New planning scheme
EARLIER this year, more than 8000 people had their say on proposed planning scheme directions and this feedback is being used to help inform drafting of the new planning scheme.
In the feedback received from the Coolum – Peregian communities, the Local Plan Area (LPA) proposed planning directions were all supported except for one. Strongest support was shown for planning directions relating to local environment and character. There was support for protecting local coastal environmental and landscape features; including new provisions to protect sea turtle sensitive areas; no or minimal change in maximum allowable building heights; retaining large urban minimum lot sizes; no or minimal change to growth management boundaries; retaining and strengthening existing intent for the Palmer Coolum Resort site to remain as a golf course and tourist accommodation and to investigate options to allow limited indoor sport and recreation uses in Quanda Road industrial area.
There was a level of concern for the proposed planning direction to investigate possible areas for additional low-medium density residential development close to the Coolum town centre to improve housing diversity, with more survey respondents disagreeing than agreeing.
Council recognises that many people are keen to see more detail, particularly in relation to the location of any proposed increases in density or building height. Finer-grained detail on any proposed location and extent of zonings, height limits and other provisions has not yet been determined at this preliminary stage. This detail will be included in a draft version of the new planning scheme and the community will have the opportunity to provide feedback as part of the next stage of consultation. I encourage you to read about our community’s aspirations for the Sunshine Coast’s new planning scheme at haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/newplanningscheme.
Other Coolum projects
A reminder that work is due to begin in late October to replace the stairs at beach access 77. To ensure the large dune next to the stairs has a chance to rehabilitate, we are asking people to use alternative authorised access points.
In other work, lower portions of the deck around the Coolum Library will be replaced soon due to rotten timber. Please take care during construction.
The Jones Parade pathway is complete and now provides a walkable connection between the Primary School and the Day Care Centre.
The ‘Dialogue’ Artwork near the pedestrian lights on David Low Way at Tickle Park has been repaired and is looking fresh and new again.
It’s also great to see people using the Lions-Norrie Job Park half-court basketball court.
There has been more progress on the masterplan for this park which will be available for your feedback in the near future.
For service requests such as road hazards, dumped rubbish or tree issues, visit council’s website for contact details or fill out a service request. If you have other issues or suggestions to discuss, please contact me on 5475 9810 or maria.suarez@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
A reminder that I regularly share my community chat days, local events, new development applications and other messages on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MariaSuarezDivision9.