Friends of Buddina lose court appeal over beachfront unit development

A Sunshine Coast community group which campaigned against a 73-unit development due to concerns about turtle habitats and beachfront character has learnt its fate in court.

A Sunshine Coast community group has been left shattered after their attempt to block a controversial beachside unit development was dismissed in court.

Judge Gary Long ruled against Friends of Buddina after it took Sunshine Coast Council and Pacific Diamond 88 to court to appeal against the 73-unit and 21m-high The Beachfront Buddina development.

Friends of Buddina’s Kate Harvey said the group was disappointed with the decision and hoped the loss wouldn’t lead to a domino effect of developments around their coastal suburb.

An artist's impression shows a proposed apartment building development in Buddina. Picture: Contributed

“It’s been a very long journey for us and a lot of our community are extremely disappointed with the outcome,” Ms Harvey said.

“There is a concern for a lot of residents that this will potentially start more future development in the area.

“Once we have a chance to completely go through the decision we will have a discussion with our legal team and consider our options from there.”

Friends of Buddina said the legal process had been suspended from April to July 2020 to allow the council to process their approval of changes following other delays.

Court documents say the community group identified “three errors” in the Amended Originating Application relating to beachfront character, the coastal ecosystem, and views and vistas.

But Judge Long dismissed the application.

Some Buddina residents are opposed to a high-rise development planned for the area. Picture: File

Even with the loss Friends of Buddina said they were able to achieve wins along the way.

Some of these victories meant future unit owners must not override automated light controls and ensure blinds were closed by 8pm during turtle nesting season.

“This huge win happened before our case was even heard in court,” Friends of Buddina said in a statement.

“That’s the power of community action and standing up where council-decision making does not reflect community expectations.”

Pacific Diamond 88 director Robert Scott said he was pleased with the court result.

“We have received incredible support from the Sunshine Coast community who have made up the majority of our $80m in sales,” he said.

“Construction is expected to start in January/February 2022 and we look forward to raising the bar in luxury apartment living on the Sunshine Coast.”

The development will deliver three buildings over six lots consisting of 66 three-bedroom units, six four-bedroom units being split level villas, and six four-bedroom penthouse units.

There will also be one five-bedroom penthouse unit with two levels of basement carparking for 188 cars and a corner store.

More than 1,000 signatures and 84 submissions were fielded in opposition to the development along the picturesque Buddina beach.