Controversial development seeks land use approval

One of the first hurdles in transforming vacant land near Port of Airlie could be cleared tomorrow.

These land use changes are all part of a larger development lodged with council earlier this year.

A CHANGE of use to four portions of land on Coconut Grove will come under the microscope tomorrow, marking what could be the first hurdle in a controversial development near Port of Airlie.

In the ordinary council meeting in Collinsville tomorrow, councillors will vote on a recommendation to support the change of purposes for four portions of land near Coconut Grove.

The change of purpose from recreation to road reserve would then be put to the Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister.

If the minister accepts the proposal, Coconut Grove would be widened at the roundabout intersection with Airlie Esplanade to make it easier to turn into Canal Street.

It would also be widened to create a larger turning circle for vehicles gaining access to a vacant lot beside Port of Airlie from The Beacons roundabout.

The parts are highlighted in pink on the above proposal would be changed into road reserves if approved. Image: Supplied.

These changes are all part of a larger development lodged with council earlier this year that include the subdivision of lots and construction of a road where the walking path from Port of Airlie marina to Coconut Grove is found.

The subdivision of the land would also provide future opportunity for the development of a number of projects including new accommodation, function and conference facilities, shopping outlets, restaurants and cafes.

Applications for some of these developments have been lodged but are still in the ‘request for information stage’ with the council and are yet to be publicly advertised.

The proposed conversion of the land was placed on public notification in April and received 17 public submissions.

The proposal also sparked debate earlier this year with Save Our Foreshore president Suzette Pelt arguing the land should be available for community use and enjoyment.

Among concerns were a loss of green space and recreation area, which Fight for Airlie member Clay Bauman also raised.

The change to road reserve would then allow for construction of a road where the walking path from Port of Airlie marina to Coconut Grove is found.

Beyond his opposition to some proposed developments on the vacant lots, Mr Bauman said the change of purpose could be better used.

“My first concern is they are giving up over a quarter of an acre of public land that in that location could alleviate parking issues for the markets and Beacons Beach,” he said.

“A large amount of the foreshore park was already taken for the extra parking … but obviously that hasn’t been enough to supply the markets or the beach.”

He also said a development near Port of Airlie would draw visitors away from Main St and take away important parkland.

“Our foreshore is a key area for tourists and residents and Canal Street is currently a major pedestrian pathway,” he said.

“To take that walkable and safe path away and to replace it with a dead-end road is reducing the usability of the foreshore and the marina.

“I also think to have the development of a new high street on public parkland will detract from Airlie Beach Main Street.”

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Council officers issued other responses to concerns about the use of the land, saying “while the land is public reserve … the shape of the land is not convenient for a range of recreational purposes.”

Responses to other public objections outlined that the “two narrow sections of widening of the stub road from The Beacons roundabout are unusable for any practical purpose”.

Council documents also included further information for councillors in support of the proposal, which outlined areas of “public benefit”.

These included $1.9 million of landscaping work and one year’s maintenance the developers would carry out at no cost to the council.

The recommendation will be voted on tomorrow at the ordinary council meeting in Collinsville.

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