Noosa Council responds to state government’s regional plan

A bid to take Noosa’s building height limits from three storeys to eight has been slammed as “incredibly worrying” and damaging to its unique character. Vote in our poll.

Noosa Shire Council mayor Clare Stewart. Photo: Supplied

A proposal to more than double height limits across the Noosa Shire to accommodate an extra 10,000 residents has been slammed as “incredibly worrying” and “unrealistic”.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles released the Draft South East Queensland Regional Plan on Wednesday which included options to increase housing diversity across Sunshine Coast and Noosa to support a growing population.

In its dwelling diversity target the draft plan suggested Noosa needs fewer low density, detached homes and more medium rise apartments of between four and eight storeys.

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said she was “seriously concerned” about the proposal.

Parts of Noosa Junction and Noosa Business Centre are limited to three storeys and in Tewantin the height limit is two storeys – with exceptions at select sites for an extra storey for social or affordable housing.

Noosa height limits would increase to allow for four to eight storey apartments under the state government's regional plan.

Ms Stewart said the population growth target of 10,000 people was unrealistic and that a building height limit increase would damage the region’s character.

“What is particularly concerning is that it is our belief that the state expects us to accommodate more than half of that growth, close to a staggering 10,000 people, in just the next two-to-three years,” Ms Stewart said.

“This is unrealistic and would place huge strain on our environment, our infrastructure, and our amenity.

“Similarly, the suggestion that our height restrictions could be lifted to four-eight stories in some locations is incredibly worrying.

“If this were to occur, it would greatly impact the character and look and feel of Noosa.

Noosa Council has slammed the state government’s Draft South East Queensland Regional Plan for suggesting it needs four to eight storey buildings.

“What makes us unique is our distinct lack of high-rise structures and this draft plan seemingly undermines something that we hold dear and have fought so long and hard to protect and maintain.”

Ms Stewart went on to say there had been a lack of consultation with the council.

“Throughout this regional planning process, there has been, in Noosa‘s view, a distinct lack of collaboration and a disregard for the voices of individual local governments,” she said.

“It is frustrating that local councils, who are best positioned to understand the needs and capacities of their communities, have not been heard in this process.”

Mr Miles said residents and local governments could make submissions to the state government on the draft regional plan.

“We are calling on south east Queensland residents, stakeholders, industry and local government to review the plan and tell us what they think, it is your chance to have your say,” Mr Miles said.