Sunshine Coast Development Rejected

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas has used “call in” powers to refuse an inappropriate development proposed outside the urban footprint on the Sunshine Coast.

The Sunshine Coast Regional Council had refused the proposal for up to 1,200 new residential lots at Weyba Downs before the developer lodged an appeal with the Planning and Environment Court.

“The greatest threat to livability in South East Queensland comes from people wanting to develop outside the urban footprint,” said the Deputy Premier.

“The Bligh government won’t stand by and allow inappropriate development, this is an important decision that backs up the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.

“This proposed development was contrary to the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which preserves our great lifestyle by protecting 80 per cent of the region from urban development.

“If allowed to proceed, this development would have undermined the key planning tool that stops urban sprawl and protects our natural environment.

“Protecting our lifestyle is the reason this government brought in the South East Queensland Regional Plan in 2005 and why we will release an updated version in December.

“My decision to refuse this development application is supported by Mayor Bob Abbot and by the community.

“Public submissions were overwhelmingly against the project with 54 of the 55 submissions opposing the development.

“My decision is also backed by expert planning advice provided by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, as well as an independent planning report I commissioned from expert town planners Humphreys Reynolds Perkins.”

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 of State interest.

“The decision to ‘call in’ the development allowed me to use the Integrated Development Application System to reassess the application,” Mr Lucas said.

“It is based on this reassessment, taking into account all the relevant agencies and their concerns for the local environment, that I have decided to refuse the development.”

Media inquiries: Matt Klar 0437 435 223