Revised plans approved for controversial Emu Park Apartments project

The developer aiming to build a multi-storey unit complex at Emu Park has submitted revised plans in a fresh bid to get approval for the controversial project - and there has been a shock new twist with councillors reaching a decision.

Revised plans have been submitted to Livingstone Shire Council for the proposed unit development at Emu Park. Inset: Developer Rob Carr.

There has been a new twist in the Emu Park high-rise development saga with Livingstone Shire Council on Tuesday afternoon deciding to support amended plans for the project.

The revised plans for the proposed Emu Park Apartments complex at the corner of Pattison and Granville streets were considered by councillors at Tuesday’s monthly meeting via a confidential report presented in closed session.

Councillors refused the previous application for the proposed six-storey project in May, with the developer then appealing that decision through the Planning and Environment Court.

The project is the brainchild of local businessman and developer Rob Carr.

Businessman and developer Rob Carr.

Prior to the December 20 council meeting, Mayor Andy Ireland explained the process that would follow.

“The appeal is currently in an alternative dispute resolution process, otherwise known as mediation,” Mr Ireland said.

“As part of the mediation process, the developer has provided amended plans that reduce the height from six to five storeys on the western and southern ends of the building, with six storeys remaining for the balance.”

Mr Ireland said in the revised plans, there were also changes to the roof form, building design and building materials.

“Council can either support the amended plans and the appeal will be managed through the mediation process, or alternatively, council can choose to not support the amended plans and proceed to a court hearing.”

Revised plans have been submitted to Livingstone Shire Council for the proposed Emu Park units development at the corner of Pattison and Granville streets.

Before councillors went into the closed session to discuss this matter on Tuesday, Cr Nigel Hutton asked if an explanation could be given as to why it was to be considered in closed session.

Councillors were then told that in accordance with Planning and Environment Court process they “must keep information related to the appeal, and the mediation, of a confidential nature until such time as that appeal period or that mediation has reached an outcome.”

Livingstone Shire Council released a statement on the outcome shortly after councillors voted on the matter.

“Livingstone Shire Council has today resolved to support amended plans submitted for the Emu Park unit development on the corner of Pattison and Granville streets,” the statement said.

Post meeting, Mayor Ireland said:

“Once a decision is appealed in court, the chance for council to intervene in the process is limited, so we have taken this opportunity to consider the amended plans carefully among other factors before the next court listing on 25, January, 2023.

“A full appeal process would also greatly increase legal costs to council and be a significant drain on council resources.

“The development responds to the urgent need for an additional supply of a variety of housing options, particularly at the southern end of the Capricorn Coast.

“It also provides high-quality short-term accommodation and tourism-related commercial opportunities, whilst delivering jobs and an overall economic boost to this part of Livingstone Shire.”

Revised plans have been submitted to Livingstone Shire Council for the proposed Emu Park unit development at the corner of Pattison and Granville streets.

The Emu Park Apartments project has been controversial from the outset and during the public consultation process, this publication counted 176 objections to Mr Carr’s proposal and 10 in favour of it.

Mr Carr also copped some criticism for not meeting with the community to hear its concerns - and he explained his reasons at a council meeting earlier this year.

The council said everyone who lodged a properly-made submission during the public notification period were invited to join the appeal process, however no-one joined.