Consolidated Properties Group Coolum West surf ranch proposal in doubt
A developer says he won’t “stand in the way” of community opposition as the state government claims the proponents of a controversial Kelly Slater surf ranch have pulled out.
Sunshine Coast
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A developer seeking to build on flood plain in Coolum West has conceded that he will not “stand in the way” of the community if the project is opposed.
The statement comes as the state government claims the project is no longer being pursued.
Consolidated Properties Group chairman Don O’Rorke said he had had waited more than two years for the state government to make a decision over a proposed Kelly Slater surf ranch and housing development at Coolum Beach.
Mr O’Rorke’s company has control of 510ha of former cane land and flood plain on the western side of the Sunshine Mwy.
The World Surf League wants to build a surf ranch including a wave pool on the site.
The wave pool is one part of the proposal that also includes an eco-visitor centre, a hotel plus a residential component of up to 1500 homes.
Mr O’Rorke said it was still his first preference to build the surf ranch.
He said if the community wanted the development, Consolidated Properties would “work hard” to build it but if there was not support for the proposal, he was open to the state government acquiring the land.
“If the community wants it as public land, we won’t stand in the way,” Mr O’Rorke said.
A State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Department spokesman said no development application for the proposal had been received and a priority development area was not declared over the site.
“The Queensland government understands Consolidated Properties Group is no longer pursuing the proposed development,” he said.
This statement was also reflected in a letter from the state government, obtained by the Sunshine Coast Daily, regarding the proposal.
Mr O’Rorke said he could not respond on correspondence with “other parties” over the matter.
“All I can speak to is where we’re at with the project,” he said.
The Community 6, a group of six Sunshine Coast community organisations, welcomed the state government claim the developer had withdrawn its proposal.
“The Coolum West flood plain, which serves as crucial flood storage, was never the right location for such a proposal and we are happy that after some three years of advocacy that the proposal has been withdrawn,” a statement from the group read.
“We would love to see the (Sunshine Coast) council acquire the property and add it to the Blue Heart.”
Blue Heart is a project of the Sunshine Coast Council and partners dedicated to flood plain management of the Maroochy River catchment.
The Community 6 is made up of the Coolum Residents’ Association, Surfrider Foundation Sunshine Coast, Friends of Yaroomba, Development Watch, Sunshine Coast Environment Council and Organisation Sunshine Coast Association of Residents.
Sunshine Coast Councillor Maria Suarez said the council maintained the position the surf ranch was not suitable development for that site.
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