An application to formalise an existing mental health retreat in the Sunshine Coast hinterland has opened for public feedback, after the operators were issued with a compliance advisory notice by the council.
Laurelen Estate Pty Ltd, which operates the Hinterland Health Retreat at Negus Road, Montville, has applied to Sunshine Coast Council to formalise the use of the site.
It comes after the retreat was issued with a compliance investigation advisory letter by the council in April 2025.
“The advisory letter states that the subject site does not have the required development approvals in place for the existing use of the site for Hinterland Health Retreat,” it stated.
“Council’s advisory letter contends that the activities of the Hinterland Heath Retreat are considered as an undefined land use under the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014, requiring an impact-assessable development permit for material change of use.”
A development application was subsequently submitted in October “to allow Hinterland Health Retreat to operate lawfully from the site”.
Two new one-bedroom cabins are also proposed to be built as extra client accommodation.
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A town planning report prepared by Adams and Sparkes Town Planning in support of the application says the retreat is “small in scale and intensity” and provides a “quiet and serene setting for clients”.
“The retreat will house a maximum of six guests who will stay for between 14 and 28 days,” it states.
“The retreat offers personalised treatment programs for mental health concerns. Tailored programs are provided for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, chronic stress, burnout, trauma, PTSD, grief and OCD. Each program is crafted around the individual offering clients the latest neuro-technology for mental health and health optimisation, research-based therapies, nourishing food, IV therapy and exercise.
“The subject site spans 30 acres of hinterland and includes two waterfalls along with a scenic bushwalking track, making it an ideal setting for client recovery.”
The current structures on the 12.23-hectare site include a storage shed fronting Negus Road, a four-bedroom house with a double garage, a one-bedroom cottage and a shed and carport incorporating a one-bedroom secondary dwelling.
Under the plan, the storage shed would be retained for storage; the four-bedroom house would be converted to client accommodation, with the existing garage repurposed as a gym; the cottage’s bedroom would be converted into an office with the remaining space used for wellness activities such as yoga, group therapy and IV therapy; and the secondary dwelling would provide accommodation for an on-site caretaker, with the remaining shed space to continue to be used for storage.
The report says the retreat typically has a maximum of six guests, as well as a full-time caretaker, chef and two therapists. A cleaner, doctors, nurse and other allied health professionals attend around once a week, it says.
“In summary, the proposed land use seeks to assist people in need and should be encouraged, the built form is largely existing and therefore remains compatible with the character of the surrounding area, and the nature and low intensity of the use will ensure there are no amenity impacts on adjoining properties,” the report says.
The website of Hinterland Health Retreat describes it as “a world-first health retreat combining revolutionary neuro-technology with leading holistic therapies to create a truly tailored, comprehensive experience”.
“Our programs are unmatched globally, offering clients the latest neuro-technology for mental health and health optimisation, research-based therapies, delicious and nourishing tailored food, IV therapy and daily movement across 30 acres of beautiful landscape. This unique health retreat combination creates an unparalleled experience,” it says.
The site is in the Rural Zone. Public submissions are open until February 20.
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
