Sunshine Coast planning scheme reference group revealed to help rollout of consultation program

A diverse group including a teen, university professor and construction company manager will guide how the council gathers feedback on its new planning scheme.

A Sunshine Coast teen, retired university professor, respected interior designer and community group members make up a key group that will influence how the region’s new planning scheme is formed.

Sunshine Coast Council has confirmed the members of its Community Reference Group to assist with the rollout and consultation programs for its new planning scheme.

The council voted in January in favour of creating a new scheme, a process expected to take four years and cost about $2.16m.

A planning scheme was a set of planning principles prepared by council to guide what can be built and where.

A council statement said the intent of the scheme was about making sure the right development happens in the right locations.

Chaired by respected businesswoman and interior designer Karen Neuendorf, the reference group would provide input on how to engage with the community on matters such as managing future growth and development.

Karen Neuendorf is the chair of the Community Reference Group for Sunshine Coast Council’s new planning scheme.

The board was made up of:

Karen Neuendorf (Chair): Respected interior designer and businesswoman, University of the Sunshine Coast Foundation Board vice chair and managing director at Ormsby Park Investments.

Robert Elliot: Retired University of the Sunshine Coast Pro Vice-Chancellor who guided its international student program.

Louise Formosa: Eumundi Trading Pty Ltd company director, which oversees about 170 micro businesses and Tourism Noosa board member.

Carl Nancarrow: Sunshine Coast general manager of major construction firm, McNab.

Stephen Burton: Founder and design director of creative placemaking design and construction practice, POMO.

Melva Hobson: President of one of the Sunshine Coast’s largest residents groups, Organisations Sunshine Coast Association of Residents.

Trevor Rice: Retiree and Sunshine Coast Access Advisory Network Incorporated president.

Narelle McCarthy: Sunshine Coast Environment Council liaison.

Gunter Nolle: Sunshine Coast Youth Council representative, retail sales worker at Crunch.

Abbey Lindley: Student Planner at Innovative Planning Solutions, marketing and communications and stakeholder engagement specialist.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the diversity of skills and expertise of the members would provide valuable input to engaging with the wider community about the development of the new planning scheme.

“The CRG’s first task will be to assist with preparing for preliminary community consultation, which will be held later this financial year,” Mr Jamieson said.

“Council will keep the community informed as engagement ideas are further developed.”

Ms Neuendorf said the group was made up of people from all walks of life.

“It’s so important to me that we hear from all the voices that make up our growing community and to do so using new and innovative ways,” she said.

“Our first meeting was held last night and, if I can speak on behalf of the group, we are all looking forward to helping council plan for the preliminary engagement opportunities for individuals and organisations to contribute to our region’s future.”

Council’s Group Executive Customer Engagement and Planning Services James Ruprai said that in partnership with the community, council would spend several years developing the new scheme to shape future land use and development across the region.

The new scheme was intended to be in place by 2024.