Sunshine Coast Council passes controversial plan to lure hotel developers

A highly controversial plan to loosen a number of regulations for luxury hotel developers on the Sunshine Coast has been decided by the council after a divided community response.

The Sunshine Coast Regional Council's city hall.

A highly-controversial plan to loosen a number of regulations for luxury hotel developers on the Sunshine Coast has been decided by the council after a divided community response.

The Sunshine Coast Council has voted to pass the controversial temporary local planning instrument, which will allow certain hotel developers to bypass existing height regulations in a bid to boost availability ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

At the council’s August ordinary meeting reduced developer fees and fast-tracked approval processes were endorsed by the council.

A community consultation regarding the incentive package took place between September 10 and October 8.

A total of 1087 responses were received by the council, with 50 per cent strongly opposing the plan, 48 per cent in support of the incentives and 2 per cent unsure.

Division 10 Councillor David Law voted against the proposal. Picture: John McCutcheon

The main concerns shared by those against the proposal included issues with the increased building heights and environmental impacts.

“The top five key themes in opposition to the proposed Temporary Local Planning Instrument related to environmental concerns, infrastructure strain, parking issues, increased building height and lack of community consultation,” the report to council stated.

Mayor Rosanna Natoli voted for the proposal.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli told councillors the planning instrument was needed to attract “high-end users” to the coast.

“Even just two or three of these hotels would make a huge impact on our economy,” Ms Natoli said.

However, Councillor David Law said while he supported an increase in hotel developments, they should not come at the expense of ratepayers.

“Market forces need to make this happen, not ratepayers of the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Law said.

Mr Law’s concerns were echoed by fellow councillor Ted Hungerford.

Councillor Terry Landsberg warned a refusal of the proposal would have “huge ramifications for the hotel industry”.

Since the hotel incentives package was first announced, two luxury developments have been proposed for the region.

International hotel giant IHG Hotels revealed plans for a 13-storey development for Ocean St, Maroochydore and a first-class 27m high hotel in Caloundra. 

Ultimately, the motion was passed with the support of Ms Natoli, Councillor Joe Natoli, Councillor Tim Burns, Councillor Jenny Broderick, Mr Landsberg, Councillor Winston Johnston and Councillor Maria Suarez.

Mr Law, Mr Hungerford, Councillor Taylor Bunnag and Councillor Christian Dickson all voted against the proposal.

The temporary local planning instrument is yet to go before the state planning minister.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast Council passes controversial plan to lure hotel developers