Donors back campaign to scale down 18-storey Sheraton resort

One hundred and twenty donors to a campaign to challenge the Fraser Coast Regional Council’s approval of the 18-storey Sheraton resort had raised more than $8600 by Monday. Vote in the poll:

A fundraiser launched to challenge the Fraser Coast Regional Council’s approval of an 18-storey Sheraton resort on the Esplanade at Torquay had raised more than $8645 from more than 120 donors by Monday, August 26.

The approved five-star mega Sheraton hotel development is expected to generate 1770 jobs for the region, and be worth about $583million to the region.

Petition organiser and former Fraser Coast councillor Sue Brooks is leading the effort to reduce its height, which she says is about three times over the permitted building height for the area, according to the relevant planning scheme.

The Torquay Towers Appeal Fund Hervey Bay GoFundMe aims to raise $10,000 to appeal to the Queensland Planning and Environment Court, a process that could cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Opinion: Why the Sheraton high-rise should go ahead in Hervey Bay

Concept designs for the new Sheraton Resort in Hervey Bay.

The council approved the development by a narrow 6-5 margin during a meeting held at the Hervey Bay Golf Club on July 24, 2024.

The decision, which saw the project scaled down from 21 to 18 storeys, has sparked significant community debate.

A private Facebook group called Torquay Towers Appeal Group Hervey Bay, of which Ms Brooks is admin, had 1300 members as of Monday, August 26.

While man residents and more than half the council supports the project for its potential economic and social benefits, others, including Ms Brooks, argue that the building’s height is out of character with the surrounding environment and could have adverse effects on the local area.

Concept designs for the new Sheraton Resort in Hervey Bay.

The approved resort will include luxury accommodations, retail spaces, and Australia’s deepest themed dive facility.

Sunny Beach Land Director Dan Cuda said planning was underway for a spectacular snorkeling and diving pool.

“The benefits of the project includes the $342 million economic contribution, an extra $12 million in annual visitor spending, 103,000 overnight visitors per year and employment for an estimated 50 local apprentices,” Mr Cuda said.

Ms Brooks assured potential donors that all contributions will be returned if the appeal did not proceed.