VANESSA HALL  
EDITOR 

DEVELOPERS have started the process to develop three large parcels of land which could see some 700 dwellings built at 150, 162 and 164 South Coolum Road – sites which are all currently zoned ‘rural’.
 

A development application (DA) at this stage has not been lodged with Sunshine Coast Regional Council, however, it is expected within the next few months.

A letterbox drop alerted nearby residents to a community information session which was held on Sunday, May 24, in Coolum.

The letter from ‘Urbis’ who is working for the proponent, stated that its proposal is focused on providing much-needed housing through retirement living, as well as publicly accessible open space.

“We want your input to help shape how this open space is designed and used, and so we want to hear from you, as the immediate neighbours,” the letter stated.

Urbis describe their business as being a “multidisciplinary urban consultancy. A visionary collective bringing transformation to cities and communities around the world.”

Their website shows that they have worked on many large-scale developments across the country.

One concerned resident who attended the info session said that it was poorly advertised.

“What stood out the most was that the proposal didn’t even have a name. It appeared like the developers were doing everything they could to avoid meaningful engagement.

As to the merits of what was known and the scale, the resident expressed major concerns.

“It’s inappropriate from a zoning and flood overlay perspective and inconsistent with sustainable development.

“This will greatly impact the community – this isn’t just a few houses; it’s 700 dwellings. This will significantly add to an already at-capacity region.”

Division 8 Councillor Taylor Bunnag said that he was limited in what he could comment on due to there being no formal DA lodged.

“People in Coolum will be interested in what is being proposed, and when the time comes that a DA is lodged, I will be letting people know that they should share their views with Council.”

Development Watch (DW) President Brian Anker confirmed that the advocacy group, who were instrumental in the past Yaroomba Beach case and subsequent court battle, would be advocating for the community.

“We will look at all avenues going forward to ensure the community’s best interests are met,” Brian said.

Mr Anker stated that he could not see how the proposal could go ahead.

“With the brief knowledge known, we could not see how Council could approve this.

“The amount of fill needed to build the sites up and the number of trucks that would then be using the roads – it could not go ahead, and then there’s the flooding!”

Mr Anker advised the community to follow DW via their social media and website to keep up to date.

“When formal DA is lodged, DW will actively review the application and keep the community informed, and we encourage the community to become involved and make their voices heard.”

Urbis was contacted repeatedly by the Advertiser for comment; however, they did not reply to our email or calls.

What do you think? Is this an appropriate development for this site? Why not let us know by sending in a letter to the editor at editor@coolumadvertiser.com.au