100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

Unit conversion proposed to fill need for backpacker housing

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Controversial ‘eyesore’ set to be demolished

A former bowls club that has become a point of contention among the community – and now subject of a court appeal – is More

Population boom could trigger boundary changes

Rapid growth is expected to prompt substantial boundary changes to at least one Sunshine Coast electorate. Caloundra is among a handful of seats in the More

Year-long program to monitor 135 dangerous dogs

Sunshine Coast Council has approved a year-long inspection program targeting the region’s regulated dogs, with officers to check compliance of more than 130 animals. The More

Airline prepares to welcome pets on Coast flights

A major airline is set to allow small pets in its cabins on some flights, including to the Sunshine Coast. Virgin Australia will become the More

Sami Muirhead: Finding love is no pie in the sky

Paris truly is the ‘City of Love’. I just came home after a rare solo sojourn to celebrate the end of my radio show More

‘Breathtaking views’: sub-penthouse offers rare beachfront perch

A renovated beachfront sub-penthouse with “outstanding” views has hit the market. Located on Mooloolaba’s sought-after Parkyn Parade, the property makes the most of its elevated More

The owners of a small block of three units have put forward a plan to turn it backpacker accommodation.

The units at 17 Russell Street, Noosaville, are currently approved as short-term accommodation for up to 18 people.

Mathew and Stephni Haydok propose to redevelop and extend the building to 15 rooms, accommodating up to 60 guests.

A report submitted with a development application by Adapt Town Planning on their behalf says the development would help fill a need for affordable short-stay accommodation in the area.

“Importantly, the proposed development intends to provide much-needed affordable short- to medium-term accommodation (maximum of three months) for backpackers, tourists and transient workers,” it says.

The report says that under the proposal, parts of the existing three-storey building would be demolished but the majority of it would be retained and repurposed.

The site of the Noosaviille units which are proposed for extension.

The building would be extended towards the rear of the property, continuing at three storeys.

When complete, the building would have a ground floor comprising foyer and reception, two rooms for people with disabilities, a communal kitchen, outdoor dining, pool and pool terrace, and laundry.

The two levels above would each have seven rooms, three with ensuites, plus communal bathroom facilities and balcony spaces.

The report says the development would have parking for six vehicles and a turntable, and points out that would exceed the five spaces required under the Planning Scheme for short-term accommodation of that size.

It suggests the parking should be sufficient with management.

A render by M Design of the proposed backpackers’ accommodation, as seen from the rear.

“The proposed backpacker accommodation primarily caters for guests using non-vehicular modes of transport,” it says.

“A shuttle bus service will provide guest pick-up/drop-off operations to and from nearby locations.

“Additionally, the site is located within a 400m radius (comfortable five-minute walk) of six TransLink bus stops, providing sufficient public transport facilities to accommodate trips to and from the site.”

It acknowledges the Planning Scheme requires one motorcycle space for every two rooms but says there is not expected to be “practical parking demand” by patrons for motorcycle parking.

Sunshine Coast News attempted to contact the Haydoks through their town planner.

The report describes the development as an expansion of the existing approved use, therefore consistent with the intent of the Noosa Planning Scheme, and consistent with the site’s location next to the Noosa River Holiday Park and other short-term accommodation in Russell Street.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share