A block of cabins has been proposed for a “peninsula” in the middle of one of the region’s largest drinking water lakes.
The development application for a material change of use to build four cabins at Lake Macdonald has been lodged with Noosa Council.
The 19.1-hectare site, at 116 Hayward Road, is described as a “peninsula in the middle of Lake Macdonald Dam” and is located within a riparian buffer area.
Riparian areas are defined by a 50-metre buffer zone comprising of vegetation adjacent to a stream, lake or wetland.
The site, which is zoned rural and currently includes a country-style home and farm sheds, last sold in 2023 for $10.2 million.
A Pivotal Perspective planning report on behalf of its client, Delaney, outlines the proposal to build the short-term accommodation cabins and additional buildings.
According to the report, each guest accommodation cabin would be 30sqm and include one bedroom and a bathroom. The cabins would offer views east towards the lake.
The planning report details that an existing stable would be demolished to build the project.
There would also be shared living and dining facilities built, as well as carport and parking spaces.
A 90sqm outdoor living area, 230sqm gym pavilion and 3200sqm machinery shed has also been proposed.
The report addresses how the development would mitigate any impacts on the environment.
“The entire site is mapped as riparian buffer area to Lake Macdonald,” the report stated.
“The edge of the site is also located within the Environmental Protection Zone.
“The proposed buildings are appropriately setback from their boundaries so as not to impact on adjoining ecologically sensitive areas and allow for future landscaping to be provided along the gullies of the site.
“The buildings are designed as single-storey structures that blend into the landforms.
“The proposed development avoids all vegetation.”
It is stated that water waste and storm water would have no impact on the nearby lake.
“The location of the effluent disposal area (is) already approved by council for the house,” the report said.
“(The) secondary system is large enough to cater for the visitor accommodation use without impacting vegetation or the lake.
“Stormwater management including rock lining, culverts, sediment fencing and diversions have been undertaken on the site to stabilise the stormwater impacts emanating from the site.”
The application is undergoing assessment.
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