Noosa Plan 2020 stalled as councillors seek rest to make informed decisions

Tired from days of preparation and late-night reviews, Noosa councillors hit pause on a special meeting to ensure their decisions on vital zoning and development amendments would stand the test of time.

Noosa council

Noosa Council’s special meeting on Thursday, 5 December 2024, saw heated discussions over proposed amendments to the Noosa Plan 2020, with councillors grappling over community feedback and strategic planning decisions.

The proposed amendments, labelled “Amendment No. 2,” aim to refine zoning rules, precinct management and development guidelines. Councillors reviewed public submissions and made multiple motions to incorporate changes before it is submitted to the state government for approval.

Debate centred on rezoning properties along Gympie Terrace and Hofmann Drive.

While some councillors pushed to retain tourist accommodation zoning for certain areas, these proposals were largely defeated.

Noosa Council building. Photo: Noosa Council.

A motion on setbacks for properties adjoining conservation zones was carried unanimously.

The changes ensure standard building setbacks apply in rural zones instead of imposing additional requirements.

An amendment to retain existing hospitality precinct operating hours while further investigations into management frameworks were conducted was defeated.

As the meeting progressed, the intense workload and complexity of the proposed changes took a toll on councillors, leading to a motion to adjourn the meeting for further review.

Councillor Amelia Lorentson pointed out the short time frame councillors had to review and analyse the amendments.

“We’ve had three days to read and analyse and digest the information and submissions for the first time, 136 pages of it … while balancing our other responsibilities,” Ms Lorentson said.

Councillor Amelia Lorentson asked for more time to make a decision on the amendments to the Noosa Plan.

“We need to make fully informed and thoughtful decisions, and we need to have sleep.”

Councillor Jess Phillips, a former police officer, also highlighted the challenges of making such significant decisions without adequate time or rest.

“I’m asking, personally, for just some time … I’m exhausted,” she said.

“I can make decisions; I’ve made life-threatening decisions on the spot. I just want to make a really informed, not tired, decision on what we are potentially changing the future of what Noosa looks like.”

Councillor Karen Finzel said while she supported adjourning the meeting to provide councillors with more time, it was vital that the matter return for a vote promptly.

Councillor Brian Stockwell voted with other councillors to adjourn the meeting to allow for more time to consider the implications of the amendments.

Deputy Mayor Brian Stockwell clarified that an adjournment was not to allow additional public consultation but to ensure councillors had enough time to deliberate.

“We were elected to make this decision, and it’s one of the most important decisions we make,” Mr Stockwell said.

The meeting was adjourned at 11.45am to allow councillors more time to review the implications of the amendments.

A resumption date is yet to be announced where the council will reconvene to finalise the amendment package, which will then be submitted to the state government for approval.

Originally published as Noosa Plan 2020 stalled as councillors seek rest to make informed decisions