Government buys Tewantin land after Noosa developer sells ‘nightmare’ site

Land in the heart of Tewantin has been snapped up by the state government and the developer who sold says it is “unlikely” he will buy in Noosa again because of the council.

A developer says it is “unlikely” he will buy land in the Noosa shire again after a six-year battle with the Noosa Council over his plans for a Tewantin site.

The state government has snapped up the land in a $3.25m sale.

Developer Chris Wright bought 30-32 Doonella St, in the heart of Tewantin, six years ago and said he was glad his “nightmare” with the Noosa Council was over.

Mr Wright had planned to build units and commercial space on the 2539sq m block.

He decided to sell the site following two failed development applications, the latter of which he contested in the Planning and Environment Court.

Developer Chris Wright says it is ‘unlikely’ he will buy land in Noosa again. Picture: Patrick Woods.

He said following court mediation the council approved the latest development application in February.

“We were right and they were wrong yet it cost us and the council ratepayers thousands of dollars to prove it,” he said.

The state government has confirmed it bought 30-32 Doonella St, Tewantin. Picture: Google Maps

The developer said he did not make any money out of the $3.25m sale to the state government.

“I’m feeling much better, a nightmare of five years is finally over,” he said.

The developer claimed that he met with the council in 2020 and warned it of the upcoming housing shortage and subsequently lodged a revised development application in 2021.

A housing department spokesman confirmed the state government had bought the Doonella St land for “future redevelopment” and said the government was helping people into homes.

Tewantin, like many areas of Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, is experiencing a housing shortage. Picture: Warren Lynam

“We are building more social housing, we’re buying houses for people to live in and land to redevelop where that’s the best option in the local area, and we’re helping people to secure and sustain private rentals,” the spokesman said.

“The department will continue to work with council to explore the development’s potential, timing, approval process and design, taking into consideration council’s needs as the adjoining landowner of the site.”

A Noosa Council spokesman said the organisation welcomed the purchase of the Doonella St land by the state government.

Environment and sustainable planning director Kim Rawlings said the council had been working closely with the government on increasing social and affordable housing in Noosa.

“This is welcome state government investment into Noosa and we look forward to continuing to work with the state government to explore potential options for the site,” she said.

Mayor Clare Stewart said it was a positive outcome for the community.

“I am incredibly proud of our staff who have worked collaboratively with state government officers,” she said.

The council did not respond to Mr Wright’s claims.