Noosaville Spotlight, Anaconda proposal rejected in court appeal decision

A bid to develop a new major Noosaville retail precinct tipped to create over 1000 jobs has been thwarted after both council and the court rejected the development. Read why:

Spotlight Group’s bid to turn two vacant lots in Noosaville into a major shopping complex including Spotlight and Anaconda stores has been thwarted by the Planning and Environment Court.

The development application was lodged back in May, 2019 for a precinct set to create over 1000 jobs and encompass large format retail stores, small businesses, healthcare services, food and drink outlets and an indoor sport and recreation centre.

Four buildings were included in the design of “Noosa Marketplace” alongside associated car park and servicing areas.

The proposal for a Spotlight and Anaconda in Noosaville has been rejected by the Planning and Environment Court.

The land is a prominent 35,762sq m site with frontages to Eenie Creek Rd and Hofmann Dr in Noosaville.

Noosa Shire Council’s refusal of the development application was appealed by Noosa Spotlight in February 2020, but the appeal was dismissed by the Planning and Environment Court last week.

The Noosa Shire Council initially denied approval of the application based on their view that it was solely in the applicant’s “self-interest”, resulting in an inappropriate land use and a “serious departure” from the Planning Scheme for the Noosa region.

Proposed Noosa Marketplace concept drawings.

However, Spotlight Group maintained that there was a “planning, community and economic” need for the proposed development.

Having considered both sides, Judge Catherine Muir on December 16 decided Spotlight’s appeal was dismissed and Noosa Council’s rejection of the precinct was confirmed.

Spotlight Group Executive Deputy Chairman Zac Fried said the company was “extremely disappointed” by the court findings.

Judge Catherine Muir.

“We estimate that our proposal has the potential to create over 1000 jobs both directly and indirectly which will now no longer happen as a result of yesterday’s findings,” Mr Fried said.

The Spotlight store was designed to cover an area of approximately 5,500sq m, significantly larger than the usual 2500sq m to 3000sq m.

Mr Fried said with Spotlight and Anaconda stores not currently present in the Noosa Shire, residents were forced to travel at least 30km to areas like Kawana and Gympie.

Proposed Noosa Marketplace concept drawings.

He said the need for small businesses was also addressed in the proposal with shop tenancies and co-working spaces intended to help foster local, small-scale industries and young start-ups.

“It was our hope that these businesses would have the opportunity to develop networks within the local business community and to expand commercial operations to grow into recognised and viable businesses that will contribute to Australia’s economic recovery as state and international borders begin to open,” he said.

“We remain committed to the Noosa region and are currently seeking advice on next steps.”