Council makes decision on Agnes dive school proposal

Gladstone Regional Council has decided whether to let an Agnes Water Dive School be constructed in a residential area. Read the full details here.

Gladstone Regional Council has decided whether to let an Agnes Water Dive School be constructed in a residential area.

All councillors voted unanimously to allow the development at 4 Jeffrey Court, which will include a training tank for courses, storage spaces for dive equipment, a breakout area for outdoor training and relaxation, and a caretaker’s accommodation.

Acting general manager of customer experience Kylie Lee said the development application was received on October 12, 2021.

Ms Lee said the existing site is a dwelling in a mixed use zone.

Most of the development is code assessable, except for the dive school which is impact assessable, meaning it had to go out for public notification.

The council meeting on February 15, 2022 heard all four submissions were positive.

Mayor Matt Burnett said he thought about whether people would want this development as their neighbour, however took into account the four submissions in favour if it.

“Goes to show the community support it,” Cr Burnett said.

“I can’t find any reason to refuse it.

“I can’t fault the report.”

Councillor Glenn Churchill expressed his concerns over the future traffic impacts and said there needed to be a traffic management plan in the future.

“This is quite exciting and I’ve got no doubts this will trigger another business opportunity in that precinct or area,” Cr Churchill said.

Planning officer Shaunte Farrington said most of the traffic to the school would arrive via bus and there were six parks on site.

Councillor Chris Cameron said the proposed carpark near the school could be useful.

However, Cr Cameron raised concerns about soil issues, although the tank was not in-ground.

Ms Farrington said the dive tank was above ground but a recommended condition was the developer did a management plan if it found anything during the construction.