New developments set to shape Warwick, Granite Belt in 2022 - list

From major expansions planned at popular resorts to new accommodation spots and more, these are the developments in the works across Warwick and the Granite Belt in 2022. SEE THE LIST AND PLANS HERE.

2022 is set to be another massive year of development for Warwick and the wider Southern Downs, with a stack of new projects already in the works.

From massive expansions at popular resorts to new accommodation spots and more, these are the proposals set to change the face of the region this year.

See the full list below:

GRANITE BELT CELLAR DOOR

A new cellar door experience could soon be opening up on the Granite Belt.

The application lodged with Southern Downs Regional Council on February 10 would see a cellar door with apple cider up and running at 117 Rogers Rd, Applethorpe.

Applicant Graeme Sait wrote in a letter to the council that the shop would be a way to sell some of the produce and associated products such as apple juice and apple cider vinegar from Nutrition Farms, his property with 18,000 apple trees and another 3000 stone fruit trees.

He said his nationally-acclaimed Our Love Cloud organic cider would likely prove a favourite with customers, with hopes to open the cellar door three or four days a week.

“We believe we can be a genuine asset to the Southern Downs region and that we have already demonstrated some of tha tpotential with the winning of these prestigious awards,” Mr Sait wrote.

“We have a large flat area for carparking at the entrance of the farm, and we are wanting to convert a shed built from handmade concrete blocks into a rustic and attractive farm shop, where we can also offer cider tasting.

“I am hoping to play a role in encouraging regenerative farming in the region.”

The application has not yet been approved by SDRC.

BESTBROOK EXPANSION

Bestbrook Mountain Resort is off the Cunningham Highway at Tregony.

The team behind the popular Bestbrook Mountain Resort have been approved to extend the proposed timeline for their development and expansion.

Director Ray Vincent wrote to SDRC in November, 2020, asking for a three- to five-year extension on their existing development application due to devastating drought and Covid pressures.

“This has caused an increased strain on our financial capabilities and made it impossible to proceed past our day-to-day runnings,” his letter read.

The final development could turn the Tregony resort into one of the region’s most popular destinations for residents and tourists alike, with a stack of new elements and attractions set to unfold.

The 2016 approval covered one three-day festival and up to six market events each year, additional accommodation for 58 people across 10 self-contained units, and a total of 80 camping sites.

It would also allow a wedding chapel, orienteering and rope course facilities, bush golf and tennis sites, and a stack of trails for riding mountain and trail bikes.

The application for an extended permit was finally approved by SDRC in February.

NEW INDUSTRY SHOWROOM

A Warwick industrial business has lodged an application to expand their facilities.

The steel building business has proposed establishing a sales office, display, and storage facility on the 4978 sqm lot at 39 Alexandra Dr, a space that is currently listed as a caretaker’s dwelling.

A SDRC report said the proposed development was based on eventually relocating the business in its entirety from its current McEvoy St premises to better showcase it.

The development would be completed in stages, with the first involving the main office and a small workshop along with open carports and storage.

The remaining stages would include additional storage sheds and the eventual removal of the caretaker’s residence.

RURAL WORKERS’ ACCOMMODATION

Granite Belt favourite Ashbern Farms has been approved for a new accommodation spot to house its rural worker cohort.

The proposal will see the existing farmstay house on the property at 26406 New England Highway, Stanthorpe developed to increase its capacity from five guests to 12.

A planning report submitted with the application indicated the changes would not impact the rural land use or the natural, scenic, and community values of the area.

“The increased capacity of the farmstay house will not impact the rural activity on the land, but provide the business with worker security whilst providing the workers an opportunity to experience farm life in a rural surrounding,” it read.

The project was approved in February, but no timeline for the development has been released as yet.

BACKPACKERS’ ACCOMMODATION

Proposals for non-residential workers’ accommodation are set to bring housing for close to 20 people to Stanthorpe.

John and Maria Hendry have had their application approved for the developments at 28E and 28F Harris Street, to house nine and seven workers respectively.

“The existing dwelling house and its associated infrastructure will be maintained and used as accommodation for nonresident workers,” the application read.

On-site parking would be available at the property, along with a minivan or similar vehicle for carpooling to residents’ worksites.