Sandstone Point Hotel’s controversial application approved

A controversial development application for a popular music venue has been approved — but with significant conditions attached after residents’ complaints.

The Sandstone Point Hotel has had its controversial development application approved.

A CONTROVERSIAL Sandstone Point Hotel development application, which received more than 300 objections from residents, has been approved.

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Moreton Bay Regional Council CEO Daryl Hitzman made the decision to approve the application on Friday based on council officer Bee Brooke’s recommendations, subject to a host of conditions.

The applicant, Bribie Waters, owned by developer Rob Comiskey, will need to comply with multiple conditions that will hamper the original request significantly.

The Red Hot Summer Tour at the Sandstone Point Hotel. Picture: Chris Higgins

Mr Comiskey was seeking to increase the number of all-day events the hotel could host per year from nine to 12.

He also requested the inclusion of multi-day events (spanning a maximum of two days) to be considered as one event, essentially increasing the number of all-day events to 24 per year.

But Mr Hitzman’s decision report explicitly stated “the recommended conditions make clear that in any calendar year there is to be no more than 12 calendar days of concert events”.

The number of events per year will remain at nine, but the hotel will have the option of hosting three multi-day events.

Aerial of Sandstone Point Hotel with Bribie Island in the distance.

“Council requested that the applicant provide a revised acoustic plan and monitoring program prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced person,” the report states.

“It is important to note the request from council for this supporting information was not provided.

“Further, the applicant outlined their previous compliance with noise conditions and considered this to be sufficient justification.

“Further, the reports have consistently demonstrated that the hotel has complied with all noise restrictions that are applied as part of the original approval granted by council.”

Rose Rayner, Deb Maddox, Leah Mcgahan, Mandy Andrews at the Red Hot Summer Tour held at Sandstone Point Hotel. Pic: Zennieshia Photography

The hotel will now be required to provide a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) for each event it hosts, prepared by a qualified third party, as a stand-alone condition.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has also made recommendations to improve traffic flow in and out of the venue during events.

“Specifically, there may be opportunities to make the movement of event traffic via Bestmann Road to operate more efficiently, along with aspects to improve shuttle bus access that may make this a more attractive option for patrons,” the report states.

Additional conditions include:

● Maintaining the noise limit of 70dB for single day major outdoor events (concerts)

● Setting the noise limit during multi-day major outdoor events (concerts) at 65dB

● An additional fixed noise monitoring station to be located at the front of the stage

● No access for events via Clark Terrace

● Reducing the duration of concerts on a Sunday to finish by 8pm instead of 10pm where the next day is not a public holiday.

● Additional requirements on the applicant when notifying residents of an upcoming concert including whether fireworks are proposed.

There was no shortage of guests at Sandstone Point.

The decision on the Sandstone Point Hotel development application was delegated to Mr Hitzman during a council co-ordination meeting on Tuesday March 19 after councillors were unable to reach a quorum.

Three councillors were absent from that meeting and four out of 10 present councillors declared perceived conflicts of interest.

A vote was taken to defer the decision to the following week where the councillors could potentially reach the required numbers to vote, but the motion was rejected.

The decision was then delegated to the CEO to make a decision by March 29.

Under the Planning Act 2019, Mr Comiskey now has 20 business days to make representations to the council on the approval.