Public submissions to close on Twin Waters West proposal

Flood risks will be a “key consideration” in the ultimate decision on a 450-lot housing project, as the deadline for public comments draws to a close.

The major developer behind a controversial housing project proposed for the Sunshine Coast has defended its flood mitigation plans following public backlash.

Stockland’s third attempt at approval for the Twin Waters West development in Pacific Paradise was submitted in May, 2023 following a failed Planning and Environment Court appeal against Sunshine Coast Council’s previous rejection.

If approved, 450 low density homes as well as a lake system to mitigate flooding risk would be built on the 104.8ha site.

The project has attracted a mix of positive and negative responses in the more than 200 submissions received, with consultation closing at midnight on September 29.

The new application includes a 50-metre buffer between the development and central wetland, as well as the removal of the medium density homes to meet the council’s planning scheme.

This is the third time plans for Twin Waters West have gone before Sunshine Coast Council.

A spokesperson for Stockland said the latest development application was in line with the council’s planning scheme, as well as the outcomes from the Planning and Environment Court decision.

“The new development application encompasses the court’s outcomes, including enhanced sustainability measures and improvement to residential character requirements,” they said.

“The new master plan incorporates the input of many stakeholders and aligns with the Sunshine Coast Council Planning Scheme.

“Twin Waters West is designed to achieve flood resilience, including under climate change scenarios and not to increase flood levels in areas external to the site, including Twin Waters.”

Michel and Madleen De Gea of Twin Waters. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The latest proposal has drawn criticism from some locals, with Twin Waters residents concerned about the impact the new housing estate would have on flooding in the area.

One Twin Waters resident and engineer, Michele De Gea previously said the plans to mitigate the flooding risk with the lake system was “absurd” and “simply nonsense”.

Flooding from March 2022 on the site of the proposed Twin Waters West development.

A council spokesperson said the flood risk would be a “key consideration” in its assessment of the application.

“Assessment of the application is ongoing and flooding is one of the key considerations that will be assessed against council’s planning scheme, along with a range of other matters,” they said.

“The application has been publicly advertised for 30 business days and concludes (on September 29), with all submissions to be considered in detail as part of Council’s assessment.”

Originally published as Public submissions to close on Twin Waters West proposal