Noosa Springs Hotel development plans slammed by Unitywater

A controversial Noosa hotel development, set to deliver a 106-room luxury resort, has been slammed by Unitywater over the proximity to sewage treatment facilities.

Renders of the proposed five-star hotel at Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort.

A controversial Noosa hotel development, set to deliver a $50m 106-room luxury resort, has been slammed by Unitywater over the proximity to sewage treatment facilities.

A number of deputations were made during the Noosa Council’s ordinary meeting held on Thursday, December 19, all regarding the proposed Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort.

Plans for the $50m, 106-room five-star hotel were first submitted to the council in 2021.

The developer, GH Properties, then delayed proceedings earlier this year, with the proposal is now back before the council following their rejection in 2023.

One deputation came from a Unitywater spokesman who said the company was in “firm opposition” to the proposed hotel development, with resort facilities set to be to built 150m from sewage treatment plants.

“The plant just can’t be picked up and moved,” the spokesman said.

He also told councillors with unpleasant odours expected to be most prominent during peak holiday season, the development could result in civil lawsuits between the developer and Unitywater.

“Unitywater could be faced with a civil suit from Noosa Springs if odour causes an impact on their hotel business and forecast occupancy rates,” he said.

If approved by the council, the spokesman warned the hotel would be putting risk onto Unitywater, which in turn would put risk onto the Noosa region’s customers.

Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort owners GH Properties are proposing a five-star hotel with 106 rooms.

Another deputation by the Noosa Springs Tennis Club also outlined their opposition to the Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort, due to the impact it would have on tennis court availability.

“If this development goes ahead many will lose jobs and businesses will suffer,” a spokeswoman for the club said.

The council is yet to decide on the future of the contentious hotel proposal following a number of additional submissions, however they initially rejected the proposal in 2023 against the advice of council staff.