Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie has welcomed a decision by the Planning Minister to revoke a State Facilitated Development declaration for a proposed unit project at Tewantin.
The council was notified of the decision on the four-storey, 40-unit project for Sidoni Street on Thursday.
“This is an impressive action and I thank the Minister, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, for following through on his pre-election commitment to ensure SFD projects comply with the Noosa Plan,” Cr Wilkie said.
“The SFD process bypasses council and potentially allow developments of any height on any site, which if left unchecked could negatively impact the profile and liveability of Noosa forever.”
The proposal had attracted 495 submissions during the public notification period, including submissions from the council and state Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton.
In the revocation notice, the minister said there was significant community opposition to the application, including concern about excessive height, the scale not being in keeping with the village character of Tewantin, insufficient parking, and potential traffic congestion at the Sidoni Sreet and Ponciana Ave intersection.
Deputy Premier Bleijie also raised the lack of reassurance that the affordable units were truly affordable.
“We strongly support the need for truly affordable, quality housing but it’s imperative these developments respect the Noosa Plan 2020 and reflect Noosa values,” Cr Wilkie said.
“This decision clearly shows this government is listening to local communities and aspiring to work with councils as equal partners, as pledged, to deliver outcomes the community expects.”
Under the revocation notice, the applicant and the council have five days to make representations about the Minister’s decision before it takes effect.
Mr Wilkie congratulated council staff for their advocacy and collaboration with the state government, which he described as “fundamental in delivering responsible, workable development for the community”.
The council’s Director of Development and Regulation, Richard MacGillivray, said the decision highlighted the important role local planning played in our community.
A State Facilitated Development application for units in Lanyana Way, Noosa Junction, remains live.
“We are also continuing to work closely with the state government and developer in relation to the proposed development in the Noosa Junction to achieve a positive housing outcome that aligns with the Noosa Plan and community expectations,” Mr MacGillivray said.
The developer behind the Sidoni Street proposal can still lodge a new development application with council and it would be assessed under the Noosa Plan 2020.
Noosa MP Sandy Bolton said the decision would provide relief for the community, who overwhelmingly opposed the project due to several factors including excessive height and lack of genuinely affordable units.
“There was confusion in the community as the words used in these types of applications of ‘affordable’ led some residents to believe this would address our ongoing need for affordable housing for our key industry workers, which is not the case,” she said.
“All levels of government understand the importance of delivering genuine affordable housing, and after years of inaction, then overreach through the SFDs, may we move to a space where projects that have ticked the planning scheme boxes swiftly move forward.”
