Residents react to Calile Malouf Investments’ Noosa luxe resort plan

A five-star resort in Noosa Heads is splitting locals with some fearing it will turn the “jewel into a nightmare” while others say the area needs more high-end accommodation.

Calile Malouf Investments has lodged plans with the Noosa council for a resort on Serenity Close in Noosa Heads.

Residents have raised concerns over traffic and sewage if a luxury resort hotel was built in Noosa Heads by the developers behind The Calile Hotel in Brisbane.

More than 90 submissions have been received by the Noosa Council over Calile Malouf Investments’ plan for a 178-room, 12-suite and 15-villa resort plan on Serenity Close, in Noosa Heads, on a 2.4ha site.

One Serenity Cl resident Donna Bean has called on the council to “keep Noosa small” and has complained that the sewerage system in the area could not cope.

“You are turning a jewel into a another nightmare,” she stated in her submission.

“For your inspiration turn to the small jewels in Europe (Portofino, Cinque Terre).”

The Settlers Cove Master Plan showing the lots on Serenity Close in Noosa Heads.

A Grant St resident, David Trevenar, has raised concerns about the traffic flow in his street if the development was approved.

“I cannot comprehend how the traffic will flow in and out of Grant Street at the roundabout on Grant St and Noosa Dr during the summer holidays and long weekends and school holidays,” he stated.

The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. Picture: Supplied

“I am absolutely sure I will not be able to leave my house during these times – believe me, the traffic is absolutely horrendous during these times.

“Even if they open up Banksia Av, it will not solve the problem.”

Other residents, however, were supportive of the application, saying the resort plan was within a site earmarked for tourism development and another, Oskar Booth, saying the proposal was of “strong architectural merit”.

Tourism Noosa and the Noosa Chamber of Commerce have also supported the development, as has the Noosa Junction Association.

Tourism Noosa acting chief executive officer Susan Ewington said the resort, a “luxury boutique property”, would be “a welcome addition” and would assist in keeping the region attractive to Australian and international visitors.

“There has not been a new five-star hotel developed in the region in over three decades, and the demand for a high-quality hotel product to attract high yielding visitors is critical,” she stated.

The Noosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ralph Rogers wrote that the development would provide “significant economic benefit” to Noosa Junction businesses and would offer “significant employment opportunities” during construction and when it opened.

Calile Malouf Investments was contacted and a spokeswoman said the directors were unavailable and there would be no further comment at this stage.