Application for short-term accommodation lodged with Bundaberg council

According to the development application the Moore Park Rd site is reportedly 19,510sq m with school buildings such as an amenities block, tennis courts and hall.

DEVELOPMENT PLANS: A development application for a material change of use for short-term accommodation (Backpackers) has been lodged with the Bundaberg Regional Council. Source: Development application prepared by Insite SJC.

A school campus could be one step closer to being turned into backpacker accommodation if a recent development application is approved.

A material change of use application for short-term accommodation (backpackers), for 60 beds has recently been lodged with Bundaberg Regional Council.

Paradise South Pty Ltd and WR Darby Super Pty Ltd are the listed applicants for this proposed development at Welcome Creek.

The proposal, prepared by InsiteSJC, seeks to “convert the existing Agnew School Campus to a Backpacker facility primarily focused on the overseas workforce under the Seasonal Worker Program provided by the Department of Employment”.

The Moore Park Road site is reportedly 19,510sq m with school buildings such as amenities block, tennis courts, hall, and associated infrastructure with “pockets” of established trees and vegetation.

“It is anticipated that the site would specifically cater for the targeted rural workforce rather than the generally travelling backpacker market,” the proposal outlines.

“However, the broader land use description would not prohibit non-pacific islanders from using the site.

“The staged delivery (subject to future approvals) of the project would result in 300 beds once the ultimate development of the site is realised.

“However, to be clear, this application is for sixty (60) beds.

“Development is proposed to occur generally in accordance with proposal plans — Conversion of School campus to Short Term Accommodation dated March 2021 drafted by Design Direct.”

According to the proposal documents, the site is in the “rural” zone of the Bundaberg Regional Council Planning Scheme 2015 and the proposed development requires an impact assessable application.

The application’s background states pre-lodgement discussions were undertaken with Bundaberg Regional Council on 10 December 2020.

“Despite the rural zoning of the land and subsequent level of assessment being Impact, council acknowledged that the proposal aligns with the overall purpose and outcomes of the rural zone code as development provides a complementary use to the agricultural functions of the zone, being accommodation for seasonal workers,” the background reads.

At the time of publication, the application was pending a decision from the council.