the properly made submissions. Amelia Lorentson 52:37.536
The original Karen Finzel 52:51.124
By Councillor Frank. In regards to amenity and the brick wall, I know there's been discussion around a mural. I'm just wondering, it seems the applicants are open to reasonable conditions. Is there an opportunity for like a living fence or... vegetation to be grown on the fence that softens that through vegetation? Is that an option? Patrick Murphy 53:15.371
Through the chair, it would be possible to include conditions to... The appearance of the wall. The mural, it could include an awning, it could include some features to change its appearance. Not knowing it still will be a significant style as well. Amelia Lorentson 53:32.481
Thank Thank you. Question. The motion, the alternate motion, delegates to the CEO the authority to impose relevant and reasonable... conditions so that if that's the way forward that's captured in that... in motion. Patrick Murphy 53:56.867
That's correct. We could put conditions on to address the appearance of the law. Frank Wilkie 54:05.621
Yes, thank you. Council has just asked to support this amendment. If approved, this will become a resolution of the local government, so it's just about not making promises that will be contested, that we can't necessarily keep. And the nature of the submissions against this proposal were saying it's a development better suited to an industrial area, because of the size and scale of it, and features 19-metre-long, 7.5-metre-high brick wall, not brick wall, concrete wall, which will have impacts on amenity. And also, we still have the untested situation about traffic, the impacts of traffic and the potential queuing, because the consultants have not yet met. Yeah, I'll leave it at that. I'll put the amendment to the vote. Those in favour? That's unanimous. We go back to the We go back to the original motion. Councillor Stockwell. I have an amendment too Vicky and it's just dealing with the matter that was just raised and it's suggesting there's an additional wording on B and that additional word says that including conditions require the modification of the east wall to increase its articulation. Example awning over walkway, addition of green wall elements or use of timber battening. Do we have a seconder for the amendment please? Tom Wegener 55:32.285
Think I can do it. Yes you can. I did your first amendment. Frank Wilkie 55:37.965
Yeah you can do it. Thank you Councillor Wegener. Councillor Brian Stockwell 55:41.285
Stockwell. This addition here is just to do what Councillor Lorentson was just suggesting that if you council staff the ability to consider those issues and it does give them some direction that we would like to see some improvement to achieve some of the potential improvements that could go towards potentially achieving Jessica Phillips 56:04.174
I think that's far too specific to put into a motion if we're the purpose of the other amendments was to take a subjective language and be clearer and tighter I think this thing goes too far away I think the CEO can impose reasonable and relevant conditions on the approval and they should be discussed outside of this meeting Frank Wilkie 56:26.255
Just a question to staff. Some of these conditions mentioned in the amendment, are they unusual or unreasonable? Patrick Murphy 56:39.490
We'd consider them to be reasonable and type of conditions that we would readily apply where we have design concerns. It has happened before in other developments? Certainly. Thank you. Anybody else wish to speak to the amendment? Amelia Lorentson 56:57.745
I think that the wording is redundant and concur with Councillor Wilson. I think as Patrick has already stated that the wording as it stands captures Catches conclusions, catches what Councillor Stockwell has put before us. Again, I don't think we need to be specific and I would also like the conditions to be not negotiated but discussed at a minimum with the applicant. Jessica Phillips 57:31.640
I might just quickly reaffirm that because I'd like to see the delegation to our CEO and empower him to be able to make these decisions and trust his decisions in that process. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 57:45.460
Councillor Finzel? Karen Finzel 57:46.540
Yes, also I'd like to concur with Councillor. the other councillors around the table. Also, I want to give the applicant an opportunity to have those discussions that are free flowing with us imposing conditions and how we believe around the table. think this should go. I think it's been clearly articulated by the staff and what we've heard today that this is something that can be undertaken but I would prefer to leave the applicant and the CEO to work it out between themselves. Frank Wilkie 58:22.260
Councillors, what's been asked here is not unusual. In fact, it's part of our job. If we're dedicated to ensuring the Noosa look and feel, mitigating against negative amenity impacts, this is part and parcel of what councillors can and do. I respect the majority decision, but the decision we make here will have an impact on the look and feel of the entryway to the ward. So all Councillor Stockwell is trying to do is make that as pleasant as possible for the benefit not only of the applicant but also the customers and also the Cooroy community. So I'm going to be supporting the amendment. Okay Councillor Stockwell just to close. I do. Brian Stockwell 59:12.443
To the new councillors, the motion before us is highly, highly unusual. It's the first time I can remember in the last eight years and potentially years that I've been a councillor where a matter for development approvals come to council and the recommendation was to get the staff to approve the decisions. So what we're saying here is very unusual. So the fact that we should leave it to the it was a delegate decision, yes. But this is a highly controversial development and do you think that a few words around the table is enough to guide staff? You're wrong. If you want improvements to a key bit of green space in Cooroy, then you have to tell staff that you think that's an issue. That's all it does. To increase the articulation. I'll wait till I debate the substantive motion to tell you why that's important and why staff have recommended refusal. But don't be misled. don't be misled. This is not an unusual way of dealing with development applications around this table. We normally go through every condition and then if I was to do this, I would move an additional condition. the way it's worked, I can't. This just tells staff that we think it's an issue. If you don't think it's an issue, don't vote against the amendment. Don't just hope that staff will listen to what's around the table. The only thing staff can listen to is a motion of council. you. Frank Wilkie 01:00:33.326
I'll put the amendment those in favour. Councillor Stockwell, Wegener and Wilkie, and Councillor Finzel, Stockwell, Wegener and Wilkie. Those against? That's Councillor Lorentson and and Wilson and Phillips. The amendment is carried. It takes us back to the original motion to which Councillor Lorentson has spoken and no one else has. I'll speak. Councillor Wegener. Tom Wegener 01:01:01.173
There's going to be a full five minutes. I live in Cooroy and I have tank water and I live near the Bruce Highway so I get a lot of oil and grit. I've got fruit trees and I have bats making a mess in my car many mornings of the year. A car wash should be a definite benefit to me and to many, many people that live near me and are on tank water. totally understand the staff recommendation as it is in industrial use in a Cooroy district centre and they're bound by the planning schemes, very, very black and white reading. However, I've stood atop the Cooroy pedestrian crossing with staff and with the residents. we were looking at traffic in Cooroy and the future of Cooroy and it is an enormously difficult situation from up at the top there you look down you have the rail corridor, the giant rail easement. the two district centres are not really connected in any way, shape, or form. Plus you have two petrol stations next to each other and this going in between the two. So in my opinion, it's zoned. zoned district centre, but it is that name only. It is not an ideal district centre, but it is, it's still right next to a very The hill above the petrol stations is a gorgeous, wonderful place to live with fantastic residents. And the big question is, if we go with an approval are we cementing into place this sort of dystopian, not fit for perfect district centre? And I don't think so because I don't really think it's much of a district centre at all. we embracing a green, innovative business, which is a clear benefit to the community? Yes, we are. We are definitely doing that. Will it compromise the amenity? I think not. I don't think it will. It's a car wash, especially this car wash, the way it's designed. They're happy places. You go into the with a dirty car, like my car regularly, and you clean it, and you come out with a clean car. It's a fantastic thing, and you're not using your own tank water. You're not putting pollutants, as my water does, go into the Lake Macdonald catchment. There's been enormous support from the community for it. When push comes to shove, will a refusal stand in court and I am of the opinion it would not. I think we would lose that one on appeal. So I support the motion to approve the car wash. Thank Brian Stockwell 01:04:12.381
I was looking, thinking about the amendments to Councillor Wilkie made and I was looking at item six and the car wash a commercial washing of vehicles which is complementary use to existing service stations in this location. Yes, accepted. Can you tell me if there's any evidence within the application or anything that of which would suggest the development of a car wash on a vacant block of land would result in sharing of facilities and a reduction of traffic movements? I would have thought that the application would have actually given us evidence that there would be an increase in traffic movements. Patrick Murphy 01:04:50.940
Certainly there is expected to be many tens of thousands of car washes occur at this site throughout the course of the year. In terms of the split of people using the service station and going to the car wash, I couldn't tell you what that percentage would be, but they're certainly bringing more traffic to the area. Frank Wilkie 01:05:12.802
Do you wish to move an amendment, Councillor Stockwell? No. I feel duty bound to move an amendment to take off which will result in sharing facilities and reduce traffic movements, because if this is going to be a resolution of this council, it has to make sense. It has to be things that are truthful. FULL STOP AFTER LOCATION just delete the rest. Okay look arguably it is a it is a complementary use to the existing service stations in the location I can see and support that but to say it will or even infer that it will result in the reduction of traffic movements I don't think any of us can hand on heart say that that will be the case so I hope you will support this change please. Anybody else wish to speak to the amendment I'll put it to put it to the vote and those in favour that's unanimous thank you we go back to the original motion and only Councillor Lorentson and Councillor Wegener have spoken to that. Councillors I might try a procedural motion please the procedural motion being that the matter be deferred to a future council meeting to allow the applicant's consultant to discuss traffic issues raised with council's traffic consultant. That the matter be deferred. To allow the applicant's consultant. discuss traffic issues. Raised with council's traffic consultant. a great visit of mine. To discuss traffic issues raised with the Council's traffic consultant. Yeah. So I'll, I'll I'll move that. Purpose of testing this procedural motion to have a second at least. Jessica Phillips 01:08:32.144
Can I speak to this? After I've spoken. After you've spoken. Have fun. Frank Wilkie 01:08:37.009
Councillors, it would be very unusual for Council to approve a development that's so much, so many inconsistencies with the planning scheme, with the potential for there to be traffic impacts and not have the traffic consultants meet to fully thrash out Jessica Phillips 01:08:37.204
The Thanks. Frank Wilkie 01:09:21.111
From the applicant's traffic consultant that queuing will not be a problem and there will be no impact on the streets. We can take that at face value, but I think that would be unwise. To do your due diligence, I really need to allow the traffic consultants to meet, have those matters thrashed out, and then, and only then, make your decision eyes wide open. we can all better defend, because as controversial as it is, no one, I think, is arguing that and that will this wouldn't be a great addition to the locality of Cooroy. The question is the location and its impact in that current location, rather than in an industrial estate. So please, just do your due diligence, allow the traffic consultants to meet, take on board meet, take on board what we hear back, then eyes wide open, make your decision regardless of what that may be. And we'll be in a better position to defend it regardless. Jessica Phillips 01:10:31.293
Can I speak against your procedural motion, Mr. Mayor? This applicant has spent four years jumping through hoops and it is costing approximately $8,000 a week or a month. I might get that wrong, but money that I certainly don't have in my back pocket and I just think we have an obligation today to make this decision. Amelia Lorentson 01:10:53.669
I'm going to ask a couple of questions to Patrick and Nadine. My understanding that a traffic report has been available since 2022 and that, you know, she's with SARA. Can I ask this new information that was just presented a couple of weeks ago, why was that not sort of addressed in 2022 and why wasn't it today? Why wasn't the applicant given the opportunity of a request for more information? I'm just sort of dumbfounded by 2022. We accepted the report and said there was no impacts or traffics and now in 2024 it's become an issue. Patrick Murphy 01:11:45.603
The traffic report was submitted with an application in 2022 and then an information request was made. That would have been made within four to five weeks of the application being lodged and that did include some traffic matters. I think it was about nine months to respond to the information request. So there was a lot of time where we weren't looking at it, we were waiting for this information to come back. That came back I believe in September of 2023. There has been a substantial period of time since then to this point in time we accept that. When Nadine wrote the report she had verbal advice from the traffic consultant and unfortunately there was further advice that was provided after that time which raised issues with the queuing. That was provided the day before the Planning and Environment Committee meeting and we accept that it's not acceptable to have that late response to the applicant and hence why we are supportive of a deferral to enable these matters to be resolved. Tom Wegener 01:12:58.600
Yeah, I'll speak to that question. We've got to get on with the job. My experience of living on this earth for nearly 60 years is we know how traffic flows. have this particular application. There's lots, I mean, I think it's over, it's over-sized, it's plenty of room for cars to go through, they're state of the art. when of the letters that came back that Tracy sent was talking with, was from some other people that own big car washes and they say, well, you know, you have all these bays and if it's, if it ever did actually happen to get crowded, well then the smaller cars can go through them. bigger bays, the caravan bays, and that's what they, he said what happens is in his, but he says he's never seen more than four caravans ever at a caravan washing bay and there's two of them in this, in this, in this instance. So I... I, I just don't, I don't think we need a further report on this. Common sense. It's our own knowledge. We're, we're councillors. We've been voted in to represent the community. It's, it's, it's kind of an obvious thing that we could make a judgment call on that just like the petrol stations. If you had a study saying, well, you know, what is the traffic situation at the petrol station? Well, people will drive past and go to the next one if it's, if it's queued up all the way. I've never seen cars actually queued out onto Elm Street or down Diamond Lane or anywhere. I've never seen that because you just drive past. If, if there's a long line, then I think this will even be more the case, especially for the community that it is to service. So I don't think that there's actually a traffic a traffic issue here in this, from my experience, so I won't be supporting this amendment. Amelia Lorentson 01:14:46.447
I'll speak to this also, and I'm going to reference the Taminda superwash. Which opened in May 2022 on a major arterial road in Tamworth, New South Wales. Tamworth has a population... Point of order. Frank Wilkie 01:15:01.214
Yes. What is the point? We're debating our emotional deferral, we're not debating anything to do with the content of... content of the application. Let me read, sorry. That's quite correct. Amelia Lorentson 01:15:14.060
Okay, I am... I'm giving my reasons... I'm giving my reasons why I don't support the application in front of us and my reasons are because car washes of similar scale to the one that we've got in front of us, specifically the... Superwash, which opened in May 2022 in Tamworth, who have provided valuable feedback in terms of queuing and traffic issues, have served with no issues and it's of particular interest because it's got a similar population of 65,000 to Noosa. It's also It's also the largest and busiest car wash in North West New South Wales and it's also got a Super Bay car wash. It handled significant traffic including the traffic during the Tamworth Country Music Festival where it bounced thousands and thousands of caravan from the area and they have provided a letter, a statement and it's been offered and provided to all the councillors that there are no issues. Also I want to note that the proposed car proposed car wash has the capacity to queue up to 16 vehicles. It's also faster service time and we had a traffic control report from 2022 which says there issues with overflow. As Councillor Wegener stated, the car wash is busy, we move on, we come another day. So I'm not supporting the amendment in front of us. Frank Wilkie 01:16:49.959
The issue of impact on adjoining streets, we're talking about Opal Street and Diamond Lane, not a major arterial road, is that correct? Patrick Murphy 01:17:01.539
That is correct and I'm just aware, the applicants through their economic needs report, they're advising approximately They're advising approximately 68,000 car washes per year, so that's 136,000 vehicle movements, 68,000 in and 68,000 out, so we're talking a very significant number. This situation is very different to other situations, you've got to look at them individually and that's what our traffic consultant has done here, they've picked up the nuances of this site and the access from Diamond Lane and the adjoining service station and some of the conflict that might be provided there and so you can't just have a broad brush approach and say there's another busy service station elsewhere and it's not causing traffic issues, we've got a respected traffic consultant that's raised concerns and Nadine just pointed out to me that the the car Taminda wash car wash in New South wales is actually in an industrial area so you know very very different circumstances. Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 01:18:11.718
I just have a question, Sarah said there was no concerns they were happy to support any reasonable conditions. I'm just wondering when the issue was first raised back they used to say there was concerns around the initial traffic report that was put in by the applicant. Can you tell me in that the concerns raised was the queuing raised? From that initial report as a concern. Rised. Patrick Murphy 01:18:46.023
My reading of the traffic report that was provided in response to the information request it was significantly around the viewing lines from cars that were parked in Opal Street. The availability of car parking on the site. So I don't believe that it was raised as the initial information request item. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:19:17.076
Do any of the councillors wish to speak to the procedural motion? Karen Finzel 01:19:20.536
Can I ask a question? Jessica Phillips 01:19:22.196
Yes. Thank you. Um, if the... the site was developed for shops and offices, what would be the estimated throughput of vehicles for that purpose? Frank Wilkie 01:19:35.397
Point of order again. I'll allow it because we've had a discussion on that. Again, the traffic report that's been provided provided asserts asserts that there's more vehicles that would be associated with the shopping centre than there would be with the car wash but again very different circumstances because you go into a shopping centre and you park your car in an allocated bay you're away from the aisle which people would be manoeuvreing around in this instance the the use itself occupies the queuing areas. Jessica Phillips 01:20:22.295
More easy because-way system so that it comes up opal street goes through the car wash and then out onto diamond lane which would actually have been extended two metres in width as well rather than people reversing and coming back out into Opal Street would that seem a more faster flow Well, the issue I think that our traffic consultants raise is that flow has the impact, has the potential to be impacted by the queuing. Amelia Lorentson 01:20:46.839
Thank you. Just confirmation, I remember reading the traffic report actually assessed the impact of traffic. If non-retail stores were built and my recollection in the traffic report, I'm asking for confirmation if I've read correctly, it was that it actually stated that there was less impact proposed, less impact of a car wash as compared to the existing development site with non-retail Is that correct? I'm very clear that I've read that. Yes, the traffic report asserts that there's less vehicles that will attend the site. However, this one, again, there's differences between the two applications in that the retail approval required all vehicles to exit via Opal Street, whereas in this instance, all vehicles will be exiting via Diamond Brian Stockwell 01:21:56.103
I'm going to speak to the deferral motion. At deferral motion, you either agree with the deferral or not. You don't talk about the substance of the application. I believe there's a majority of councillors in this room that don't want to decide the matter, so I won't support the amendment to defer. Frank Wilkie 01:22:17.500
Any other councillors wish to speak to the deferral motion? Councillors, I'll close by saying, judging by the questions, clearly none of us are traffic engineers. Examples cited are about the large-scale car wash on a major arterial road in an industrial estate. If this was an industrial estate, we wouldn't be having this discussion. The reason why I've called for it to be deferred to allow traffic consultants to meet and to discuss is because a respected traffic consultant has raised concerns and if this is approved without allowing that to happen to my mind this might be the first time in Noosa Council's history where an application has been approved where traffic consultants concerns have not been properly addressed or discussed with an applicant consultant consultant tom said the community voted us in to get on with things and make decisions that's true but it also voted us in to do our due diligence before we make those decisions it's likely judged by the comments it's likely to be approved but let's all I'm saying is to defer it to next month allow the consultants to meet and then rest easy with whatever Councillor Wilson Brian Stockwell 01:24:34.726
So. Subtitles range of community support for it. The obvious is that applicants have done their best to try and design a car wash that's environmentally sensitive and a car wash that addresses the street in a way that takes some elements of the vernacular architecture. But my view is that to assess this application, you're going to come up with a different outcome in your mind depending on the timeframe of which you are thinking about it. So there we have the planning scheme. Now remember councillors, our job here is not to critique the planning scheme, our job here is to implement and interpret it. So we don't have the luxury of making the policy on the ground and got the job. the framework and character plan. Here's the character... It clearly identifies this site as a key development site in the Cooroy Business Centre. And immediately behind it is a piece of green space in the middle of the And the pedestrianisation. You can see there that there is a lot of pedestrian... the green arrow is showing a lot of pedestrian movements and the intent near this site to have a better crossing across the railway and we've heard we've heard that it's a transit centre. So if you go to the next slide. A lot has been made that currently there's two service stations. And that's right. And it is consistent with that lock and field. But is that the lock and the field that we should be assessing this development application against? And my argument is no. The planning scheme doesn't place weight on the current look and feel. It places weight on the desired outcomes. We know that that corner in historical times is... unlikely to go back to that. But we know that Cooroy is ever changing. My first job was across the street and I was providing fertilisers to the range of dairies and pineapple farms that no longer exist, so Cooroy will transition. next one, please. We did, over this site previously considered, just a little bit higher please, look at a shopping development. And you can see there in the bottom of the black and white pictures, we actually spent a lot of time working with that applicant to get a look and get a look and feel to Elm Street and to Opal Street that was consistent with the desired outcomes, the overall outcomes and the performance outcomes of the planning scheme. You can see the frontage in the proposed has attempted in the main building to reflect some of that, but you have got things like the vacuuming bay facing Elm Street, which is less than, I what we would hope for a streetscape in Cooroy. If we are, like the staff have suggested, the proposal is not sympathetic to the intended development form of the district centre zone, which is for buildings that address the street, create vibrant and active spaces, continuous weather protection with car parking not dominating the street, and creates vibrant and active spaces. we can see that previously we had achieved that, the current proposal doesn't. We'll go to the next. And there's been a lot of talk this morning about this wall, okay? I did this on Sunday, so we now know it is 19.4 metres, and it is two storeys high. In 3.35 of the scheme, under the centre's hierarchy, each centre is characterised by its scale and its function, and avoiding incompatible uses within the centre. And so here's the debate. You might not consider it incompatible with the existing neighbouring development, but is it incompatible with what's proposed in the planning scheme? Yes. And that that wall is a classic example. If that was in an industrial zone, we wouldn't blink an eye, because that's probably the reason, the look and the feel of car washes is probably the reason why our planning scheme says it's an industrial activity and should be located in an industrial zone. It's clear logic, it does have that industrial feel. This morning I went again and said well here's the balancing act, can I find any other support in the planning scheme? And I couldn't. If we look at the particular one about this, the acceptable outcome we know is elevations are no longer than 15 metres without articulation of at least 0.75 metres and presents subtle changes in textures and materials to break up the building facade. it can't meet that. So then you go to the performance outcomes that can't meet the acceptable solution that talks about buildings and other structures present a high level of architectural building with building form elements and forms that are consistent with the Bolton scale of buildings on adjoining a nearby land. That is in no way consistent with the Bols Club or the houses or the single storey commercial developments that are there. Break down the scale. the facade in finer scale components. Provide strong visual relationships to the landscape, natural features, not relevant, but highly relevant to recreation areas in the vicinity. That is not providing strong visual relationships with the It presents subtle changes in colours, textures, materials to break up the building facade. So the amendment I moved earlier was to try and do some retrofit if it's to be approved to achieve these. It is well articulated with strong horizontal vertical design elements providing an interesting landscape. I will take a long-term view because you can buy petrol in Opal Street when I first moved a motion to approve the development of the Troll Tank for Cooroy which first brought in these character protections and the vision for Cooroy. It was a gun barrel street, a long street with no trees, no furniture and they were taking out the varietals off the the footpath because cars were backing into it. Now you think about what Opal Street looks like today. It's taken 35 years to get there or so. What we're not doing in this space so far is thinking about with the projected 3,000 extra people already in our planning scheme for the hinterland what it should be on the eastern side of the highway. So I can't of the I can't go there because I can't find any support in the planning scheme that would warrant the level of difference from what the scheme requires to what is proposed because an inconsistent application should be able to demonstrate that there is an overriding need in this particular location. understand the motion. It talks about a planning need. Our expert staff don't believe a planning needs to be justified and that's something that is generally argued in the court. To me if the situation was reversed where the amount of commercial land was equivalent to the amount of industrial land and the amount of industrial land committed to the commercial then you could probably argue it. But what we've found is that there is no shortage of supply of industrial land that would warrant land that would warrant a planning deed in my opinion. So to me, while I understand the great lengths that have gone to try and fit the codes and to fit the scheme, to me the development doesn't retain and maintain the country town feel, the traditional good form, the heritage and street track character of the town, as is the desired outcome in the Cooroy Local Planning Pact. Frank Wilkie 01:32:23.794
Else wish to speak to the motion? Councillor. Jessica Phillips 01:32:28.554
Thank you. I'm going to keep it pretty short and sweet if that's okay. So Councillor Stockwell likes to point out sometimes that I'm a new councillor or the new councillors. I may be very new and I don't know the standing order still and I'm getting there. So I think the general public can forgive me when I stand and speak at the wrong time. But for 15 for 15 years, I was a highly regarded police officer, which meant I had some public trust. So to reaffirm Councillor Lorentson's initial opening was around discretion and public interest. Those things I can speak very clearly on. A flawless career in policing, no one questioned whether I had And the ability to use discretion, which is when we're talking about a situation like this, it's not black and white. Very grey, we've all heard around the table, extremely grey area, but I want to make this very clear statement. It doesn't matter who's right. Let's Let's do what's right. What's right is listen to the hundreds of community members that have put in an application in favour of this application, more than people that put in submissions for the DMP. What's right is support our local economy and our local businesses. My understanding and some of the questions that I alluded to was that some of the submissions that were against this application have since changed their mind upon hearing from the applicant and their willingness to move and work with their community that they love. I can't also forget to mention a part around the transport conversation that we've had. Clearly heard from staff that we have, if we have nine retail stores, there will be more cars for those shops than a car wash. So I'd like to support this application and get on with the job. Amelia Lorentson 01:34:36.096
A question to Noosa, just in regards to objections. There were five of you in terms of submissions received. Can I ask for the number of objections in terms of the submissions? Nadine 01:34:52.431
19 In the report. It says there were 19 against, against, three impartial, and 23 not properly made, so that's 498 in support. Thank you. Oh, sorry. Sorry. 498 in support. Sorry. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:35:13.540
Any other councillors wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Wilson. Jessica Phillips 01:35:17.880
As a resident of Cooroy last year when this consultation period was happening, I'm actually really surprised how much support there was for this application. I probably expected there to be a lot more objections, objections but clearly they haven't been submitted so we do have to listen to the community we can and again as a new councillor I may not be quite as au fait with the with the town plan and the planning zones and all of those things but I am used to taking a lot of information, analysing it, weighing up all the different viewpoints and perspectives and then making and going for an outcome that I think is fair. there is a lot of support from residents and local businesses and when those people were making submissions I don't know if they were aware of zoning issues and inconsistent use in different zones. I think as they have become more aware of that in the last few days, I don't know whether they really still see very much difference between an industrial or There will be a food and beverage outlet where they will be able to walk or use their bikes. So there is a sense in the community that this is a logical place for a car wash and while the land use doesn't support that, I can see where the community is coming from. Currently the land is not producing those employment opportunities that we're looking for. It's been vacant for six years, it will be vacant for the foreseeable future future if no one wants to develop shopping or offices in that space. While it won't be a big employer, it will at least make sure that that land is being used for some sort of economic use. In the pre-lodgement meeting the applicant was told it's inconsistent use so then you must demonstrate relevant grounds for it to be approved and they were things like the roof structure, the trees, traffic reports, water management plans and the applicant has done all of those things and spent money and time over years to do that. If we we were always going to revert to its inconsistent use in that zone then then they've been led on in that process and I don't think that's fair if the outcome was always going to rely on the zone so I think in that case we've given the applicant over time the impression that that zoning issue can be overcome and so they've put in a lot of work to be able to do that and so that's why I support the motion. Frank Wilkie 01:38:21.400
Anybody else wish to speak to the motion? Patrick Murphy 01:38:23.340
Um, I don't wish to speak to the motion. Amelia Lorentson 01:38:26.440
I'll close. I'll sign. Yeah. Frank Wilkie 01:38:32.020
This has been a really difficult decision. If it were simple, it would have been decided on Monday and earlier. The overwhelming thrust of the submissions received favour is that Cooroy needs a car wash. And I don't think anyone around this table disagrees with that. It comes down to the classic question that often happens here is "Is it in the right place? " And that's And that's the essence of town planning so that the developments are in the right place where there's no adverse impact on amenity or the look and feel. By agreeing to this, we're agreeing to a development that will have an impact on the look and feel of the entry statement to Cooroy. There are two service stations there. I can entirely see how it's perceived to be a consistent use. But just because there are two industrial type uses there doesn't mean we can't mitigate that. If there was a different use, shops, appropriately designed, in the middle, long term, what do we want What do we want that to look like long term? And we've had discussions as a councillor group and the right thing to do is always in the best long term interests of the Shire, not what we think think is immediately needed. So the question for me is this, ultimately, is this in the right location? It's not. What's right also is not always a matter of high numbers or popular. What's right is not always popular. What's popular is not always right. And there were 19 submitters against and they raised very valid points that this has an industrial look and feel and ought to be an industrial estate. They've come to expect something different at the end of their street because of the assurances that a planning scheme does give. A planning scheme is some form of a contract with the community based on community consultation about what about what sort of uses our residents can expect will take place in their neighbourhoods. So I'm acknowledging and also this will be the first application. I really had hoped there would be time to have traffic consultants meet to discuss because the issues we heard around the table were not traffic engineers. We We heard that our respective traffic engineer had raised significant concerns, and I didn't want this to be the first decision made by Noosa Council where a traffic consultant's concerns had not been tested before we made the final decision. I accept that if this is approved... that if this is approved this will become a decision of the Noosa Council and we all will be resolved to ensuring it is as successful as possible and I commit to that. But I am duty bound to raise these issues. I thank you for your support for the amendments which makes the motion in my opinion even better and more defensive More defensible to the community. But I really, I'll find myself in a minority on this one. I wish the applicant well with the business. But I feel that I have to be among one of the few voices that will speak up for the the minority, who had hoped that the Noosa planning scheme would be respected and adhered to. But I will respect the majority decision on this and ensure that the resolution and the development is as successful as possible should it go ahead. Councillor Lorentson, you wish to close. Amelia Lorentson 01:42:22.760
I will. Councillors, this project is unlike any other car wash. It's the result of four and a half years of dedication and passion. The owners who are local to the area, they walk down the streets of Cooroy, they work, they shop in Cooroy. They have made it their mission to create a business that not only meets but exceeds the community's expectations and environmental values. They sought out Tracy Michaels from TBC Building Design, one of the most respected experts in the industry. Her expertise is in high demand and she brought her exceptional knowledge to this project, ensuring the high building standards and best car wash practices were followed meticulously. Tracy Michaels has spoken highly of the King's group owners, praising their unrelenting passion and commitment to environmental sustainability. The owners have prioritised sustainability over profit, which sets them apart. Tracy has never seen a project with such a high level of specialist consultant design, documentation and review in her 20 year career. She plans to She plans to use this car wash as a benchmark for environmental excellence, calling some of the documentations produced for this solution game-challenging and worthy of commendation. Councillors, this is exactly the kind of business Noosa seeks and the type of people we value. Those who care deeply about their legacy and the future they for their children and for our children. This project will set a benchmark for other car washers and businesses in the area. I ask that we approve the development of an ECU for a car washing food and drink outlet at 34 Elm Street, Cooroy because it is in the public interest and serves a greater purpose and strict adherence to the planning scheme. scheme. Frank Wilkie 01:44:22.719
Put the motion those in favour. That's councillors Phillips, Finzel, Wilson, Wegener and Lorentson against, councillors Stockwell and Wilkie and the motion is carried. And that brings us to the, we have no confidential items, no submissions to public question time. Thank you everyone. That brings us to the end of the agenda. Thank you staff, thank you Patrick and Claire and Richard. And the next ordinary meeting will be at 5pm on Thursday 15th August at 10am on Thursday. Thursday 15th August 2024, Council chambers in time. We declare the meeting closed at 11:45. Thank you everyone. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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