Council’s New Noosa Plan gets green light

Noosa has a new planning blueprint for the future with Council formally adopting the New Noosa Plan 2020. 

Council has formally adopted the New Noosa Plan.

“This is a significant milestone for our community and one that has certainly generated plenty of interest,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.

The New Noosa Plan 2020 has been a complete re-write of the 2006 Planning Scheme under new legislation. It’s had extensive community input, review and feedback from various State agencies, including the Minister for Planning, State Development, Manufacturing and Infrastructure.

Council received Ministerial sign off on the Plan in February this year, subject to a number of conditions.

Changes were required to update mapping to reflect the latest state mapping of koala habitat and bushfire risk, and to ensure consistency with the Planning Act.

Two key amendments, fully supported by all councillors, were tabled at today’s Special Meeting, which centred on a two year monitoring process to gauge the effectiveness of the plan on certain sectors.

Councillors unanimously endorsed a two year monitoring to ensure the plan is strong enough to achieve more affordable and diverse housing choices for those in need.

“We are clearly on the same page regarding the need to look after the most vulnerable, so this amendment places a focus on that within the new planning scheme, Cr Stewart said.

There will also be monitoring to ensure the plan achieves the objectives it seeks to and create increased diversity regarding industrial land and industrial precincts.

Council will also publish a comprehensive guide explaining the regulatory requirements for operating short-term accommodation in the shire.

Today’s endorsement is the culmination of four years of tireless work from planning department staff.

Cr Stewart said staff are to be commended for their diligence and commitment to achieving an adaptable plan and a plan to guide the future planning of Noosa.

“We are not always going to agree with elements of the plan, and I fully respect the decision of Council,

“It’s important we now ensure the scheme remains effective and achieves its objectives of delivering balanced growth while protecting the amenity and lifestyle of Noosa residents,” she said.

“Council’s Planning staff have worked closely with the community over four years, reviewing 1000s of pages of submissions and spending countless hours to make the required changes,” Cr Stewart said.

Director of Environment and Sustainable Development Kim Rawlings said it’s a red letter day for council.

“This plan strives to provide diversity in housing and keep pace with rapidly evolving business needs,” she said.

“It maintains a focus on protecting areas of high environmental value, retaining the character of our distinct towns and villages, while providing greater flexibility and reducing red tape,” Ms Rawlings said.

Ct Stewart said the plan strongly considers the potential impacts of natural hazards and our changing climate into the future.

“It is a comprehensive plan and credit must go to the previous council for all its work,”

The final vote was 5 -2 in favour of adoption.

Cr Stewart said it was very pleasing to see unanimous support for pursuing a Local Law for Short term letting, which included the associated code of conduct to regulate short term letting.