Proposal for backpackers accommodation to double residents at Walkervale site

A development application to convert a disused retirement home to backpacker accommodation will double the number of residents, but the planner says the impact on the quiet neighbourhood community will be worth it.

A Walkervale retirement village will be converted to backpackers accommodation with double the number of residents if a new application lodged with Bundaberg council gets the green light.

A Walkervale retirement village will be converted to backpacker accommodation with double the number of residents if a new application lodged with Bundaberg council gets the green light.

If approved, the proposal will see the Walkervale Lodge retirement village at 83 Water St, Walkervale redefined as Short-term accommodation (Backpackers).

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The development application prepared by Insite SJC proposes converting the nine single-person aged accommodation units to dual occupancy short-term accommodation units.

The development application prepared by Insite SJC proposes converting the nine single-person aged accommodation units to dual occupancy short-term accommodation units.

As a result, the maximum number of residents staying at the site would double from nine to 18.

The application notes that the doubling of the number of residents brings some “obvious noncompliance” with the low density residential zoning of the area, for which an exception should be granted due to the value of the development to the community in providing accommodation for seasonal workers.

“There would be some obvious noncompliance with benchmarks of the planning scheme due to the zoning although the noncompliance is balanced by the planning need which is considered a ‘’relevant matter’’,” the application said.

“In this instance the planning and community need to provide appropriate accommodation to support the itinerant workforce.”

The development application prepared by Insite SJC proposes converting the nine single-person aged accommodation units to dual occupancy short-term accommodation units.

A 2011 development application to increase the number of units to 28 was refused by the council out of concerns that the increased density would have an undesirable impact on the surrounding area.

A meeting agenda for the council’s Planning and Development Committee from June 9, 2011 notes that the application to add 19 units to the site was refused because the site “is not suitable for high density development” and is “inconsistent with (the) preferred settlement pattern … which stipulates that amenity and density impacts are not to increase undue issues to its locale”.

According to CoreLogic records the proposed development had an estimated value of $260,000.

The latest application being assessed by the council notes that the existing building is designed to minimise the impact of noise from the site on the surrounding neighbourhood, which would be enhanced through the addition of a fully screened fence around the perimeter.

A 2011 development application to add 19 units to the site was refused because the site was “not suitable for high density development”.

The proposal also includes installation of outdoor lighting in accordance with Australian standards for the control of the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting.

The Walkervale site is considered by the planners to be optimal for backpacker accommodation because it is close to employment opportunities and public transport.

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“The proposed development would directly support the settlement pattern theme by providing appropriate short-term accommodation opportunities with convenient access to employment, transport networks, and social and community infrastructure and facilities,” the application said.

The site is a 35 minute walk from Bourbong Street and Bundaberg Railway Station, according to Google Maps data.

A Bundaberg Regional Council spokesperson declined to comment on any concerns held by council regarding the impact of the development on the surrounding area, saying “council staff will make no comments during the assessment phase of development applications”.

Originally published as Proposal for backpackers accommodation to double residents at Walkervale site