Maryborough Motel and Conference Centre approved for housing

A controversial bid to transform a historic Maryborough motel into a mix of long-term housing and hotel rooms has been given the green light despite concerns raised by neighbours. SEE THE PLANS.

A controversial motel revamp which will allow budget housing at the site has been given the green light.

The Maryborough Motel at 298 Walker Street currently provides short-term accommodation for travellers

and tourists, as well as acting as a conference centre.

The application for a material change of use, which will allow a redeveloped version of the site to include permanent rental accommodation, went before this week’s council meeting.

Councillors voted 6-4 to approve the redevelopment generally as detailed in the application with an additional condition was that prior to the project’s completion, an Access and Security Strategy be submitted for a tick.

Proposed redevelopment of the Maryborough Motel, 3D perspective image. Photo: Bloc Design.

According to the proposal, the new motel will still allow short-term accommodation for travellers, but also include units for long-term living which is “currently in demand within the Wide Bay Region”.

The new-look motel will provide a total 44 units, 23 of those rooms being in the existing motel and 21 as part of the new accommodation.

The existing conference centre building will be transformed into 18 rooms, with 11 single rooms on the upper level and seven single rooms on part of the ground floor.

The remainder of the ground floor will become a dining and “common area” for residents.

There are also several proposed open spaces for residents to come together and relax, along with pool and BBQ gazebo upgrades.

The onsite manager’s office and residence will be kept on site.

3D perspective image of the Maryborough Motel redevelopment. Photo: Bloc Design.

Given the motels past reputation and to address concerns about the social challenges that could come with low-cost housing developments, the applicant also sought advice from the Queensland Police Service about the number of call outs to the motel.

The application reveals that since the motel changed hands in 2020, there had been a decrease in incidents.

The redevelopment sparked much discussion between councillors in Wednesday’s meeting, particularly after hearing from the community during the public presentations.

Members from the community raised concerns about the social outcomes and management of the motel if the development went ahead.

Councillor David Lee, who voted in favour of the application, said while he had “every sympathy” for residents living nearby the development, the council has a role in addressing housing issues.

“I acknowledge and empathise with the residents living nearby, but these people have to go somewhere,” Mr Lee said.

He believed the motel redevelopment could be an alternative form of accommodation to provide some relief to region’s housing crisis.

Floor plan of the proposed Maryborough Motel Redevelopment. Photo: Bloc Design.

Cr Zane O’Keefe added what was happening on the ground near the motel was “unacceptable”, but said the redevelopment proposal may lead to improved security.

“I look at this proposal, and I don’t just see an upgrade of the buildings, or intensification here, I see an upgrade in security as well,” he said.

Bird’s eye view of the proposed motel redevelopment. Photo: Bloc Design.

Among those who voted no, was Cr David Lewis who said he understood the need to ensure places were available for budget accommodation, but was concerned whether the motel was a good place for the proposed accommodation.

Cr Paul Truscott also said he couldn’t support the motion, referencing the submissions from the community who were against the redevelopment.

“I’ve been through that hell myself at times with people in neighbourhoods in the past, and it can be soul-destroying when you’re in your own home and having to face situations like that,” Mr Truscott said.

3D perspective image of the proposed redevelopment of the Maryborough Motel. Photo: Bloc Design.

Councillors Phil Truscott, Paul Truscott, David Lewis and Darren Everard voted against the motion.

In favour, were councillors Daniel Sanderson, Jade Wellings, David Lee, Zane O’Keefe, Denis Chapman and James Hansen.

The redevelopment application was lodged by Shaomin Liang c/- Concept Planning and Development Consultants.