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11 major developments causing controversy on the Coast

The Coast is no stranger to development controversy with many raising community, environmental and lifestyle concerns. Here are 11 of the most contentious.

Construction of the new Coles shopping centre across the road from the IGA at Jones Road Buderim. Picture: Patrick Woods
Construction of the new Coles shopping centre across the road from the IGA at Jones Road Buderim. Picture: Patrick Woods

THESunshine Coast is no stranger to controversy in development terms with councils receiving thousands of applications each year.

Some are straight forward, others are complex and contentious, affecting the community, the environment, tourism and lifestyle of residents.

From beachside apartment blocks, to mega high-rise resorts, housing developments and takeaway joints, the Sunshine Coast has had its share of contested proposals.

Here are 11 major talking points in the past 12 months.

Twin Waters West

VISION: A concept of the Twin Waters West development. Picture: Contributed
VISION: A concept of the Twin Waters West development. Picture: Contributed

Stockland wants to build 530 houses within five multiple dwelling precincts at the Twin Waters West site.

The proposed development site sits alongside the eastern side of the Sunshine Motorway and borders David Low Way to the north and the Maroochy River to the south.

Nearby residents are concerned over the declining population of coastal eastern grey kangaroos, and two online petitions are circulating with a combined 20,000 signatures.

Buddina Beach apartment block

A small group of Buddina residents are somewhat agitated about a proposed apartment and shops. Picture: John McCutcheon
A small group of Buddina residents are somewhat agitated about a proposed apartment and shops. Picture: John McCutcheon

Buddina residents are up in arms over the potential development of an seven-storey, multiple-dwelling apartment block in the heart of the beach-side precinct.

Sunshine Coast Council approved the building yesterday despite councillors raising concerns on behalf of the community that the 21m building was "out of character".

The residents are "disgusted" and planning legal action.

Landsborough 33-unit development

Residents have petitioned against a plan to build three blocks of units at 37 Maleny St, Landsborough. Picture: Google Maps
Residents have petitioned against a plan to build three blocks of units at 37 Maleny St, Landsborough. Picture: Google Maps

A two-storey, 33-unit development has sparked fear among Landsborough residents, concerned it could give rise to aesthetic, safety and density issues.

The Landsborough Area Community Association has spearheaded a petition against the code-assessable proposal for a three-building development bordering a busy roundabout at 37 Maleny St.

The application includes 23 multiple-dwelling units in which most rooms have an ensuite, and 10 "rooming accommodation units" with communal lounge, kitchen and laundry facilities.

Aria Mooloolaba

VISION: The new $250 million Aria development proposed to transform Mooloolaba. Picture: Contributed
VISION: The new $250 million Aria development proposed to transform Mooloolaba. Picture: Contributed

A $250 million plan to change the face of Mooloolaba has been officially submitted for approval.

The vision of Aria Property Group is for an international-standard, five-star hotel and residential development opposite the Mooloolaba Surf Club.

Some residents labelled it "monstrous".

Badderam Resort

An artist impression of the Badderam entertainment lawn area. Picture: Contributed
An artist impression of the Badderam entertainment lawn area. Picture: Contributed

The $95 million eco tourism resort was dubbed a game-changer by developers when proposed in 2017 with Sunshine Coast Council officers considering it "too risky" at the time.

The Badderam Eco Luxe Resort and Spa is proposed to be built across a 4ha site at 24-26 Box St, Buderim, by 2025.

It is a 125-room, 7-star project touted to bring as many as 55,000 visitors a year and delivering $35m to the economy.

Sippy Downs takeaway and petrol

A KFC, McDonald's, Subway and Stellarossa, plus 24-hour Caltex opened on Sippy Downs Drive earlier this year, creating 250 jobs.

The $10 million build has serviced the growing area, and fill the motorway fuel and fast-food void.

However, with the outlet in vicinity of major school and the university, it drew community concern.

Buderim IGA

The owner of a small and independent IGA is preparing to "stand up and fight" one of the Sunshine Coast's newest supermarkets.

Construction has started on a "state-of-the-art" Coles at Jones Road in Buderim, expected to create 100 jobs once completed in 2020.

It has the community torn over whether the huge supermarket is needed in the area.

Actventure

Concept plans for the Actventure waterpark's new leisure park, which includes glamping facilities. Picture: Contributed
Concept plans for the Actventure waterpark's new leisure park, which includes glamping facilities. Picture: Contributed

After years of waiting it appears a $400 million water park may have reached a tipping point with earthworks expected to begin later this year.

Actventure will be built over 14ha by Steve Irwin Way in Glenview and developers anticipate it would rival the Gold Coast's Wet 'n' Wild with one million annual visitors forecast.

The development includes a wave machine, a four-star hotel, pools, slides, kayaking and paddleboarding, plus a large sports field for major events.

Sekisui House

Yaroomba Beach protestors outside Council Chambers. Picture: John McCutcheon
Yaroomba Beach protestors outside Council Chambers. Picture: John McCutcheon

The Yaroomba Beach community is vehemently opposing developer to Sekisui House's plans to transform a 19ha beachside site into a 7-storey resort.

The proposed total density of the site is about 1225 dwelling and units, with the 220 resort rooms and 148 serviced apartments proposed to make up about 30 per cent of the total site.

Neighbouring residents list risks to loggerhead turtles, a lack of community need and over-development of the site as reasons against it.

Maroochy River greenhouses

Plans have been lodged with Sunshine Coast Council to build about 15 hectares of greenhouses at Maroochy River. Picture: Contributed
Plans have been lodged with Sunshine Coast Council to build about 15 hectares of greenhouses at Maroochy River. Picture: Contributed

Victorian company Katunga Fresh has an application with Sunshine Coast Council to build six greenhouses on former caneland property.

The application seeks to cover about 15 hectares of growing area as well as a dam and workers' accommodation.

It is code assessable but neighbours are concerned about flooding in the area.

Beachfront deck and pool

A Sunshine Beach homeowner is fighting for approval to build a deck and pool at her family's beachfront home.

Noosa Council refused her development application in December last year to build seaward of the coastal building line.

Concerns raised by the council included erosion, conflicts with the Noosa Plan and dunal protection.

Originally published as 11 major developments causing controversy on the Coast

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/sunshine-coast/11-major-developments-causing-controversy-on-the-coast/news-story/812e155091b38a5e16757fd54f600a4b