More time to have a say on proposed planning scheme amendments

Residents will have an extra 10 days to provide feedback on proposed amendments to the Noosa Plan. 

The consultation has been extended, with submissions now accepted until close-of-business July 28.

Councillors on Thursday decided to reopen the consultation process, with formal submissions now accepted until close-of-business July 28. 

Mayor Frank Wilkie said given an overlap in projects out for community consultation, councillors wanted to ensure that anyone who had not had a chance to read and comment on the proposed planning scheme amendments, could still do so.

“Although many major business and community groups and residents have already provided 350 submissions, this extension will allow anyone who missed the deadline to be able to have a say as well,” he said.

The proposed amendments are available online along with factsheets, frequently-asked-questions, maps of key proposed amendments and 3D fly-through imagery of proposed housing outcomes at yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au

Electronic copies of the proposed amendments are also available at Council’s offices at 9 Pelican Street Tewantin, and Noosaville and Cooroy Libraries.

Submissions can now be made on any aspect of the proposed amendments until close of business, July 28 via email or via post to Noosa Plan 2020, PO Box 141 Tewantin Qld 4565. Submissions must carry the submitter’s name and address.

Mayor Wilkie said Council’s intent with the proposed amendments is to: 

• Expand housing choice by requiring and incentivising smaller dwellings, accessible dwellings, affordable dwellings, and dwellings specifically built for permanent rental.
• Pave the way for development of more social or affordable housing.
• Prevent further short-term accommodation within medium and high-density residential zones and key centre zones to prioritise permanent residents.
• Rezone certain areas to increase opportunities for smaller dwellings and key worker housing.

“In addition, the proposed amendments will see some coastal Tourist Accommodation Zones rezoned for permanent residents and a broader range of local business uses,” he said.

“The proposed changes will also set clearer expectations for the future development of the Noosa Business Centre precinct to provide diversity of employment and housing opportunities.”

Mayor Wilkie thanked residents who had already had a say during the original six-week consultation period.

“Staff have begun reviewing all of the submissions already received between May 31 and July 14, and we look forward to receiving further feedback between now and July 28.”

In June Council wrote to 646 property owners in areas of proposed zone changes, as well as more than 390 owners adjoining proposed zone changes, to advise them of the changes and how to have a say.

“Our planning staff also contacted 105 planning, design and development consultants operating in Noosa, plus 39 business and community groups with information to share with their members,” Cr Wilkie said.

Around 300 people attended five information pop-ups and Council’s June 20 Ordinary Meeting to find out more and talk to Council planning staff about the proposed amendments.

Visit Your Say Noosa to find out more.