Ramsay Health appeals Noosa Council rejection of Tewantin day surgery
A healthcare company wanting to knock down a Noosa home to make way for a private hospital are battling the council’s rejection of the project in court.
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A healthcare giant is taking on Noosa Council over its refusal of a “state of the art” new private hospital.
Ramsay Health Care, which owns Noosa Hospital, is appealing the council’s rejection of its proposed private day surgery hospital and infusion centre at 47 Goodchap St, Tewantin.
The company bought the residential block, 400m from Noosa Hospital, in October, 2021 for $3.3m and less than 12 months later lodged a development application with the council.
Appeal documents state the application was refused for 18 reasons, mostly relating to the proposed development being on a residentially zoned lot.
The council argued that the development was on a “rare” lot needed for future housing.
Council claimed the development would not make Noosa Hospital more efficient and the two buildings would not be integrated or internally connected.
It also found the development was inconsistent with neighbouring buildings and homes and would require the removal of native trees.
The council also claimed there was not enough parking and water would run-off into Lake Doonella.
They said there was no planning need for it, given other similar projects had been approved.
The hospital has refuted some of the council’s objections to it, calling for a Planning and Environment Court to overturn the rejection and approve the development.
The documents state the development would expand health care services in the community.
The hospital rejected council’s argument the development would take away from important future housing and would result in native trees being cleared.
They further rejected claims the development was not consistent with other developments and said it would not negatively impact surrounding residents nor the environment.
The documents state the development, which they said was suitable for the land it was proposed for, would work efficiently with Noosa Hospital and would be supported by other health services on the corner of Goodchap St and Eumundi-Noosa Rd.
They said the 40 car parks and two motorcycle parks were sufficient.
In relation to the concerns about Lake Doonella, the company said the development’s stormwater run-off would be appropriately managed.
They argued in the documents there was a genuine need for the project, that it would bring community and social benefits including reducing patient wait times and eliminating a need for some patients to venture elsewhere for surgery.
A Noosa Council spokesman said they were unable to comment given the matter was before the courts.
Ramsay Health Care has been contacted for comment.
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