Noosa Council approves controversial Cooroy car wash development

A controversial hinterland car wash development has been given the green light, despite calls from the Noosa Mayor and planning committee to defer the decision for more consultation.

The site for the new Cooroy eco-friendly car wash.

A controversial hinterland development has been given the green light, despite calls from the Noosa Mayor and planning committee to defer the decision for more consultation.

An eco-friendly car wash proposed by the developer, Kings Group Pty Ltd, for Elm St in Cooroy is set to go ahead after the Noosa Council voted to approve the plans at the council’s ordinary meeting on Wednesday.

The plans for a manual and automatic car wash as well as a take away outlet were first submitted to the council in 2022, including controversial details such as a 20m concrete wall that stands at two-storeys tall.

The Planning and Environment committee told councillors on Wednesday advice from traffic consultants on the possible impacts of the development were yet to be received.

Plans for the Cooroy car wash have been approved by the Noosa Council, despite pleas from the Mayor to defer the decision.

Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie asked the council to defer the decision until traffic consultation had been completed.

“This will be the first time in this council’s history where an application has been approved without traffic consultation,” Mr Wilkie said.

Mr Wilkie told councillors deferring the approval would allow them to “rest easy” and defend any possible criticisms that may come after the car wash is completed.

Councillor Tom Wegener told the council “we know how traffic works”, in response to concerns the appropriate consultations were yet to be completed, and said he supported the development going ahead as a resident of the town.

Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie asked councillors to defer the approval on the car wash. Picture: Iwan Jones

Councillor Brian Stockwell, who ultimately voted against the motion along with Mr Wilkie, said it was clear there was a commercial and community need for the car wash in the hinterland town.

In total there were 19 public submissions made against the development proposal, with 498 in support during the submission period in October last year.

Neighbouring businesses, including a bowls club and service station, stated they also supported the proposal, according to the planning committee.

Mr Wilkie and Cr Stockwell voted against the motion to approve the development on Wednesday morning, with the remaining fives councillors all voting in support.

Originally published as Noosa Council approves controversial Cooroy car wash development