A controversial five-star resort is back on the agenda following a submission to reduce the number of rooms.
The application for a resort at Noosa Springs has been on hold since June 2024, following a request from the developer to extend the decision-making period.
Noosa Springs owner and developer GH Australia lodged an application to Noosa Council in 2021 to build a hotel on its property at Resort Drive, Noosa Heads.
If approved, it would be the first luxury hotel in the Sunshine Coast and Noosa region since the Sofitel was built in Hastings Street in 1989.
Councillors and the community have heavily discussed the proposed resort, which was subject to public notification, and concerns have been raised over its proximity to a nearby sewage plant, vegetation clearing and inconsistencies with the Noosa Plan.
Several recommendations from council planning staff have been made to approve the development, however, councillors have been apprehensive to give the $50 million project the green light.
On February 27, 2025, the applicant submitted a minor change to the existing application reducing the proposal from a 106-bedroom resort to a 69-bedroom resort.
The minor change would also increase the planted landscape spaces, reduce the size of the swimming pool and remove a pavilion from the site.
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According to the development assessment manager’s report, the removal of Pavilion 5 would reduce the ecological disturbance by 380sqm and improve the bushfire setback distance requirements.
The applicant provided a letter to Noosa Council, cited in the report, supporting the amended application.
“The request for a minor change stems from concerns raised by councillors about the scale of the development, which unavoidably extends into the recreation and open space zone and partly into the biodiversity, waterways and wetlands overlay towards the east of the site,” the letter said.
“This is despite the development not having a significant impact on any environmental values as confirmed by (council’s external consultant).
“Other concerns were raised about the scale and extent of the pools within the centre of the site and the continued operation of the tennis courts, including during construction.”
The updated plans also formalise an ‘other change’ submitted to the council on November 13, 2024, pertaining to extensions to the existing clubhouse.
This includes alterations to the internal configurations of the bar, kitchen, cold room and store area, a new liquor cool room, new dry store, new security and procurement office, new wet and dry waste areas, and new enclosed storage area.
It equates to a proposed 105sqm of additional gross floor area within the existing clubhouse.
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An updated report was presented to councillors at the May 6 Planning and Environment Committee meeting, which included a staff recommendation to approve the application, subject to conditions.
Mayor Frank Wilkie moved a committee recommendation to refer the item to the May 12 General Committee meeting due to the significance of the issue.
It was carried unanimously.
