CARA – Caring for Cooroy and District
_________________________________________________
RESUMPTION OF THE GEMLIFE APPEAL February 2024
The first five days of this appeal took place last year, from 26 July to (and including) 1 August. On the final day, GemLife’s lawyer requested an adjournment of the hearing, in order to address Her Honour Judge Kefford’s concerns regarding the lack of clarity and several contradictions in the Appellant’s evidence.
The adjournment was allowed and GemLife offered to pay Noosa Council’s costs thus far. At the time, the expectation was that the appeal hearing would resume in September.
However, after another Minor Change Application and new evidence from expert witnesses and the revision of many plans, the date for the resumption of the hearing was finally agreed for February 2024.
The first and second days were taken up with cross examination of the Visual Amenity, Water Quality and Town Planning expert witnesses for both Noosa Council and GemLife. Judge Kefford then allocated all of Thursday, for the writing of the Closing Submissions, which were required to be emailed to her Associate by 4pm that afternoon.
On Friday, the final day of the hearing, these submissions were tendered in hardcopy and discussion took place on outstanding matters. Evidently the provision of aged care cannot be guaranteed; contractural arrangements such as Bank Guarantees have no validity in town planning, the reconfiguration of the boundary of several lots seems to have difficulties, and it is still not clear that this is truly a Retirement residential estate, as all plans and many reports indicate it would be a GemLife Luxury Resort.
Also, Condition 14, of GemLife’s Proposed Draft Conditions, The obligations in the Myall Street Agreement dated 27 July 2023 must be complied with., was abandoned.
The hearing was concluded that afternoon, however Her Honour asked for further submissions on the reconfiguration of various lots, to be submitted at a future date and indicated that it will be more than a year before she will be able to produce a judgement as, she has a long list of judgements to finish and will be going on extended leave sometime later this year.
CARA PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2023
Cooroy Area Residents Association is a non-political community organisation formed in 2012. We provide information to our community, lodge submissions to all levels of government on issues and development proposals affecting our area, and give residents a forum to express their opinions. We are independent of council or business interests and receive no external funding.
New Developments
Cooroy continues to evolve as a service town and is increasingly becoming a destination for visitors. Several development sites have had applications before council, including a car wash in Elm Street. The retailer, Woolworths, has purchased the Myall Street land opposite the Cooroy Golf Club and has sought community consultation ahead of its development application to council. The affordable social housing project adjacent to the light industrial area west of town was rejected due to non-adherence the planning scheme. This decision is being appealed. Just recently, an innovative coffee and local produce outlet at Black Mountain, Busstop Espresso, was given notice that it must close. CARA believes the rural community has special needs that are best serviced by such hubs and will continue to argue the case to council.
CARA led community consultation for the new Cooroy Police Station, and following demolition of the residence on the site, building work has now commenced.
2023
The popular Hinterland Adventure Playground has settled in after it opened in May last year. The playground is popular with residents and visitors alike. However we are requesting improvements to the stormwater drain and shade sails over the splash pool are needed.
The GemLife appeal in the Planning and Environment Court, lodged in April 2021, has progressed slowly. CARA is a co-respondent by election with Noosa Council in the appeal. Members attended court in Brisbane for four days, until GemLife requested an adjournment in August this year, so they could improve their evidence. The hearing resumes19February 2024and will run for 3-4 days.
Cooroy State Forest, comprising 1,200 ha was gazetted a Conservation Reserve earlier this year, after a long campaign to have this state forest receive perpetual conservation status. The area includes subtropical rainforest and tall wet sclerophyll forest, and features the critically endangered Native Guava. It’s also home to the endangered Greater Glider, Koalas, the threatened Giant Barred Frog and the vulnerable Tusked Frog.
CARA made submissions and attended a Council workshop on the Draft Noosa River Catchment Plan and the Draft Destination Management Plan Discussion Paper.
The CARA Facebook page, Cooroy Community Noticeboard, has grown from around 14,200 members this time last year to over 20,000 this year. The page is a great communication tool, feedback source, and a way of keeping our residents up-to-date with the latest planning applications, local events, council information, employment, and even information on exercise classes, lost pets, car accidents, and the best tradies.
This year we lost our valued committee member, Ross Hielscher. Finally, thanks to our committee and ordinary members, and to our councillors and local state MPs for their support.
Rod Ritchie
CARA President
December 2023
REPORT ON THE 2023 GEMLIFE APPEAL
Update on the GemLife Appeal
CARA is Co-Respondent-by-Election in GemLife’s Planning and Environment Court Appeal against Noosa Council’s refusal of its Myall Street development application.
26 July, Wednesday: At 10am Judge Kefford began the appeal with an explanation of court etiquette and provided three printed pages on court procedure, titled: Information for self-represented litigant. This document includes sections on trial procedure and particularly ‘Evidence’, which has already been very useful.
The rest of the day we heard opening statements from the barristers for GemLife and Noosa Council, outlining the evidence they expect to rely on in the trial.
There were also submissions on another matter. The State Department that provides the conditions related to traffic on Myall Street, do not wish to be present at the appeal, however Judge Kefford has required that they stay involved.
27 July, Thursday: Today a site inspection took place in Cooroy, attended by the judge and barristers from both sides, plus CARA’s representatives.
28 July, Friday: The morning session opened with the hearing of objections from the barristers acting for GemLife and the Noosa Council. Objections to our various Lay Witness Statements were flagged by GemLife’s barrister, but these will be dealt with at a later date, once we have been briefed by him.
For the rest of the day, the following Expert Witnesses were cross-examined by all interested parties: For GemLife, Gavin Duane – Economic Need; Catherine Wells – Aged Care Facilities; and Jeffrey Blunden – Golf Course Sustainablility.
The court was adjourned at 4.15pm, to allow the community representative and court spectator to catch the train back to Cooroy, which was very much appreciated!
31 July – Monday: GemLife’s barrister had various objections to some paragraphs of our Lay Witness Statements (from seven CARA members), some of whom are also members of the Cooroy Golf Club – these statements were dealt with in the morning. The hearsay, opinion of a non expert, relevance and speculative sentences were struck out, but plenty of testimony was accepted.
The rest of the day was occupied by the cross-examination of expert witnesses. Jeffrey Blunden (Golf Course Sustainability expert for GemLife) returned for another session, then Marcus Brown (Need Expert for Noosa Council) answered many questions very competently. The day finished with the testimony from Nathan Powell, Visual Amenity and Character Expert Witness for GemLife.
1 August – Tuesday: For several days, her Honour Judge Kefford has expressed concern and frustration with the lack of clarity and contradictions in evidence relating to the development. This was especially evident in the plans presented to Judge Kefford, both in hard copy and digital versions, and in evidence from the Expert Witnesses.
Of considerable concern is the fact that the proposed development is described in various original and amended development applications lodged with Noosa Council, as “Multiple Housing – Type 5 Relocatable”. The Queensland Government’s traffic conditions also use this definition. However, sometime between 2020 and 2021, this use definition changed to “Multiple Housing – Type 3 Retirement and special needs”.
The overall confusion led to a request by the Appellant for an adjournment of the appeal hearing, to address these concerns. Judge Kefford granted the adjournment and announced that GemLife has offered to pay Noosa Council’s costs, the amount to be agreed upon.
4 August – Friday: A review was held on Friday morning to discuss the date that the hearing will resume and other matters. A possible additional Minor Change Application was foreshadowed by the Appellant. The date settled on was 22 September 2023.
Last Minute Vote for Golf Club Deal
Posted 9 July 2023
Before the GemLife planning court appeal begins in Brisbane later this month, the judge has asked GemLife to provide evidence that would assure the court that the golf club members are satisfied the recent changes are acceptable.
Unfortunately, the club committee intends only presenting the GemLife side of the case, despite being asked by members to present the alternative point of view.
This means members who see a poor outcome for the club, and for the Cooroy community in general, are having to put their case without access to the club’s email lists.
These members therefore urge other disaffected members to attend the Special Meeting at 5:30pm, Thursday 20 July to vote the motion down.
Read more here:
https://noosamatters.com.au/the-giant-over-50s-lifestyle…/
________________________________________
Cooroy Golf Club at the Crossroads
In 2019, land-lease property developer GemLife lodged a development application for an Over-50 Luxury Retirement Resort, with 246 housing units, on private land adjoining Cooroy Golf Course in Myall Street, Cooroy. The application called for a reconfiguration of lots and included the transfer for 1.2ha (now 1.82ha) of golf course land to the developer. In exchange, the club was to receive a new clubhouse, fairway redesign, a golf buggy shed, and club membership fees from each new home owner for 10 years.
In February 2021, Council planning staff recommended refusal on a number of grounds includinginconsistencies with Noosa Plan zoning, negative environmental impacts, high housing density, effects on the Lake Macdonald Water Supply Catchment, and adverse impacts on Cooroy’s infrastructure and amenity.
The proposal was unanimously rejected by councillors at the General Committee Meeting the following month. GemLife filed a Notice of Appeal in the Planning and Environment Court in April 2021, and Cooroy Area Residents Association joined with the Noosa Council as Co-Respondent in the appeal.
In March 2022, GemLife reduced the number of lots by 18 in response to concerns from Noosa Council about building houses and infrastructure in the flood prone and environmentally sensitive Riparian Zone.
At the time GemLife’s development application was lodged with the Noosa Council, the proposed entry road was located on private property, land that was under contract to GemLife.
However, on 10 February of this year, GemLife lodged a Minor Change Application with the court, which included plans that show the entry road to the golf clubhouse and the residential estate now located on Cooroy Golf Club property, which would obliterate the signature 15th fairway. The entry road’s location appears to have been changed without consultation with the club members or committee.
This further incursion into the golf course has prompted dissatisfaction among many club members, who were already uneasy about the previous changes. They are now concerned that this classic rural golf course is in danger of being impacted by this proposed high-density residential estate, which reduces its length and changes its layout. It’s important to them that the golf course retains its integrity, even though a new clubhouse might be attractive to some members.
Members are also concerned about the intrusion of the housing estate on the playability of the course, the liability of players and/or the club when stray balls enter the housing estate, and the extra costs involved in running and maintaining a new clubhouse. Other fears included the reduction from a standard par 72 course to a par 67, which would have an effect on the quality of the course and therefore its popularity with players.
Concerned golf club members have called for a Special General Meeting on 28 March, to pass the following motions:
a) Given the significant changes to the GemLife proposal, the management committee is directed to cease and withdraw from all discussions and negotiations around the sales or exchange of assets with GemLife forthwith.
b) That no part of the current 15th hole be sold or exchanged with GemLife.
The Cooroy Golf Club newsletter, received by members last week, announced that the latest plans for the proposal will be available for examination by members from Monday. At several information sessions this week, committee members will join with GemLife representatives to clarify the issues, and answer any questions members may have on how the proposal will affect the golf course. Members are invited to provide feedback on these latest changes.
In this latest newsletter an ultimatum is presented:
“It should be understood that if there is a YES vote on the Motion to be resolved at the Special General Meeting called by members and scheduled for 28th March 2023, then all discussions with GemLife will cease immediately without any further negotiations.”
Clearly, a YES vote would negate the need for an expensive and unnecessary 7-day appeal hearing in the Planning and Environment Court, since in our opinion the appeal is unlikely to succeed.
UPDATE 29 March
Club members voted against the two motions. This means the appeal will continue.
Rod Ritchie
President
Cooroy Area Residents Association
March Update on Planning and Environment Court Appeal
A court requirement before the final hearing is that the parties to the appeal attend a Without Prejudice Conference (mediation session). This is generally a confidential discussion, to work out a better understanding of the issues, and perhaps a reduction of issues in dispute, reducing the overall cost of the appeal.
This took place in Brisbane this last Monday, 23 January, attended by GemLife, Noosa Council and Cooroy Area Residents Association representatives. At this stage the final court hearing was scheduled for February 2023.
Two days later, GemLife proposed a minor change to the development application, relating to the location of the entry roadway to the development.
As a result, the judge ordered that consideration of the Minor Change Application take place on the 24th of February.
No date was allocated for the final 7-day court hearing.
Julia Walkden
Secretary
Cooroy Area Residents Association Inc.
a New Hinterland National Park
In late December, the Queensland Government, through the offices of Meaghan Scanlon MP, announced a number of state forests across South East Queensland are to be transferred to national park status. The transfers include the 1,200 ha West Cooroy State Forest on the shire’s southwestern boundary. Scanlan noted: “The transfer of the forests will ensure they are conserved by legislation, while also ensuring that public access remains and people can continue to enjoy these beautiful areas.”
Down for listing as a national park in the 1999 SE Queensland Regional Forest Agreement, West Cooroy State Forest was excluded in the final decision since it was reserved as a forest resource. Australian Rainforest Conservation Society (ARCS) members were informed of its exclusion. Many locals noted a light logging operation 14 years ago, before the forest returned to its untouched state.
West Cooroy contains subtropical rainforest, tall wet sclerophyll forest, including the critically endangered Native Guava. It’s also home to the endangered Koala, Greater Glider, the threatened Giant Barred Frog and the vulnerable Tusked Frog. There have been 146 bird sightings, including the Wonga Pigeon, Wompoo Fruit Dove, King-Parrot, Paradise Riflebird, Superb Fruit Dove, 10 species of Honeyeater, Satin Bowerbird, Green Catbird, Rose-crowned Fruit Dove, and the Spectacled Monarch. The distinctive call of the Bell Miner (pictured) is evident along the road in several places.
West Cooroy State Forest, Tuchekoi National Park and Woondum National Park are important hinterland reserves with streams and rivers feeding the Mary River, which runs out to the Great Barrier Reef at Maryborough. With most of the shire’s attention and conservation efforts directed to the coast’s national parks and the Noosa River, it’s worth pointing out these hinterland natural assets are also important to the shire’s biodiversity.
Former mayor, Tony Wellington, a long-time advocate, recently wrote a report on West Cooroy State Forest for the Noosa Parks Association (NPA). He noted the area forms part of the Landscape Connectivity Corridors mapped for Noosa Council’s Biodiversity Assessment Report. Obviously, a national park in the shire’s west, would be a huge ecological boost to the shire.
In recent years, CARA, along with ARCS and the NPA, has lobbied state members and government departments for this new national park. While the timeframe for the change has not been announced, because of consultation with indigenous representatives and neighbouring landowners, the decision is most welcome and an important addition to Noosa’s natural estate.
Rod Ritchie
CARA President
CARA President’s Report 2022
___________________________
Cooroy Area Residents Association, now ten years old, is a non-political organisation that was formed to provide information to our community, lodge submissions to all levels of government on issues and development proposals affecting our area, and give residents a forum to express their opinions. We are independent of council or business interests.
New Developments
Cooroy continues to evolve as a service town and is becoming a destination for visitors as well. Several development sites have current applications before council. Post-covid, nimble, new business models have evolved, including Busstop Espresso and Daddows Pizza.
Plans have been approved for three shops, with offices above, at the vacant Emerald St site opposite the Amcal Pharmacy. Council has also received a development application from Kings Group Pty Ltd to build a car wash in Elm Street. currently before council is a proposal for affordable social housing in a tiny house complex.
In July, CARA was involved in community consultation for the proposed new Cooroy Police Station. Our Facebook page, Cooroy Community Noticeboard, was used to gauge public opinion on the designs and a submission was later presented to the Police Department.
2022
The Hinterland Adventure Playground opened in May following a dramatic flooding event that saw the whole site covered with overflow from Cooroy Creek and stormwater from the town’s CBD. The playground has been beautifully vegetated, and is popular with residents and visitors alike, although there are some issues which must be addressed, such as polluted stormwater entering the drain; shade sails over the play equipment; and improved water quality in the wading pool.
The GemLife appeal in the Planning and Environment Court, lodged in April 2021, is progressing slowly. However, a mediation session has been scheduled for 13 December and a trial will be booked to run for several days, early next year. CARA is a co-respondent with Noosa Council in the appeal.
The transition of West Cooroy State Forest to National Park status, which is awaiting a report on existing resources and perhaps some final harvesting, still appears to be achievable.
The CARA Facebook page has grown from around 9,200 members this time last year to nearly 14,000 this year. The page is a great communication tool, feedback source, and a way of keeping our residents up-to-date with the latest planning applications, local events, council information, employment, and even information on exercise classes, lost pets, car accidents, and the best tradies.
Finally, thanks to our committee and ordinary members, and to our councillors and local state MPs for their support this year.
Rod Ritchie
CARA President
December 2022
CARA Newsletter October 2022
___________________________
Hinterland Adventure Playground
After being affected by flooding earlier in the year, the Playground was opened in May. It’s been very popular, especially with younger kids and their families. There are some issues which have to be addressed. 1. Children need to be made aware they shouldn’t play in the storm water drain. 2. Shade sails over the play equipment have not yet been erected. 3. Dogs allowed in the playground despite best practice is that dogs not be allowed. 4. Water in the wading pool needs to be kept clean.
GemLife Appeal Update
The appeal is moving along at a snail’s pace and there have been a lot of postponements. However, late this year there will be a without prejudice conference and, early in 2023, a trial will be booked to run for several days. CARA is a co-respondent with council in the case and at this stage the process hasn’t involved any costs. We will closely monitor the case moving forward, and after mediation will reappraise our involvement.
New Development in Emerald Street
Plans approved have been approved for three shops, with offices above, at the empty Emerald St. site opposite the Amcal Pharmacy. One condition of approval is that the awning to be more appropriately designed.
Pilot of a potential Futures Process for Noosa
Cr. Brian Stockwell invited CARA to be involved in a pilot of a potential Futures Process for Noosa. The aim is to get some initial bottom up involvement in developing a new initiative for next year’s budget that would need to be in a draft from by around Feb 2023. The aim would be to work with small groups to set the context and scope of the potential project. Then get input into the drivers of change in Noosa – from a political, ecological, economic, social and technological perspective. Cr Stockwell will seek the group’s opinion as to the critical factors that could/should be investigated to develop future plausible scenarios for Noosa (at a local and a Shire-wide scale).
Regards, Rod Ritchie
President
CARA
Noosa Today Article 15 July 2022
CARA Newsletter March 2022
________________________________________________________
Cooroy Community Noticeboard Hits 11,200 members
Our Facebook page provides direct communication about what’s happening in our busy hinterland town and surrounds. You can access the page and join our group HERE.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Adventure Playground Build Interrupted by Flooding
Work on the new Adventure Playground was interrupted by a flooding event in Cooroy on 24 February. Water covered the whole site and even entered the amenities block. There was damage to the garden beds and Marara St was covered with water just past the library all the way to the church. Of particular concern was the untreated town stormwater which joined with the swollen Cooroy Creek to inundate the site. Completion is delayed by six weeks and will open to the public in mid-April. The official opening is planned for 7 May.
________________________________________________________________
GemLife Appeal News
GemLife’s appeal was lodged in the Planning and Environment Court on 23 April 2021, even though the project site is not consistent with zoning or local and state government plans. Cooroy Area Residents Association, has joined with the Noosa Council as Co-Respondent in the appeal. Various reviews were held in October and December 2021 and in February 2022, because the applicant had not fulfilled various obligations to the court. In March 2022 GemLife reduced the number of lots in response to concerns from Noosa Council about development in the Riparian Zone. Another review is scheduled for 7 April.
___________________________________________
Constitution Objects and Membership Register update
The Secretary, Julia Walkden, reported that a subcommittee was formed and update the Membership Register and protocols for joining our organisation. We have also updated the Model Rules, according to the advice of the Office of Fair Trading.
_____________________________________________________
Report on the intersections by Rob Skelton MP member for Nicklin
____________
Now we are 10
In March 2022, CARA will have been incorporated for ten years. Since much has changed in the last decade, the committee formalised CARA’s membership register and revised the Objects of Association. These were approved at a Special Meeting on 19 October.
When you subscribed to our newsletter, your name was included on CARA’s membership list. There is no need to contact us if you’d like to remain a member, but if you no longer wish to be a member, please let us know, and we’ll delete you from the membership roll. Membership remains free
CARA President’s Report 2021
__________________
Cooroy Area Residents Association (CARA) is a non-political organisation formed to provide information and lodge submissions to all levels of government on issues and development proposals affecting our community, and give residents a forum to express their opinions on matters affecting them. We are independent of Council or business, and do not accept funding from either.
In March 2022, CARA will have been incorporated ten years. Ray Kelly lodged our original incorporation application in 2012.
The Cooroy town centre continues to evolve with its retail mix and is becoming a destination for visitors as much as a service town. The Hinterland Adventure Playground has changed the face of the Mill Place precinct and its popularity has the potential to put stress stress on our biggest infrastructure issue, the intersections.
The Year
Our new councillors and mayor have settled in with the guidance of the three incumbent councillors, along with outgoing CEO Brett de Chastel, and have become a unified group prepared to look for solutions that benefit resident.
In February, Council planning staff recommended refusal of the GemLife Golf Resort proposal for 246 seniors’ housing units in Myall Street, and councillors unanimously backed this refusal at their Ordinary Meeting on 18 March. GemLife subsequently lodged an appeal and CARA has joined with Council as co-respondent to defend the appeal. We consider the proposal to be an inconsistent land use that will have serious impacts the town’s amenity and infrastructure.
Our plan for a Recreational Cycleway from Cooroy to Tinbeerwah, where it would connect with cycle paths with Tewantin and Noosa, was advanced by committee members Ross Hielscher and Ray Kelly. Indications are these representations are unlikely to achieve a successful outcome in the short term, due to lack of funding
The supermarket chain, Woolworths, has purchased the Myall St property across the road from the GemLife proposal and have signalled their intention to lodge a development application for a large supermarket and associated businesses.
The transition of West Cooroy State Forest to National Park status, still appears to be achievable.Cooroy residents with dogs have requested an off-leash dog park. CARA is liaising with Cr Wegener, who is looking into the possibility of fencing the Kauri Street dog park.
Two CARA members also lodged submissions requesting more support in the Noosa Council Budget for the Botanic Gardens, which was successful.
The Noosa Trails network has received a $1.2m grant from the State Government, to upgrade the Pomona to Cooran section of the trail.
The objects and membership rules for joining our organisation have been updated. These changes were approved at a Special Meeting on 19 October. The Office of Fair Trading advised us recently that the rule amendments were registered on 29 November.
The CARA Facebook Page, Cooroy Community Noticeboard, has grown from around 5,200 members this time last year to over 9,000 this year. The page is a great communication tool, feedback source, and a way of keeping our residents up-to-date with the latest planning applications, local events, council information, employment, and even lost pets.
Finally, thanks to our committee members and supporters, and to our councillors and local state members for their efforts this year.
Rod Ritchie
CARA President
14 December 2021
t
CARA Newsletter September 2021
_______________________________________________________
Cooroy Community Noticeboard Hits 8,200 members
Our Facebook page provides direct communication about what’s happening in our busy hinterland town and surrounds. You can access the page and join our group HERE.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Adventure Playground Build Continues
Work continues on the new Adventure Playground. Earthworks and built structures show the scope of the project. The poles are going up for the climbing tower, the water pay area is constructed, the ablution block started and mature trees are being planted. Completion is due for the end of the year depending on weather events.
Check out the 3D visualization video of what’s being proposed.
_________________________________________________________________
GemLife Appeal News
GemLife’s appeal was lodged in the Planning and Environment Court on 23 April 2021, even though the project site is not consistent with zoning or local and state government plans. Cooroy Area Residents Association, has joined with the Noosa Council as Co-Respondent in the appeal. The appeal is listed for review on 22 October 202
____________________________________________
Constitution objects and Membership Register update
The Secretary, Julia Walkden, reported that a subcommittee has been formed and is presently updating the Membership Register and protocols for joining our organisation. We are also in the process of updating the Model Rules, according to the advice of the Office of Fair Trading.
_______________________
Off-leash Dog Park Kauri St
Cooroy residents with dogs have long wanted an off-leash dog park. CARA has contacted Cr Tom Wegener, who said he would look into the possibility of fencing the Kauri Street dog park.
__________________________________________________________
Grant for the Noosa Trails Network and Funding for the Botanic Gardens
The Noosa Trails network has received a $1.2m grant from the State Government, to upgrade the Pomona to Cooran section of the trail.
Two CARA members also lodged submissions requesting more support in the Budget for the Botanic Gardens. Ray Kelly will contact the council to ascertain the status of the Ida Duncan Fund.
______________
Soon We’ll Be 10
In March 2022, CARA will have been incorporated for ten years. Since much has changed in the last decade, the committee has decided to formalise CARA’s membership register and revise the Objects of Association.
When you subscribed to our newsletter, your name was included on CARA’s membership list. There is no need to contact us if you’d like to remain a member, but if you no longer wish to be a member, please let us know by 30 June, and we’ll delete you from the membership roll. Membership remains free
CARA Newsletter June 2021
____________________________________________
Cooroy Community Noticeboard Hits 7,500 members
Our Facebook page provides direct communication about what’s happening in our busy hinterland town and surrounds. You can access the page and join our group HERE.
_________________________________________________________________
Adventure Playground Build Starts
Work has started on the new Adventure Playground. Earthworks show the scope of the project. The contaminated soil will be removed from the site. ;Completion is due for the end of the year depending on weather events. .
Check out the 3D visualization video of what’s being proposed.
_____________________________
GemLife Appeals Council Decision
As we reported last newsletter, GemLife’s proposal for 246 seniors’ housing units, as part of an Over-50s Retirement Resort adjoining Cooroy Golf Course, was unanimously rejected by councillors at the General Meeting 15 March.
The company has now lodged an appeal in the Planning and Environment Court. Councillors have yet to receive a recommendation from council staff regarding defence of the appeal against the decision.
__________________________
Relaxation of COVID Protocols
In August 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Noosa Council Property Manager, Clint Irwin, presented a report and recommendations to our councillors, on crowd numbers allowed at events of various sizes in the Noosa Shire. The report and recommendations were approved unanimously by councillors, and the COVID Reference Group.
In December 2020, Council asked various groups for feedback on the relaxation of crowd numbers at 2021 Noosa events. The council then presented a second report and recommendation, to retain the crowd numbers for the largest events at the original level, and include some type of community consultation. This was rejected by councillors 5-2. Read CARA’s submission to Council HERE.
_______________________________________
Introduction of Local Laws for Short-term Lets
The proposed local laws aim to manage the potential impacts of short-stay letting and home-hosted accommodation on the residential amenity of permanent residents by requiring a local management framework and code of conduct for guest behaviour and minimum safety standards for guests. The local laws will also regulate the ongoing operation of short-stay letting and home-hosted accommodation. Read CARA’s submission to Council HERE.
_____________________________
Draft Budget Management Process
The community was invited to use the Balance the Budget Tool and the Your Say online form to provide feedback on 2021/2022 Budget Priorities and the draft Capital Plan. A report of the outcomes was presented to Council on Friday 23rd April 2021 and the community was invited to comment on the draft. Read CARA’s submission to Council HERE.
_______________
Soon We’ll Be 10
In March 2022, CARA will have been incorporated for ten years. Since much has changed in the last decade, the committee has decided to formalise CARA’s membership register and revise the Objects of Association.
When you subscribed to our newsletter, your name was included on CARA’s membership list. There is no need to contact us if you’d like to remain a member, but if you no longer wish to be a member, please let us know by 30 June, and we’ll delete you from the membership roll. Membership remains free
CARA Newsletter April 2021
_________________________________
Facebook Page Continues to Grow in Numbers
Our Facebook page provides direct communication about what’s happening in our busy hinterland town and surrounds.
We now have over 6,500 members and you can access the page and join our group HERE.
_____________________________________________________________________
Adventure Playground Build to Start Soon
Councillors have approved a tender for the Playground. Council Staff have been working through the planning approval process, and adjusting the scale of the development, to suit the budget and requirements of the Cooroy site. Construction will begin soon and completion is set down for November this year.
Check out the 3D visualization video of what’s being proposed.
____________________________________________________________
GemLife Development Application
GemLife’s proposal for 246 seniors’ housing units, as part of an Over-50s Retirement Resort adjoining Cooroy Golf Course, was unanimously rejected by councillors at the General Meeting 15 March. Reasons included:
• Incorrect land zoning
• Negative environmental impacts
• The density of the housing
• Affects on Noosa’s water catchment
• Lack of need for such housing.
_____________________________________________________
Air Services Australia
The Sunshine Coast Airport is having its flight paths re-evaluated by Air Services Australia. CARA understands alternative flight paths proposed by coastal residents may move paths from the coast to the surrounds of Cooroy, and we have therefore put in a submission that seeks to protect Cooroy’s interests. the submission is HERE.
__________________________________________________________
Save the Noosa Hinterland
CARA was approached for support by the Save Noosa Hinterland group who are trying to get limits put on the Kin Kin-Pomona Rd quarry traffic. With over 220 trucks daily, hauling gravel to the Bruce Highway and points south, local residents are facing danger on the roads. School buses must share these roads, and residents have to endure traffic six days a week. More recently, the trucks and trailers, with 40-tonne loads have been taking the Cooroy route to the highway on some days. Council recently engaged a barrister to review all aspects of the Kin Kin Quarry Management Plan and Mayor Stewart is pushing to collect $133,450 in council fines. Sandy Bolton MP recently gave a speech in state parliament on the issue.
______________________________________
Cooroy Intersections Improvements
Finally, TMR has released the result of its survey taken almost two years ago. Here is a copy of its letter to Rob Skelton MP.
“TMR has undertaken early planning for the upgrade of two intersections in the town of Cooroy at Elm Street and Diamond Street, and Elm Street and Myall Street. Both traffic signals and roundabouts were investigated as potential options, with traffic signals currently identified as the preferred option for both intersection upgrades. Traffic signals will provide a cost-effective solution that improves safety for all road users, particularly for pedestrians and bike riders, with minimal property impacts.
Key stakeholders and the local community provided feedback on traffic signals as a possible future upgrade option for both intersections. TMR undertook a thorough process in evaluating the community input. We understand the local community sentiment favours a roundabout option at both intersections.
At this time, there is no funding allocated to progress the upgrades to detailed design or construction due to higher priorities across the state-controlled road network. TMR has no plans to undertake further community consultation at this time. Subject to future funding outcomes, TMR will re-engage with key stakeholders and the community.” END
As reported in the last newsletter, CARA presented a concept plan for the Diamond/Elm Street intersection roundabout to Noosa Council. We have long held that traffic lights at this intersection would create a suburban Brisbane look that would not be appropriate for our vibrant rural town. And we’d also like the east side of town to have the traffic calmed and pedestrian crossings and bike lanes included.
You can view our submission HERE.
___________________________________
Taking Stock of Tourism in Noosa
it’s time we faced up to the impacts of tourism on our community. We know it’s an important part of the economy, but we also know that there is a limit to the number of visitors that can be provided for, catered for by our infrastructure, gives an experience that lives up to the promises in the brochures, and is affordable to our ratepayers. If we are going to claim to be the relaxation capital of Australia, we need to make sure this applies to residents, too, and put a tourist population cap on visitation. And we need an effective plan for destination management. Sustainability planning, a topic the Stakeholder Reference Group of the previous council spent 18 months discussing, before being closed down, came to virtually zero. Read the article HERE.
_______________________
West Cooroy State Forest
Due to its importance as a Koala Habitat, West Cooroy State Forest is to be transitioned to National Park status. CARA has approached our local member Rob Skelton MP to undertake discussions with the State Government to achieve this.
You can read our report HERE.
CARA President’s Report 2020
Cooroy Area Residents Association (CARA) is a non-political organisation formed to provide information on issues and development proposals affecting our community, and to give residents a forum to express their opinions. We are independent of Council or business, and do not accept funding from either.
Obviously, 2020 was a struggle for many. The virus brought changes to the way we live, work and play. Disruptions were many, especially during lockdown, but the town is back on an even keel and looking to the future more positively now that a vaccine is on the horizon. And Cooroy continues to be the thriving hinterland capital. Council is assessing development applications, and the town centre continues to evolve with its retail mix and is becoming a destination for visitors as much as a service town. Rental properties are in short supply as the town benefits from many people deciding to move from the cities to regional areas for lifestyle and health reasons due to the Pandemic.
For all these reasons, CARA believes our role as a guardian of the heritage and character of the town is more important than ever.
The Year
In late March, a newly elected team of councillors and mayor were elected. The incumbent councillors, Wilkie, Jurisevic and Stockwell were re-elected, and they were joined by councillors Lorentson, Finzel, and Wegener. Cr Stewart was elected as the new mayor, replacing Cr Wellington. We would like to acknowledge Tony’s support of CARA for many years, and look forward to working with Clare.
Two members of the CARA Management Committee have been kept up to date on preliminary planning for the proposed Hinterland Adventure Playground. Staff have been working through the planning approval process, and adjusting the scale of the development, to suit the budget and requirements of the Cooroy site. Once the process is complete, staff will prepare a report for Council seeking approval to start construction on the revised plan. Our Committee remains disappointed at the lack of public input into the project, and particularly that such a large project is being considered for the CBD before necessary infrastructure improvements.
GemLife’s proposal for 242 seniors’ housing units as part of a Gated Retirement Resort adjoining Cooroy Golf Course is still going through the approval process. Part of the applicant’s application is a gift to Cooroy Golf Club of $4.5 m worth of improvements. CARA was unable to hold our usual town meeting to outline the
project due to COVID restrictions. Because we considered the proposal to be an inconsistent land use and will have impacts the town’s infrastructure, our submission objects to approval by Noosa Council.
A recent proposal to remove an old Queenslander from the Cultural Heritage Precinct in Maple St drew widespread disapproval from the community after Cr Stockwell employed social media to urge upholding the Noosa Plan. Councillors voted to support the planner’s recommendation to disallow the MCU.
New Projects
Recently, CARA was approached for support by the Save Noosa Hinterland group who are trying to get some limits put on the Kin Kin-Pomona Rd quarry traffic. With over 200 trucks daily hauling gravel to the Bruce Highway and points south, local residents are facing danger on the roads. School buses must share these roads, and residents have their normally quiet existence shattered by this traffic six days a week. More recently, the trucks and trailers, with 40-tonne loads have been taking the Cooroy route to the highway on some days. Council recently decided to engage a barrister to review all aspects of the Kin Kin Quarry Management Plan.
Our plan for a Recreational Cycleway from Cooroy to Tinbeerwah, where it would connect with cycle paths with Tewantin and Noosa, is being advanced by committee member Ross Hielscher who has had various meetings with consultants and the new council reference group.
The Sunshine Coast Airport is having its flight paths re-evaluated by Air Services Australia. CARA understands alternative flight paths proposed by coastal residents may move paths from the coast to the surrounds of Cooroy, and we have therefore put in a submission that seeks to protect Cooroy’s interests.
The recent state election saw local LNP member Marty Hunt pipped at the post by new ALP member Rob Skelton. We thank Marty for his past service and look forward to working with Rob on the issues that affect us here.
One of these issues will be to progress the transition of West Cooroy State Forest to National Park status.
The CARA Facebook Page, Cooroy Community Noticeboard, has grown from around 2,000 members this time last year to over 5,200. The page is a great communication tool and a way of keeping our residents up-to-date with the latest planning applications.
Finally, thanks to our committee members and supporters, and to our councillors and local state members for their efforts this year.
Rod Ritchie
CARA President
1 December 2020
CARA Newsletter November 2020
_______________________________________________
Cooroy Community Noticeboard Hits 5,000 members
Wow, we’ve hit 5K members and are now the town’s premier Facebook page. CARA continues to provide direct communication about what’s happening in our busy hinterland town and surrounds.
You can access the page and join our group HERE.
_____________________________________________________________________
Adventure Playground to Start Next Year
Mayor Stewart explained recently staff had been working through the planning approval process, which was almost complete. “Construction was delayed slightly while we reviewed the 2020/2021 Capital Works Program in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.
The scale of the development, to suit the budget and requirements of the Cooroy site, should be finalised in coming months. Once the process is complete, staff will prepare a report for Council seeking approval to start construction on the revised plan.
____________________________________________________________
GemLife Development Application
The GemLife Retirement Resort application has been delayed while a technical hitch concerning the Bio-retention land was clarified in the Planning Court. Since the proposal is considered by CARA to be inappropriate, we lodged a submission with Noosa Council earlier in the year to this effect. It can be found on the CARA website HERE.
The DA should now come before the Council Planning Committee in the December or January round of council meetings.
___________________________________________________________________
Sunshine Coast Airport Flight Paths
CARA members attended a public consultation in April, and a meeting convened by the Flight Path Forum at The J on 22 June. Although Cooroy appeared to be unaffected, we have since seen proposed alternative flight paths, published by affected coastal residents, that move some runway approaches from the coast to the surrounds of Cooroy.
Air Services Australia are now planning to make changes to their proposed flight paths, which could see flights moved out our way. CARA has put in a submission for the Draft Terms of Reference V2._________________________________________
Kin Kin Quarry Traffic issues
CARA is helping Kin Kin/Cooran/Pomona residents fight the dramatic escalation of quarry trucks on the Kin Kin-Pomona Rd since the new lease owner took over operations. With over 200 trucks daily hauling gravel to the Bruce Highway and points south, local residents are facing danger on on the roads, school buses must share these roads, and residents have their normally quiet existence shattered by this traffic six days a week. More recently, the trucks and trailers, with 40-tonne loads have been taking the Cooroy route to the highway on some days. We are also concerned that Tourism Noosa is still promoting the northern loop of the Noosa Country Drive when the roads are now clearly not suitable for a tourist drive.
Council recently decided to engage a barrister to review all aspects of the Kin Kin Quarry Management Plan. The Save Noosa Hinterland group is now incorporated, and they are uniting to fight the increases in the truck activity. They have held two protest rallies outside council chambers, and are having a meeting in the next few weeks with Sandy Bolton, Clare Stewart and councillors, to discuss the current issues and concerns of the community.
_______________________________________________
New Member For Nicklin
Robert Skelton has been elected as the new state member for Nicklin by the very close margin of 85 votes. After serving in the Australian Defence Force, Robert was the Leading Firefighter at Queensland airports for nearly 15 years. He has three children, two sons and a daughter. He understands the importance of protecting the unique landscapes of Nicklin, when developing much-needed infrastructure projects to keep Queensland moving.
Robert will work with the Government’s investment in infrastructure projects, such as the Bruce Highway, will keep locals connected, and encourage more Queenslanders to visit the natural Nicklin environment.
________________________________________________
Message From Marty Hunt
As you may have heard I was narrowly defeated at the recent State Election. Whilst I’m disappointed, I accept the will of the people and wish the incoming new member all the best in the next term of Parliament. For me, it’s not about the individual or the party, it is about the local community and what they need. I understand the newly elected member is quite new to our area so I hope he works to learn quickly the priorities of our communities and the community can benefit in the long run.
When I was elected it was a very humbling experience and it was an absolute honour to serve you all. Nicklin is a diverse group of communities with fantastic community organisations, clubs and groups and I loved visiting you all and helping where I could.
Farewell and thanks, Marty.
___________________________
Cooroy to the Coast Cycleway
CARA Committee member Ross Hielscher presented an update on the shire-wide cycleway proposal and the results of various meetings with consultants and the new council reference group.
______________
AGM Reminder
CARA’s annual AGM will be at 5:30pm on Tuesday 1 December at the Cooroy RSL Club. All members are welcome.
CARA Newsletter August 2020
Cooroy Community Noticeboard
With nearly 4,000 members, our Facebook page provides direct communication about what’s happening daily in our busy hinterland town and surrounds.
You can access the page and join our group HERE.
______________________________
GemLife Development Application
The GemLife Retirement Resort proposal is considered by CARA to be inappropriate and should not be approved by Noosa Council. Some of the reasons include:
Inconsistent land use: The proposal is located on land within the Rural Zone, which is an inconsistent land use. The proposal is not a suitable use, given the context and characteristics of the site. The development would negatively impact on the Myall/Elm streets intersection and further exacerbate the parking problem in the Cooroy CBD. The proposal will negatively impact on the scenic and environmental values of the rural land for residents located to the north and south of the subject site.
Need: There is no need for the proposed rezoning for retirement housing, since Cooroy already has two retirement residential/resort living establishments. Also in the New Noosa Plan, land opposite the site at 125 Myall Street, Cooroy (Lot 4 SP248479) is proposed to be zoned ‘Community Facilities’ for a Residential Care Facility in the future.
Insufficient buffer areas: The design does not provide sufficient buffer areas between the premises, which will lead to potential adverse amenity impacts.
Motor Vehicles: Statistical data indicates that 39% of dwellings in retirement housing have two vehicles, and 35.5 % one vehicle. If this flows on to GemLife, then the expectation is approximately 330 vehicles within this application.
Information from the CARA website can be found HERE.
The DA comes before the Council Planning Committee on 11 August. A decision will be made at the Ordinary Meeting 20 August.
_________________
The New Noosa Plan
The New Noosa Plan was recently passed by councillors. Representing several years work by Council staff and consultants, the plan is a blueprint for the future and builds on previous plans to keep Noosa planning principles to the forefront of decision making.
__________________________
Cooroy Hinterland Playground
Update on project: parking and raised crossing to be completed this year; tenders have been delayed; and budget funding postponed until next year.
CARA will write to Noosa Council asking that the Cooroy Hinterland Playground be redesigned to a less expensive concept, based on genuine consultation with the wider community. The present proposal, which was designed in the pre-COVID-19 era, should be scaled down to make it more affordable, especially since, in its present form, it will cost around $500,000 a year to maintain.
_______________________
Cooroy to Coast Cycleway
Ross Hielscher presented an update on the shire-wide cycleway proposal and the results of various meetings with consultants and the new council reference group.
______________________
West Cooroy State Forest
Report on the progress of transition of West Cooroy State Forest to National Park status. CARA will approach Cr Stockwell to undertake discussions with the State Government to achieve this.
CARA Newsletter March 2020
Cooroy Community Noticeboard
With nearly 3,000 members, our Facebook page provides direct communication about what’s happening daily in our busy hinterland town and surrounds.
You can access the page and join our group HERE.
________________________________________________
GemLife Cooroy Clubhouse and Senior Living Proposal
The site, on Myall St, is located outside of the Urban Growth Boundary and is zoned Rural. Accordingly the proposed residential use creates conflict with the intent of the planning scheme. The proposal is also within the water catchment.
The applicant must demonstrate how the proposed dwellings provide for aged care as per the need identified in the Housing Needs Analysis, and how the proposed dwellings are able to be certified by a private building certifier as relocatable. Also, how the tree lined access to Cooroy is to be provided.
Other questions asked of GemLife, include details on how the proposal links with current public transportation, the location of pedestrian links, traffic surveys, including traffic generation, parking, and stormwater issues. The committee resolved unanimously to conduct a town meeting once the objection period has started.
________________
The New Noosa Plan
The draft New Noosa Plan was first released for public consultation from 18 February – 20 May 2019, and was recently returned by the state government for further revision. In response to submissions, a number of changes are now proposed that are considered “significant” under the Planning Act 2016 in terms of effect on land use outcomes and assessment requirements for certain types of development. Council needs time to consider two of the conditions more thoroughly. With the caretaker period looming, the Minister’s approval didn’t allow sufficient time for this to happen and have Council adopt the scheme. The new council will have to decide the best way forward.
_________________
Noosa Decides 2020
This is one of the most important council elections in the recent decades. The lines are drawn between those who want the best incumbents returned to protect the Noosa environment and lifestyle (through the New Noosa Plan) and those looking for a clean sweep of mayor and councillors.
There are 2 mayoral candidates and 21 candidates vying for councillor positions. They are:
Tony Wellington is running on his 10 years of experience in Local Government, including the last 4 years as mayor of Noosa Shire. He is backing candidates, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Joe Jurisevic, Cr Brian Stockwell, Phil Moran, Tom Wegener, Yanni Van Zijl, Megan Halverson, Alan Lander, Julien Cahn and Janet Kake.
Comment: Of these candidates, Wellington, Stockwell, Moran, Wegener and Kake reside in the Hinterland. They will be an effective voice for Cooroy and the district.
Clare Stewart is running on the strength of brief careers as barrister and business woman. She is endorsing Amelia Lorentson, Andrew Squires, David Fletcher, Karen Cook-Langdon, Karen Finzel, and Patrick Lloyd.
Comment: While none have Local Government experience, they have a range of experience in business and health care. Only Finzel lives in the hinterland.
_________________________________
Sustainable Tourism Reference Group
CARA is represented on this Noosa Council reference group, which is working to bring Hinterland tourism issues to the fore. Infrastructure, visitor numbers and how we might balance the benefits and impacts of tourism on our local community continue to be the focus for us.
Resident groups from Noosa, Pomona, Peregian Beach and Cooroy are finalising a joint statement to Council that sets a framework for a tourism future that has constraints based on what our infrastructure can handle, and how the hinterland would change were it to become an overflow area for coastal visitors.
CARA President’s Report 2019
CARA is a non-political organisation formed to provide information on issues and development proposals affecting our community, and to give residents a forum to express their opinions. We are independent of Council or business interests, and do not accept funding from either.
Cooroy continues to evolve rapidly. New housing estates are selling out, and the town centre is changing its retail mix and becoming a destination for visitors as much as a service town.
CARA and the Cooroy Chamber of Commerce held a joint town meeting in February to gauge public opinion on the various options for the two congested intersections. Over 200 residents turned out to hear an introduction by Mayor Wellington, followed by talks by local MP’s, Marty Hunt and Sandy Bolton. An exit poll of 115 people showed 46 people preferring lights at the Myall/Elm intersection and 60 a roundabout. There were 10 votes for no change. At the Diamond/Elm intersection, 45 wanted lights while 60 voted for a roundabout. There were 11 votes for no change. We are still awaiting TMR’s report on the survey they conducted. Recently, Marty Hunt has asked a question of the appropriate minister in State Parliament.
The New Noosa Plan has occupied Council staff for years now, and written submissions closed in May. CARA was, by and large, content with the plan as it affected Cooroy. A number of changes are now proposed that are considered “significant” in terms of effect on land use outcomes and assessment requirements for certain types of development, and these have been submitted to the state Government for consideration.
Throughout the year, CARA was represented on Noosa Council’s Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group to consider the benefits and impacts of tourism on our local community. We were disappointed that discussions for the year wrapped up last month without a joint accord being decided upon. CARA, along with resident groups from Pomona, Noosa, and Perigean, had agreed to wording of an accord, but shire business associations appeared unwilling to compromise, and so an opportunity was lost. CARA intends to review its participation in the group for the coming year.
Two members of the Management Committee have been kept up to date on preliminary planning for the proposed Hinterland Adventure Playground. Now, funding of $2.8 m from the state government has been approved, and Council voted to spend $2.40 m. The Committee is disappointed at the lack of public input into the project, and that such a large project is being considered for the CBD before the intersections have definite plans for improvements.
CARA met with local MP’s, Marty Hunt and Sandy Bolton, Mayor Wellington, and the head of Council’s Infrastructure Department, to propose a Hinterland Transit Centre for the land adjacent to the railway station. This project would require State, Council and QR working together, but the benefits for all in having a hinterland transit interchange were obvious to all at the meeting.
New Projects
Lutheran Services is progressing a development application for new aged care services at Cooroy, and recently held a meeting to consult on the project with CARA. The 52-bed Cooroy Care Farm is a therapeutic, farm-centric approach to care, contributing to much needed facilities for dementia care, aged care and respite options on the Sunshine Coast. The project is located on a 25-hectare site at 521 Elm Street and 10-22 Rose Gum Road, Black Mountain. Noosa Council is assessing the proposal.
Gemlife is proposing some 242 seniors’ housing units as part of a gated Cooroy Golf Course development. Although the project could have a big impact on the town’s traffic and services, the good news for the Golf Club is that they would get two new fairways and a new $2.2 m clubhouse in the centre of the existing 18 holes. CARA recently met with the developer’s planner for a briefing and learned that the DA had been lodged with Council. When the notification period commences, we will hold a town meeting to outline the project and get feedback from residents.
We are pleased that Council has budgeted for a pedestrian bridge on Gumtree Drive to reconnect the pathway following the demolition of the old bridge. Also, we are preparing a plan for a recreational cycleway from Cooroy to Tinbeerwah, where it would connect with cycle paths to Tewantin and Noosa.
CARA has been consulting with SEQWater on key issues with the Lake Macdonald dam wall raising, including fauna and flora management with such a significant water drop, protection from the spread of invasive pests,and the traffic management during the project’s building phase.
Our Facebook page, Cooroy Community Noticeboard, has grown from around 800 members to over 2,000 in the past 12 months. The page is a great communication tool and a way of keeping our residents up-to-date with the latest planning applications.
Finally, thanks to our committee members and supporters, and to our councillors and our local state members for their efforts this year. Special thanks to retiring Treasurer, Clytie Glass.
CARA will continue to take an active interest in development proposals in 2020.
Rod Ritchie
CARA President
3 December 2019
CARA Newsletter October 2019
Cooroy Community Noticeboard
With over 1,800 members, our Facebook page provides direct communication about what’s happening daily in our busy hinterland town and surrounds.
You can access the page and join our group HERE.
__________________________________________
Cooroy Community Precinct Adventure Playground
With a revised budget of $5.2m, and a new name, the proposal has been approved by Council. CARA is investigating the possibility of the project being impact assessable rather than code assessable. Council believes they have the right to the latter because a playground, much smaller in scale and impact, was proposed on the site in the past. CARA believes this new project is will possibly overload the parking and traffic on Maple Street, and put further traffic pressure on the already problematic intersections.
The Library and mobile display in Cooroy has been delayed, while Council finalises the project and prepares the materials to accompany these engagement activities. Engagement with the community and seeking feedback remains a priority, and the project team will be available to answer questions and take feedback when the mobile displays take place, and at the Christmas in Cooroy event on 7 December 2019. Feedback from a display at the Noosa Show was overwhelmingly supportive.
Information from the Council website can be found HERE.
Check out the 3D visualization video of what’s being considered.
________________
The New Noosa Plan
The draft New Noosa Plan was first released for public consultation from 18 February – 20 May 2019. In response to submissions, a number of changes are now proposed that are considered “significant” under the Planning Act 2016 in terms of effect on land use outcomes and assessment requirements for certain types of development.
Only matters identified as “significant” are now on public notification. These include, but are not limited to:
- The zoning of properties;
- The approach to short term accommodation within various residential zones and other zones;
- The provisions for the Major Centres at Eenie Creek Road and Noosa Junction;
- The provisions for the Low Impact and Medium Impact Industry Zones;
- The Riparian Buffers shown on Biodiversity Overlay maps;
- Mapping and provisions of the Coastal Protection Overlay; and
- The Reconfiguring a Lot Code.
Any person may make a submission about the “significant” changes to the draft New Noosa Plan during the consultation period, which starts Monday 16 September 2019 and ends on Monday 11 November 2019.
Have your say HERE.
Council Mapping Tools can be found HERE.
_________________
Lutheran Care Farm
Lutheran Services is progressing a development application for new aged care services at Cooroy, and recently held a meeting to consult on the project with CARA. The 52-bed Cooroy Care Farm is a therapeutic, farm-centric approach to care, contributing to much needed facilities for dementia care, aged care and respite options on the Sunshine Coast. The project is located on a 25-hectare site at 521 Elm Street and 10-22 Rose Gum Road, Black Mountain. Noosa Council is assessing the proposal.
__________________________
Diamond Street Intersection
As reported in the last newsletter, CARA presented a concept plan for the Diamond/Elm Street intersection roundabout to Noosa Council. We have long held that traffic lights at this intersection would create a suburban Brisbane look that would not be appropriate for our vibrant rural town. And we’d also like the east side of town to have the traffic calmed and pedestrian crossings and bike lanes included.
Frustrated by the lack of feedback from TMR to our February meeting, Marty Hunt MP has agreed to ask questions in the current parliamentary sitting. Our question was: “Is the Minister aware that TMR has advised that the majority of people who participated in the consultation process held in Cooroy in February this year are against traffic lights as the solution to the safety issues at the two major intersections?”
You can view our plan for the new roundabout HERE.
_______________________________
Sustainable Tourism Reference Group
CARA is represented on this Noosa Council reference group, which is working to bring Hinterland tourism issues to the fore. Infrastructure, visitor numbers and how we might balance the benefits and impacts of tourism on our local community continue to be the focus for us.
Resident groups from Noosa, Pomona, Peregian Beach and Cooroy are finalising a joint statement to Council that sets a framework for a tourism future that has constraints based on what our infrastructure can handle, and how the hinterland would change were it to become an overflow area for coastal visitors.
CARA Newsletter July 2019
Cooroy Community Noticeboard
With over 1,000 members, our Facebook page provides direct communication about what’s happening daily in our busy hinterland town and surrounds.
You can access the page and join our group HERE.
______________________________
The Adventure Playground
The final budget of $4.6m has been revealed, and it appears that this proposal will include much-needed town infrastructure, including extra parking and an amenities block. The playground has been pitched to Noosa residents rather than planned as a major SE Queensland tourist attraction, which would possibly overload the traffic on Maple Street, and put further traffic pressure on the already problematic intersections. The town is awaiting a consultation process to ensure we have input into the design.
While many residents may miss the open green space in front of the Library, home to annual events, they will be relieved to know that Apex Park will be upgraded to accommodate these events. And if we can persuade TMR to build a new roundabout at the Diamond/Elm intersection, Cooroy will indeed develop in a manner that is sympathetic to its country charm.
________________
Future Proposals
Forward-thinking CARA members have been working on various proposals that would benefit Cooroy in the future.
Ross Hielscher is developing a plan for a family cycleway, from Cooroy to Tewantin, that follows the old Cobb and Co road and would cross the road in two places. Ray Pratt has been working on a proposal for an alternative Cooroy State School drop-off point. His plan can be viewed HERE. Mike Prior has been corresponding with Queensland Rail about a replacement pedestrian overpass, and Ron McCarthy has worked up a concept document for the proposed Cooroy Transit Centre to be located adjacent to the railway station.
_________________
Flight Path Update
CARA members attended a public consultation in April, and a meeting convened by the Flight Path Forum at The J on 22 June. While it didn’t first appear that Cooroy was overly affected, we have since seen proposed alternative flight paths, published by residents affected by the flight paths, that move the new runway approach from the coast to the south west of Cooroy.
However, if Airservices Australia were to make changes to their proposed flight paths, there would be considerable delays while another EIS was completed and further consultation was undertaken. While we think it unlikely the paths will be altered significantly, we are keeping a watching brief on the issue.
__________________________
Diamond Street Intersection
CARA presented a concept plan for the Diamond/Elm St intersection roundabout to Noosa Council. We have long held that traffic lights at this intersection would create a suburban Brisbane look that would not be appropriate for our vibrant rural town. And we’d also like the east side of town to have the traffic calmed and pedestrian crossings and bike lanes included.
You can view our plan for the new roundabout HERE.
___________________________________
Sustainable Tourism Reference Group
CARA is represented on this Noosa Council reference group, which is working to bring Hinterland tourism issues to the fore. Infrastructure, visitor numbers and how we might balance the benefits and impacts of tourism on our local community continue to be the focus for us.
Resident groups from Noosa, Pomona, Peregian Beach and Cooroy are finalising a joint statement to Council that sets a framework for a tourism future that has constraints based on what our infrastructure can handle, and how the hinterland would change were it to become an overflow area for coastal visitors.
CARA Newsletter May 2019
______________________________________________________
Cooroy Community Noticeboard
Now with over 800 members, our Facebook page allows direct communication
about goings on in our busy hinterland town and its surroundings.
You can access the page and join our group HERE.
______________________
The New Noosa Plan
Those interested in the Shire, and in Cooroy in particular, should check the Council website for details about the New Noosa Plan HERE. Written submissions are welcome up to Monday, 20 May 2019, 5pm, and may be submitted via this Your Say webpage, by email or post.
______________________________
Diamond/Elm Streets Intersection
In his media release on April 18, Marty Hunt (Member for Nicklin) reported that TMR has advised that “the majority of people who participated in the consultation process are against traffic lights as the solution to the safety issues at these intersections” and that he will be meeting with TMR in early May, to discuss the future for the intersections. He will meet with CARA following his talks with TMR.
Meanwhile, Noosa Council has asked CARA to present a concept plan for the Diamond/Elm St intersection. With the expected growth of the town CBD to the east of the rail line, the plan is to present the east side as an alternative retail zone with a Cooroy character. Traffic lights at this intersection would create a suburban Brisbane look that would not be appropriate for a vibrant rural retail precinct.
CARA’s plan will include an iconic roundabout that presents a distinctive eastern entrance to Cooroy, with pedestrian crossings to both new development proposals, associated traffic calming measures, and a new Transit Centre near the railway station.
Our concept plan has now been submitted and you can read it HERE.
________________________
Gumtree Drive Bridge
This deteriorating wooden bridge (off Swift Drive) has been removed. Council is considering a pedestrian bridge, but meanwhile CARA has requested, through Cr Jackson, that the steep banks be fenced off. She wrote to Council:
“Families come to the adjacent Lions Park and children playing could inadvertently fall into the creek, as the timber rails are an inadequate barrier (see photo).
Is it possible to reinstitute the wire barriers on both sides of the creek, such as was previously used to prevent people going onto the disused and dangerous bridge? I believe this is a valid concern.”
Intersection Meeting Report
Over 200 residents turned out at Cooroy Memorial Hall to hear local MPs Marty Hunt and Sandy Bolton listen to concerns and answer questions on the state-controlled town intersections following a comprehensive introduction by Mayor Wellington. Heartfelt and informed questions from the floor were well fielded by the speakers. It appears lights, the cheaper option, are more pedestrian and cyclist friendly, while roundabout users experience less severe accidents and a smoother traffic flow.
An exit poll of 115 people showed 46 people wanting lights at the Myall/Elm intersection and 60 preferring a roundabout There were 10 votes for no change.
At the Diamond/Elm intersection, 45 wanted lights while 60 voted for a roundabout. There were 11 votes for no change.
As I interpret this small poll, it shows the gap between the two options is closing from our earlier Facebook polls which showed roundabouts more than twice as popular as lights. Likely because the town wants a solution sooner, rather than later. And likely, also, because that’s the only option TMR has on the table.
It’s now up to our local members to supply TMR with details of responses from their constituents, and for TMR to collate the responses they have received via their website, before reporting back to the community.
NOTE: TMR submissions, due 18 February. Details can be found HERE.
We also need to find out more about the economic impact on roadside businesses with either lights or a roundabout on the Diamond St traders. Similar streets in Brisbane that had lights installed found many shops without decent parking options closed within a year.
It’s worth noting that TMR have indicated it can take up to four years for a budgeted proposal to be acted on by the state government, so there’s no early relief in sight. As to a new crossing of the railway, the town has been told to forget this expensive solution in the medium term.
CARA will await feedback from all submitters, before deciding to support one case or the other.
Meanwhile, motorists should continue to take care negotiating these intersections.
Cooroy Traffic Intersections: Have Your Say
Location: Cooroy Memorial Hall, Maple Street
Date: Tuesday, 5 February 2019
Time: 6:00pm
Hosted by: Cooroy Area Residents Association & Cooroy Chamber of Commerce
LISTEN – LEARN – VOTE
Marty Hunt MP, Sandy Bolton MP, and Mayor Tony Wellington will talk about:
• The feedback they have received to date
• The political reality of state government road upgrades
• Information on the traffic volumes of these intersections
• Cost differentials
• Short-term and long-term solutions
These options are up for discussion:
• Traffic lights
• Roundabouts
• Retain existing situation
Both intersections will be dealt with individually, so differing solutions for the different intersections is a possibility.
HAVE YOUR SAY AND VOTE
Written questions to be submitted on the night, but there will be time for questions from the floor. Ballot papers will be available. Results will be conveyed to TMR and Noosa Council.
TMR Website on the Cooroy Intersections. HERE
TMR Fact Sheet. HERE
TMR Plans: • Diamond/Elm Sts • Myall/Elm Sts
Roundabout Plans: • Diamond/Elm Sts • Myall/Elm Sts
Enquiries:
Rod Ritchie 0418 733 231 Simon Budden: 0409 764 300
President’s Report 2018
CARA is a non-political organisation formed to provide information on issues and development proposals affecting our community and to give the residents a forum to express their opinions. We are independent from council or businessinterests and do not accept funding from either.
Cooroy is evolving rapidly. The town centre is changing its retail mix and becoming a destination for visitors as much as a service town. Circa has opened in the Madills building, and Saw & Mill operates from the bowls club, so that’s two more places where you can sit with a cup of coffee or dine. Traffic congestion and traffic issues remain unsolved and peak-hour congestion is something residents have to contend with. Just recently, TMR has come up with a plan for traffic lights at the Diamond/Elm Streets and Myall/Elm Streets intersections. Since the deadline for submissions has been moved from 17 December to 18 February 2019, CARA and the Cooroy Chamber of Commerce have decided to hold a town meeting to gauge public opinion on the various options.
Following the state election, we met with the newly elected state member for Nicklin, Marty Hunt MP.Marty has a long record of distinguished service in the police force,and an excellent grasp of grassroots issues. He came well informed about theintersections issues, but was also keen to listen to our concerns. We have also had meetings with councillors discussing Cooroy topics.
On 18 April, CARA joined with the Noosa Residents and Ratepayers Association to hold a public meeting about the complexities of the short-term rental phenomenon. The meeting showed that no one size fits all as far as the rental impacts go and ditto there’s no one solution to fix the obvious anomalies. Over 200 people turned up to hear from our mayor, Sandy Bolton MP, and speakers from United Synergies, Tourism Noosa and an airbnb host talk about the evolving changes to house letting and its disruptive effects on communities. The disruption to business was also raised by the rental industry. Tony Wellington has been appointed to a state government advisory group that will make recommendations to the minister.
Throughout the year, CARA was represented on Noosa Council’s Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group to bring Hinterland tourism issues to the fore.Infrastructure, visitor numbers and how we might balance the benefits and impacts of tourismon our local community continue to be the focus for us. We have been kept up to date on preliminary planning for the proposed Cooroy Adventure Playground and hope to be able to inform the community about this project in the near future.
CARA was invited to an open day at Noosa-Cooroy Palm Lake Resort, a rapidly expanding development. We were interested to see if the new residents (there are around 100 now) are keen to interact with the town. We talked with residents and management and decided that as issues concerning residents arise, CARA would be receptive to helping advocate for them.
Other issues included the opening of the Gumtree Drive pathway, consultation by Ross Hielscher with SEQWater on key issues with the Lake Macdonald dam wall raising, including fauna and flora management with such asignificant water drop, protection of spread of invasive pests,and the traffic management during the project’s building phase. CARA referred a resident concerned about a Garnet St development to Cr Stockwell for assistance, and Council decided to place a protection order on the iconic mango tree; the first such tree protected in the shire. The planning application for the Eastside Shopping Complex, proposed for the old motel site, will be a topic for discussion in 2019.
We now have a Facebook page called Cooroy Community Noticeboard. Check it out.
Finally, thanks to our committee members and supporters, and to councillors and our local state members for their efforts this year. It is important than that CARA continues to take an active interest in development proposals in 2019.
Rod Ritchie
11 December 2018
CARA AGM: 5:30pm, Tuesday, 11 December 2018,
|
Submission to the New Noosa PlanCARA aims to ensure Cooroy and district has a plan for the future and is keen to assist in developing a Masterplan for Cooroy Urban District or Village to guide growth over the next 10–15 years. We recently submitted a preliminary re-designed Inset Plan with items highlighted that have already been under consideration by Council, and suggesting some ideas for future consultation. We recognise that any future Masterplan needs to be flexible and the entry of ideas into the plan and how the detail is expressed would need to be addressed. The overall intent would be to create a planned township having an appropriate mix of business services recreation and natural environment with enhanced amenity especially pedestrian and vehicular access while maintaining the Cooroy Township appeal. The Inset Plan can be accessed HERE. Cooroy Memorial Hall Committee FormedAfter a year of effort by a passionate group of Cooroy residents, Cooroy’s iconic hall looks like having a bright future. Council has taken over as trustee from the RSL Board and has secured insurance for the building. The Cooroy Memorial Hall Association has recently been formed, voted in a nine-person management committee, and has achieved incorporation status. Council has asked the committee to draw up a business plan which includes potential hall usage and income, and to come up with a financial plan plan for restoration. Council will offer dollar-for-dollar funding for an approved restoration plan. CCTV Rollout ContinuesCARA continues to take an interest in the Cooroy Chamber of Commerce CCTV project, and have received assurances from Sgt Mal Scott that footage will only be used when an incident happens, and not monitored on a daily basis. CARA believes that the cameras should act as a deterrent to crimes in the CBD. However, there are nearly six times as many residential break-ins in Cooroy, and local residents need to remain vigilant, and be sure to lock up well. Read the Noosa News report HERE. Peter Wellington Retires From ParliamentLong-serving local member for Nicklin, Peter Wellington, will resign from politics at the end of his current term to spend more time caring for his elderly parents. Peter recently made submissions to the state minister responsible for main roads on the congested Elm Street overpass intersection. We wish Peter and Jenny well on what is certain to be an interesting new change in direction. Peter has promised to keep representing his constituents until the next state election. Proposed new electoral boundaries released The new boundary map can be found HERE. New Service Station ApprovedNoosa Council has gone against the advice of its planning staff and approved a service station at the Cooroy industrial area in Holts Road on the old upper mill site. Stringent stormwater conditions and 90 other conditions were applied, and a tourist kiosk added. According to Cr Jurisevic, the addition of a service station would increase pricing competition and offer a 24-hour fuel option, as well as providing much needed rest room facilities for long-haul truck drivers. Town IntersectionsCr Ingrid Jackson recently carried out investigations for CARA on the two busy intersections in town, and has reported on her meeting with Council’s Transport and Travel Technical Officer, Scott Morgan. Cr Jackson Reports • Noosa Council has carried out traffic studies (using electronic counters) and provided these to TMR. The pros and cons of roundabouts: The pros and cons of traffic lights: CARA intends to write to the Director General of the Department of Roads and Transport and the relevant ministers to encourage the addressing of these issues in a timely fashion. Before I Die… Wall LaunchedCARA was involved in finding a suitable location for the Before I Die… public art project and attended its launch on 15 February. This wall is the latest of around 2000 worldwide, in over 35 languages, and 70 countries, and is aimed at chronicling the community’s aspirations, anxieties, joys and struggles. Organised by Noosa Council’s Literary and Learning Coordinator, Tracy King, and ably launched by Cr Jess Glasgow, the launch was attended by four NDHS students who were among the first to write their wishes on the wall. The wall will be photographed and then wiped clean each week to ensure everyone gets a chance to have their say. Tina Mayfield and the Board of Club Cooroy are to be thanked for allowing this exciting project to occupy the prominent wall at the intersection of Maple and Emerald Streets. Australian Body Art Festival 8–9 April 2017Cooroy Chamber of Commerce have enlisted the event management and marketing expertise of Danielle Taylor and the Firefly Solutions team run this annual festival. Previously held in Eumundi, this eclectic and colourful event draws competitors and spectators from far and wide and is Australia’s premier body art festival. Despite great support from sponsors, funds are still being sought to help with costs for this free event, so you if you’d like to make a crowdfunding donation, or would like to volunteer as a helper, then click HERE. Former Energex Site Changes HandsA local company has purchased the former Energex site in Diamond Street. Subject to Council’s New Noosa Plan, the site and surrounding blocks represent an opportunity for the township of Cooroy to consolidate its east side shopping precinct into one that includes a boutique shopping village with a major food chain as an anchor tenant. REPORT: Cooroy Crime Figures in PerspectiveMonday, 30 January 2017 Despite the recent Cooroy break-ins, the latest Queensland Police statistics show that crime in the town is at a similar level to what it was 15 years ago, even though the population has doubled. In other words, crime has been halved. Read the Noosa News article HERE. This shows the effectiveness of the local police headed by Sgt Mal Scott. Everyone in Cooroy wishes Mal a speedy recovery from the recent Mitre 10 break-in incident. In 2016, Cooroy Chamber of Commerce received a federal government grant of $200,000 to install CCTV cameras in the town’s business districts. The roll-out is nearly complete and the system will be maintained by CCoC. The cameras will act as a deterrent and help solve crime that occurs in the CBD. Sgt Scott explained that footage will only be used when an incident happens, and is not a monitor of daily life in Cooroy. Queensland Police statistics for Cooroy Queensland Police statistics show that, in the past five years, there were 24 instances of Unlawful Entry With Intent – Shop, compared to 138 instances of Unlawful Entry With Intent – Dwelling. In other words, home burglaries are nearly six times more prevalent than shop break-ins. The leading category of local crime is Drug-Related Offences, followed by Traffic Related Offences. Top Criminal Offences in Cooroy from 2011 to 2015 Drug Related Offences 438 Total Crime in Cooroy from 2011 to 2015
REPORT: Cooroy Chamber of Commerce Dinner With the Mayor Tuesday 23 August Transcript of Mayor Cr Tony Wellington’s talkThe focus of my talk tonight is on the hinterland and Cooroy in particular. I was chatting with Catherine Money from the Cooroy Butter Factory a couple of weeks ago, and she was telling me how well the Gallery venue was going, and also how well the community control model was working. Catherine said she had noticed a marked increase in visitors to the Butter Factory since the sealing of Dr Pages Rd and the promotion of the Tourism Noosa Country Drive. Just the day before this conversation between Catherine and myself, Council had officially opened the new sealed section of the hinterland loop road – Dr Pages Rd and part of Kinmond Creek Rd. Staff told me that vehicle traffic along the road had increased immediately it was finished by more than 100 cars per day. I am informed that properties are selling faster in Kin Kin than they were before the roadworks, and also that land prices in Kin Kin have increased. It’s a salient reminder of how a relatively small – though not in this case inexpensive – action by Council can have significant implications for residents and businesses. So let’s now focus on Cooroy. In some ways it seems that Cooroy is becoming what the Americans refer to as a “boom town”? A friend who had been working in shops in Hastings Street for a few years recently began work as a shop assistant here in Cooroy. She said the foot traffic through the Cooroy shop is busier, on average, than was the case in the Hastings Street establishments she had worked in. Her term for Cooroy was that it’s “buzzing”. In the last state property valuations carried out by the Valuer General, Cooroy properties went up by much more than any other locale in the Shire – by 16% in fact. But although Cooroy went up much more than say, Pomona at 7% or Tinbeerwah at 5%, almost every ratepayer was below the general rates threshold and thus only copped the across the board 1.9% rate rise (equivalent to the LGAQ Cost Index and the second lowest rate rise in SEQ). And while we’re making comparisons between Cooroy and Hastings St, there’s a topic that I would like to tackle head-on. There has long been this artificial divide between the Noosa hinterland and what I call the “flatlanders” i.e. the coastal dwellers. I say “artificial” because it is inevitably based on the erroneous assumption that Council is only interested in the coastal areas and tourists, and is thus disinterested in the rural hinterland. Often the words “Hastings Street” are spoken – or written on the letters page – with some degree of bitterness. So let’s do a little reality check. For a start, Hastings Street gets the attention it does because the businesses actually pay for it. That is, there are numerous levies over and above the normal rates payments. Thus Hastings Street property owners pay directly for the beach sand replenishment, for the fairy lights, for the extra street cleaning etc through those levies. Council imposes these levies so that other ratepayers don’t have to foot the bill. The other point worth making about Hastings St is that the rates Council receives from this small precinct actually subsidise the rest of the Shire. Hastings St property values are very high, and so that itsy bitsy street actually raises 3.6% off all rates revenue in Noosa Shire. Now let’s go to the comparison of rural versus urban localities. I have regularly heard people in rural areas complain that they don’t get enough attention or services from Council. The truth is that it costs a lot more for Council to service rural and semi-rural areas than it does to service urban areas. The hinterland accounts for 65% of the total road network across the Shire, but it has just 27% of the Shire’s properties, including in the towns. In terms of overall spend, if I simply add together some of the costs of facilities in the hinterland, like the Cooroy Butter Factory and Library, the parks and road maintenance etc, then the spend up here is well over $15 million (and that’s only selecting some costs), whereas rates revenue from the entire hinterland is under $10 million. Cooroy is a fantastic town. It is also well served with Council owned community land and facilities. There is the:
industrial land in Johnsons Court being used by the Woodies and Camphor Laurel group and the Car Club land which is now partially used as an RV stopover. If it came down to Council facilities on a per capita basis, Cooroy would win hands down. By the way, use of the RV stopover is increasing. Between 22 July and 22 August it was used for a total of 219 nights and 451 persons. So enough exploding myths, what does Council have in store for Cooroy? We are experiencing a few staff changes in our infrastructure design department at present. But in the fourth quarter of this financial year, sometime around April, we should be looking at traffic and pedestrian movement in Cooroy, focussing on angled parking (how to make it work better and more safely) and pedestrian crossings. The Chamber and the community will get a chance to have their say on these matters. When we have finished our current master planning of the Gympie Terrace foreshore, property staff will move to consider Council’s land holdings in Cooroy and what their future might be. This includes industrial land as well as Lot 5, plus our land holding at the end of Jarrah St and Carpenters Rd. The new planning scheme What do you envisage for the south side of town? The old Energex site on Diamond Street is up for sale. What would happen if there was more retail and commercial development on that side of town? Believe me, Cooroy is constantly in our minds, and I look forward to your input into the development of the new planning scheme. I repeat that this first stage is about big picture ideas. The whole process will take around 3 years to complete and you will have an opportunity to drill down to the individual property level at the later consultation process. On-going issues in and around Cooroy Council staff have drawn up rough design plans to show that a roundabout is feasible. Those have been provided to DTMR. I have held discussions with both Peter Wellington and senior DTMR bureaucrats reinforcing our desire to see the intersection improved. Just yesterday, Peter Wellington requested some more information from me ahead of a meeting he is having in Brisbane next week. I believe the intersection is on DTMR’s works register. That is a huge step forward. But it remains to be seen when it is fully funded. Council staff have also provided designs to DTMR to improve the Diamond Street and Elm Street intersection. As you may know, the current round of Council meetings approved a new boutique supermarket to go into the old Wimmers’ factory site between Garnet St and the lane. That should be another good boost for the town. Memorial Hall update I am going to finish by tackling the Cooroy Memorial Hall issue. I am acutely aware that the closure of the Memorial Hall has become a matter of significant angst in the local community. I am also aware that this is having a deleterious impact on the cohesiveness of the community. We would all like to see the issue resolved. The Hall is currently under the trusteeship of the RSL. However this is not a simple matter. Part of the problem is the land tenure. Most of the Hall and half of the RSL building are on State owned land under a DOGIT (Deed of Grant in Trust) for “Recreational and Memorial Hall Purposes”. The other small part of the Hall and the remaining half of the RSL building are on Council freehold land which Council currently leases to the RSL The DOGIT land is administered by the State Government through DNRM – Department of Natural Resources and Mines. If the RSL wish to relinquish their trusteeship of the DOGIT, then there has to be a change in the tenure of that land to accommodate the building encroachments. There are various possible computations regarding the land – some involving removing the DOGIT, some swapping bits of the DOGIT, and some further subdividing the DOGIT. Council has been in negotiations with DNRM about a land swap to solve the building encroachments. These have dragged on in part because the bureaucrat in charge at their Nambour Office has been away on long-term sick leave. However Council officers met with the Regional Manager yesterday and some progress was made. In the meantime, the RSL remains trustee. And while they have closed the Hall for safety reasons they are not entirely certain what they wish to do with the Hall. Their options include upgrading the Hall themselves and using it for functions, leasing to a community group, or relinquishing the trusteeship. I appreciate that many people see Council as the potential saviour here, riding in on our white horse and simply taking over the Hall. But the land issue needs to be resolved. We are not about to spend ratepayer money on a building that is not on land under our control. But is that the best solution anyway, having the Council take it over? Ideally, the Hall would be managed by the RSL or the community, just as we have seen the community successfully run the Butter Factory– just as other Halls and Community Centres are run by community organisations. Council also needs to consider if we were to repair the Hall so it was safe and able to be rented, how would we pay for that? And how would we pay for the ongoing maintenance etcetera? Maybe the people of Cooroy would be happy to have a small rate increase to pay for the Hall, but would the people of Peregian or Tewantin be happy with it? Should there be a special levy on Cooroy folk? Or is there another way to fund it? The thing is, every time Council builds or takes on a new asset, it has to be maintained and depreciated. Now it may be that Council will help out with the Cooroy Memorial Hall, if the land issues can be resolved and if there are residents willing to run it. That may well be the final outcome. But we need to consider carefully how this might work. There are no simple answers to these questions. Council recognises that the Hall has both historical and sentimental value to locals. We also recognise it is a much-loved asset. But as I said, the RSL’s position is not entirely clear, just as Council’s position is a work in progress. Meanwhile, Council staff will continue to try and broker a solution with DNRM, the RSL and the community and a meeting is being held in early September with a wide range of representatives – including State representatives – to try and find a way forward. TOWN MEETING: New Councillor Q&ATuesday 28 June meeting report
Cooroy benefits from Noosa Council Budget 2016-2017
• The historic Boiler House will receive essential repair and safety works, hopefully allowing the site to once again open to the public.
• Plans will be developed for an iconic playground in Cooroy.
• The Heritage Levy has been increased from $5 to $10 to support the implementation of the Heritage Plan
• A Six Mile Creek flood study will provide Council with a better understanding of flooding across the catchment, from Cooroy to Pomona and Cooran. It will also investigate flood concerns in the Lake Macdonald area.
• Hinterland roads will share in more than $400,000 worth of gravel road re-sheeting.
• Council is currently finishing an assessment of our sealed road network to highlight where there are roads requiring attention. If rural sealed roads require immediate attention, there are capital reserves available for this purpose.
Cooroy Memorial Hall updateThe recently-formed hall steering committee met with council staff on December 18 to share positions and objectives. The RSL remains responsible for the hall as it takes steps to divest itself and find a new trustee. While Council wishes to play an active part in the ultimate outcome, it appears that it may not become the hall trustee. The hall steering committee may hold a facilitated workshop in February to establish a management committee, work out how to re-open the hall, and plan its future. Lake Macdonald Tomato Farm appeal
An unapproved tomato and cucumber growing facility near Lake Macdonald has been subject to residents’ complaints since it was first constructed in 2013. Generator noise, sediment and erosion control and the safety of Lake Macdonald Drive were issues, but the facility came under increased scrutiny early in 2015, when floodwaters associated with Cyclone Marcia caused debris from the tomato plants, growing media and plastic being washed into the nearby waterway. Council planning staff retrospectively assessed the operation and recommended in November last year that the farm be allowed to go ahead, subject to a list of conditions including: the raising of the plants off the ground on racks; a nominated flood warden to be on site at all times during operation hours, and a “flood refuge area” that can handle “an extreme flood event”. In backing the decision and voting to accept the planner’s, report Cr Wellington said: “It would be nice if people simply started the process of applying for approval when they were supposed to start”, rather than council having to “continually push them”. Cr Jurisevic was also “disappointed that due process did not occur in the first place”. In early December last year, the applicant filed a Notice of Appeal in the Planning and Environment Court challenging 12 of the conditions proposed by council planners. Community joins Cooroy broiler farm farm appealThis week, three Noosa Shire residents joined with the Noosa Council as co-respondents in the Planning and Environment Court appeal against the council’s decision to refuse the Cooroy broiler farm development application. This important step enables the community to participate in the hearings and to present original evidence in support of Council’s case. CARA President’s Report 2015Elm Street intersection updateOur local member, Peter Wellington, has made representations on our behalf to the District Director of Department of Transport and Main Roads about the Elm Street, Myall Street intersection. Here is their reply: Thank you for your further query regarding congestion at Cooroy intersections, particularly east of the railway line at Myall and Elm streets. TMR acknowledges that congestion is experienced during peak periods in the Cooroy town centre and motorists experience some delays at Myall and Elm streets and Diamond and Elm streets intersections. TMR receives many requests for improvement works at intersections and allocates funding for these improvements on a priority basis. Priorities are determined by considering site-specific parameters that primarily include crash history, but may also include other factors such as traffic volumes, geometry and visibility. A review of TMR’s crash database shows these intersections both have low crash histories and are not considered a high priority for funding as there are other intersections across the state and within North Coast District demonstrating a greater need. As you are aware, TMR is working closely with Noosa Council to consider future east-west connections between coastal areas and towns such as Cooroy in the Northern part of the Sunshine Coast. While these investigations take a regional approach, localised issues are also being considered as part of the future transport requirements for the area. The investigations are in a preliminary phase and the link between, and including these two intersections, has been highlighted as a priority area for consideration. I can advise that Noosa Council is developing options for possible improvements to the intersections for TMR to review. TMR will continue to work alongside council to progress these options. Once the strategy is finalised, further investigation will be required to determine the best solutions for the area, taking into account forecast transport requirements. TMR will then consider funding for any improvements during future reviews of the program. TMR will continue to monitor performance of these intersections and continue routine maintenance in the area. Cooroy Community Workshop From May 1998At the time when local timber resources were running out and the state government was instituting its SE Forests Agreement, a community workshop was conducted at the Cooroy RSL in May 1998. You can read a report on this meeting HERE, to see how there are many topics mentioned then that are similar to current concerns. Meeting starts the processAround 50 people gathered for the working breakfast at The Hub on 25 March to pool their collective brainstorming talent to come up with ideas on how Cooroy may develop in the years to come, as it copes with the challenges of inevitable growth. Councillors Bolton and Pardon were helpful participants. MC Richard Hansen capably kept the ideas flowing. These included a general desire to see the town retain its country atmosphere, Lake McDonald development plans, affordable housing, mixed housing zoning, a ring-road around Cooroy, improved Internet speed, an extra toilet block in town, an industrial area with access to the highway, a second retirement village, expansion of Rural Living zoning, clear zoning guidelines for intensive farming proposals, a disaster muster centre, and appropriate zoning for Black Mountain transfer station. As well, support for local tourism operators, the establishment of a Cooroy farmer’s market, national park status for West Cooroy State Forest, an off-leash area for dogs, and better playground facilities were proposed. A Broad masterplan for Cooroy needs to be made with the roles of the state and local government in mind. The Elm Street bridge was identified as a major issue, and given that this is a state responsibility, it appears that only extensive traffic holdups or more accidents will push the crossing up the state priority lists. And an improved pedestrian crossing for rail lines also needs state assistance if it is to become a reality. To the argument that Cooroy is a town divided, it was countered that the town could be recognised for its precincts, and these need to be recognised, strengthened and promoted. If there was a consensus, it was that the town of the future needs to be resident and family friendly, have a vibrant commercial and retail centre, encourage more alfresco dining, institute traffic calming measures, and ensure a sound economic base that includes environmental sustainability. The future And now that our local state member, Peter Wellington, is in a strong position to help us with our aims, we plan to meet with him once we have a clear idea of how best he could assist us. Cooroy: where to now?A breakfast meeting of professionals, business owners, community representatives, and others interested in how Cooroy may develop in the years to come. The idea is to set the agenda for a major planning workshop hosted in conjunction with interested community groups later in the year. This event will collate planning suggestions for the future of Cooroy, and present them to Noosa Council for consideration as they prepare the new Noosa Plan in 2016. The Hub The breakfast event is not about long speeches, it’s more of a get together for brainstorming and coming up with practical ideas which will be collated and put up for discussion in the future. Meeting moderator: Richard Hansen Possible topics: To facilitate further discussion, we’ll publish a website dedicated to the Planning Cooroy Forum where all the material can be posted and where debate and further discussion can take place. Review of Cooroy Butter Factory appraisal processOn 9 March, Noosa Council CEO Brett de Chastel asked council’s executive manager to investigate allegations by Bruce Creswell that there may have been conflict of interest by having council consultants d-sipher prepare a report for the review process and then help two of the favoured concepts make up their submissions. The report was received on 12 March at the monthly ordinary meeting of Council and the allegation was dismissed. Councillors voted to support the Lower Mill Board’s (LMB) submission, but tempered this decision by the withdrawal of a planned offer of $80,000 to the LMB to allow them to meet start-up expenses and employ suitably qualified staff to support the operations of the new Butter Factory model. They now have to negotiate a funding package and resubmit this to Council along with a business plan. This will put the iconic building’s future on hold for now, and CARA will request the opportunity to host a town meeting to discuss the LMB’s final concept. Where to for the Cooroy Butter Factory?November 25 Meeting LEAD CONCEPTS Model style: 2.Community managed 3.Council managed 4. Interpretation centre, (Bruce Cresswell, Jeanette Alfredson) Centre for ceramic excellence (Rowley Drysdale) Why not join us? A Queensland Health Report found that, “People who actively participate in their community and have strong and supportive family, cultural and community relationships have better health than people who are socially isolated.” So join CARA now and become an active member of your community. |
_____________________________________________________________________________________________