SUNSHINE COAST DEVELOPMENT “CALLED IN”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas has “called in” a development application to decide whether a new master planned community outside the urban footprint on the Sunshine Coast should go ahead.

“State agencies and the Council have all submitted that this proposed development is contrary to the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which preserves our great lifestyle by protecting 80 per cent of the region from urban development,” said Mr Lucas.

“Sunshine Coast Coast Mayor Bob Abbott has written to me expressing his support for my decision to call this development in.

“A development application for 1,200 residential lots in Weyba Downs was refused by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council on 11 June, but the developer has now lodged an appeal with the Planning and Environment Court.

“The Council’s decision was based on potential adverse impacts to environmental values, and pressure on local and regional infrastructure.

“Three State Government agencies also directed the development application be refused.

“The Department of Natural Resources and Water voiced concerns over potential loss of vegetation while the Environmental Protection Agency highlighted the loss of crucial habitat for koala populations.

“And as the development is within the regional landscape and rural production area, outlined in the South East Queensland Regional Plan, the Department of Infrastructure and Planning stated this would be inconsistent with this statutory plan.”

The proposed development site is on land at 37 Monak Road, Weyba Downs.

The Minister for Planning can exercise “call-in” powers under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 on State interest grounds and decide the application in place of the relevant local government.

“Under the IPA, the SEQ Regional Plan was taken to be a State interest,” Mr Lucas said.

”Given that the proposed development would affect the operation of the Plan I am satisfied that the necessary State interest exists to justify call-in of this development application.”

“The decision to ‘call-in’ will allow me to use the Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) to reassess the application, and make a final, binding decision.

Media contacts: Matthew Klar – 0437 435 223