Sunshine Coast Council votes on controversial Bli Bli housing development

A developer’s plans of a housing estate on a Sunshine Coast floodplain has been turned down by the region’s council.

The new Sunshine Coast Council blocks preliminary approval for Bli Bli housing development. Picture: Sam Turner

The developer behind a housing development planned for a Sunshine Coast floodplain has learnt the outcome after the plans went before the region’s council for preliminary approval.

The development proposal, Parklakes 3, also referred to as the Bli Bli Northern Village, was first submitted to the Sunshine Coast Council by the developers, Focus Estates Pty Ltd and One Man Bli Bli Pty Ltd, in February 2022.

The site at Lefoes Rd and Thomas Rd in Bli Bli would feature a local centre, childcare and an unknown number of low- and medium-density homes.

A planning officer told councillors at the ordinary meeting on Thursday the developer had not provided figures on the number of lots intended to be built on the site or information on a series of large retaining walls.

“There is uncertainty on what may or may not happen on this site,” the planning officer said.

Parklakes Central development site, Bli Bli. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Councillor Maria Suarez told the council she was against the development due to a lack of detail, loss of flood storage and local community feedback.

“Where it floods, it floods deeply,” Ms Suarez said.

Ms Suarez said the application sought to take away the rights of submitters when the final plans would come to light.

Councillor Taylor Bunnag said there was “lots to choose from” when deciding why the development’s preliminary approval should be refused.

Councillor Tim Burns said there was “no way” the development should go ahead, while Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli described the proposal as “problematic at best”.

Maria Suarez

Prior to the council’s decision Ms Natoli, Ms Suarez, Councillor Tim Burns and Councillor Joe Natoli raised conflicts of interest regarding a submitter on the development proposal.

Ms Natoli and her husband Mr Natoli also declared a relationship with a shareholder of the applicant.

It was unanimously decided all three councillors and the mayor be allowed to remain in the council chambers and vote on the motion.

Ultimately, the application for preliminary approval for the Bli Bli site was refused by the council.

Councillor Terry Landsberg was the only member who voted in support of the application.

The developer was contacted for comment.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast Council votes on controversial Bli Bli housing development