Approved: New tourist retreat for the Gold Coast despite causing shockwaves in community
A new nature-based tourist attraction for the southern Gold Coast is set to be approved despite opposition from residents and councillors.
Gold Coast
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A MAJORITY of city councillors have approved a nature-based tourist attraction for the southern Gold Coast despite strong opposition from rural residents.
At a full council meeting on Tuesday, councillors voted to approve a Japanese-style retreat enriched with ‘Zen culture’, including spaces for recreating with nature, arts and crafts workshops, meditating, dining and accommodation.
The applicant, Sakya Pty Ltd, is planning the project on a 33,150 sqm site on Estelle Road in the Currumbin Valley.
Area councillor Gail O’Neill, who spoke against the development application on behalf of residents, could only gain support from councillors Daphne McDonald, Peter Young and Brooke Patterson.
Outside the council meeting, she told the Bulletin the main concerns for rural property owners were the three double storey cabins to be built on the site and the size of the project.
“People who live out there, live our there for that reason. I think most of the residents were upset about the accommodation on the site. They think it will set a precedent,” Cr O’Neill said.
A report to council says the nature-based tourism facility proposed to enhance the degraded waterway and utilise the site’s environmental features, and includes a Japanese-styled garden which straddles the watercourse.
Some of the materials associated with the arts and crafts workshop activities would be sourced from the site’s Camphor Laurel — an issue which during an earlier planning committee meeting sparked questions from councillors.
Cr O’Neill had spoken up for more than 60 residents who sent objections, concerned about traffic, noise and how the project would change the local landscape.
The retreat would feature a meditation hall and workshop which includes a bedroom for an overnight stay for staff. Other amenities include a heated pool and pavilion.
Officers believed the proposal has taken into consideration the site constraints — environmental values, topography and watercourse — and achieved an appropriate outcome for this locality and recommended approvalsubject to conditions. Vegetation would be protected as planned under a 1.23ha covenant.
At an earlier planning committee meeting, Robina-based councillor Hermann Vorster said he was not satisfied with the current vegetation management plan.
Officers toughened up the recommendations to protect the canopy cover after he suggested replacement of native trees for any vegetation removed.
Cr O’Neill at the planning committee meeting said she had visited the area and the changes would be visible to neighbouring properties.
In pushing for a refusal, she said the intensity of the development would be “visually dominant” in the rural area and not comply with the City Plan provisions.
“You’ve seen how many objections have been put for this application,” Cr O’Neill said.
“It’s a serious concern for all residents that this is definitely out of character for rural residential living. I think we are setting a dangerous precedent here if we allow something like this. It’s not why people buy rural residences in the valley. It doesn’t provide privacy that’s expected in a rural setting.”
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