Sunshine Coast Council rejects multimillion-dollar venue at Bald Knob

A multimillion-dollar proposal for a 38-unit short-term accommodation venue at a popular wedding destination has been turned down by the region’s council after heated debate and significant community opposition.

Artist's impression of the venue. Image: Place Design Group.jpg

A controversial proposal to establish a 38-unit short-term accommodation facility at Bald Knob by one of Australia’s most awarded wedding venues has been rejected by the Sunshine Coast Council in a narrow six-to-five vote.

The proposed development, at 862 and 894 Landsborough-Maleny Rd, aimed to include 35 one-bedroom units, three two-bedroom units, a manager’s residence, and a reception and dining area.

The application faced significant opposition due to concerns over environmental impact, visual amenity, and conflicts with the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014.
Council also received a petition signed by 1158 people opposing the development.

Design plan. Image: Place Design Group

During Thursday’s ordinary meeting, councillors had a lengthy debate about the proposal.

Councillor Winston Johnston OAM was in favour of the proposed development and said he usually votes along the lines of officers’ recommendations but would not in this instance.

He suggested the online survey that was submitted had people voting from out of the state and even outside of Australia.

He described declining the application as an “opportunity lost” and said it was vital to the Maleny and hinterland economy.

Council officers highlighted that the development failed to comply with key assessment benchmarks.

Among the main concerns was the site’s location outside the local growth management boundary, which conflicted with the region’s strategic settlement patterns.

Artist's impression of the venue. Image: Place Design Group

Officers also noted the proposal’s potential to detract from the scenic value of Landsborough-Maleny Rd, a designated scenic route offering views of iconic Sunshine Coast landscapes.

Further issues were raised regarding the site’s infrastructure, with officers stating that the land’s steep slopes would require extensive earthworks, impacting the natural landform and landscape character.

Additionally, as the site is unsewered, the proposed wastewater treatment plan, including on-site greywater treatment and off-site blackwater disposal, was deemed insufficient for a development of this scale.

Public concerns included increased traffic, loss of scenic views, and the potential for the development to disrupt the area’s rural lifestyle.

Councillors Terry Landsberg, Joe Natoli, Winston Johnston OAM, Jenny Broderick, and Christian Dickson voted in favour of the application.

Councillors Tim Burns, Ted Hungerford, Taylor Bunnag, Maria Suarez, David Law, and Mayor Rosanna Natoli voted against it.

Ms Suarez said it was a “lost opportunity” for the site but supported the officer’s recommendation to decline the application “with sadness in my heart”.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast Council rejects multimillion-dollar venue at Bald Knob