A controversial application to build 42 units under the state-facilitated development pathway has progressed to the public consultation phase.
The application proposes seven one-bedroom and 35 two-bedroom units across three separate buildings on a 2385sqm corner block at Tewantin.
It would have 11 units and a pool on the ground floor, 12 units on the first and second floors, seven units on the third floor and basement parking for 40 cars.
The buildings will reach 12m facing Poinciana Avenue and 15m facing Sidoni Street.
The development has been designed with an affordable housing component, with at least 11 of the units to have a market value below the first-home concession threshold of $799,000.
There is a memorandum of understanding between the applicant, Poinciana Blue Pty Ltd, and community housing provider Coast2Bay to purchase the units and rent to households with low to moderate incomes.
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It is one of two current state-facilitated development applications for the Noosa region, with a proposed complex at Noosa Heads potentially including up to 196 dwellings with a building height of five to six storeys.
The public notification period for the Tewantin proposal started on February 7 and concludes on March 10.
Noosa Council and Member for Noosa MP Sandy Bolton both flagged concerns about the proposal and encouraged people to have their say.
Director of development and regulation Richard MacGillivray said the council had been working with the state-facilitated development team over concerns regarding the height and density of the proposed development.
“It is disappointing that the applicant hasn’t yet made any noticeable design changes to address council’s concerns over the non-compliances with Noosa Plan 2020 prior to public notification of the proposal,” he said.
“Our officers will continue to work with the state government and take the required steps to ensure the development proposal is in line with the Noosa Plan and community expectations.”
Ms Bolton has previously said the proposal goes against what the community wants.
“In its current form, it has not addressed previous concerns raised nor aligns with the Noosa planning scheme,” she said this week.
New legislation passed late last year gave hope that councils would have a greater say about state-facilitated developments.
Noosa mayor Frank Wilkie said the council had been contacted by Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie and the state planning department to discuss a more collaborative approach to major development proposals.
It came after the outgoing Labor government made a last-minute decision to progress the two SFD projects in Noosa to the next stage of the approvals process.
“The amendments late last year do not prevent or stop any applications being submitted; however, it provides the Planning Minister with the power to revoke applications, including those that do not align with local planning schemes,” Ms Bolton said.
“Your submissions will provide further rationale to the minister’s decision making in this.
“Even with those important changes, and the state planning department working with Noosa Council closely on reviewing SFD applications, Noosa must continue to be very clear on expectations, so please lodge submissions.”
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In a media statement, Noosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ralph Rogers and secretary Ingrid Jackson said they supported the proposal as a way to tackle the housing affordability crisis.
“The state-facilitated development process offers a promising path forward,” they said.
“This development’s location makes sense: it’s near the Tewantin Village district centre, with access to supermarkets, health services, retail, food outlets, community facilities, schools and public transport. It aligns perfectly with the Noosa Transport Strategy goal of minimising car use while maximising accessibility to employment and activity hubs.
“The time for half-measures and planning scheme roadblocks has passed. We need decisive action to prevent the further exodus of essential workers and the continued deterioration of our business community. The state government’s intervention through the SFD program reflects the urgency of our situation.
“The choice – and the opportunity to act – is now. Supporting developments like the Tewantin proposal and embracing rational density increases near business centres aren’t just good policies; they’re essential steps toward preserving the vibrant, diverse community that makes Noosa special.
“Without immediate action, we risk losing not just our workers and businesses, but the very soul of our community. The solutions are clear. What we need now is the courage to implement them.”
A development application planning report by Pivotal Perspective on behalf of the applicant gives further details about the Tewantin proposal.
“Three separate building forms containing no more than four units on each floor connect via a central lift core, to allow for each unit to be considered ‘step free’ and accessible,” it says.
“The design response is comparable to Noosa Council’s intentions for additional density and height in locations close to centres, which provides for affordable housing options.
“The application is to be publicly notified, and any submissions considered as part of the chief executive’s decision making.
“Considering the site is well located amongst existing shops, amenities, services and transport, as well as the current zoning not reflecting the current or future land use … the minister’s favourable consideration of the development application is recommended.”
The site has two existing circa 1920s and 1950s houses, as well as a police office fronting Poinciana Avenue. The houses have been used for police accommodation.
Feedback on the Tewantin proposal should be sent to SFD@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au. All available documentation for the application can be found here.
