Tourism Noosa, Chamber of Commerce react to approved plans for The Calile Noosa

A freshly approved luxury The Calile Noosa has been welcomed as a shot in the arm for a ‘plateaued’ economy, with one organisation predicting a more than $900m boost in the beachside hotspot.

Renders of The Calile Hotel at Noosa.

Noosa organisations have welcomed the approved plans of a five-star hotel in Noosa after the project was given the green light last week.

Developers of the award-winning The Calile Hotel in Brisbane first pitched its plans two years ago for a sister venue, The Calile Noosa, on a 2.4ha site on Serenity Cl and, after several redesigns, was approved by the Noosa Council on October 17.

Noosa Chamber of Commerce president Ralph Rogers said the tourism sector is one of Noosa’s largest employers but desperately needed a product to “stay relevant and competitive”.

“Noosa’s economic growth has plateaued,” he said.

“The Calile Hotel will be an key economic driver and the chamber is delighted that at last it can become a reality.”

Residents previously shared concerns over strains on Noosa’s sewage system and increased traffic during holiday season.

New plans released for Calile Noosa development.

Mr Rogers said development approvals required significant payments to contribute to upgrading Noosa’s infrastructure, which the region “desperately” needed regardless of new developments.

He described it as “crucial” for Noosa to provide a quality offering for tourists.

“The operators of the Calile Hotel have a fantastic five-star reputation and brand,” Mr Rogers said.

The chamber president said it would come down to the council and its attitude to managing the region’s economy to ensure Noosa was ready for the surge of tourism following the hotel’s completion.

Mr Rogers said the region’s economy was often taken for granted with its growth requiring “economic drivers”, which he predicted the Calile Hotel would accomplish.

“I think it’s not only about new economic activity but also delivering better quality product as existing assets age,” he said.

“The Noosa Chamber of Commerce believes that we need to balance our social, economic and environmental values and aspirations to ensure that our community can enjoy balance and economic stability.”

He welcomed the significant investment made by Calile Malouf Investments and acknowledged RG Strategic, a member of the chamber, for managing the town planning process and Richard and Spence for their “amazing, world class architectural design”.

New plans released for the Calile Noosa development.

Tourism Noosa CEO Sharon Raguse also welcomed the approved project, highlighting the significance it held as the first five-star hotel development in more than three decades for the region.

“The demand for high-quality hotel offerings to attract high-yielding visitors is critical, and The Calile brand, already an internationally awarded boutique property in Brisbane having been recognised in the World’s 50 Best Hotels and named Best Hotel in Oceania for two consecutive years, is set to become a key driver in bringing both international and interstate visitors to Noosa,” Ms Raguse said.

She predicted the hotel would play a “pivotal role” in boosting the region’s economy and inject $338m in direct spending and more $660m in indirect expenditure.

Ms Raguse said it is also expected the luxury accommodation to corporate travellers, therefore providing a “key” midweek market and contributing diversity to Noosa’s visitors.

“We are especially excited that The Calile Noosa is being delivered by the Queensland-based Malouf Family, who have a strong passion for placemaking and a deep appreciation for the unique qualities of Noosa,” she said.

“We congratulate the Malouf Family on their vision and dedication in bringing this world-class project to Noosa, one that will undoubtedly elevate the region’s profile on both a national and international scale,” Ms Raguse said.