BUNDABERG DEVELOPMENT “CALLED IN”

An application for a proposed 154-relocatable-home development in Bundaberg has been ”called in’ by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas.

Mr Lucas today told State Parliament the applicant proposed to build the development—which also includes a swimming pool, bowling green, tennis court and clubhouse— on almost 10 ha of good quality agricultural land on Burnett Heads–Bundaberg Port Road.

“This application was unanimously refused by the Bundaberg Regional Council last month and the developer has since lodged an appeal with the Planning and Environment Court,” said Mr Lucas.

“The Council’s planning officer recommended refusal on numerous grounds, including that the development proposal conflicts with the Burnett Shire planning scheme because it is outside the locations nominated for future residential development.

“The development was found to be outside the council’s planned water and sewage areas, with the potential to significantly affect its ability to provide existing and planned services.

“The Council’s planning officer noted that the higher-density housing being proposed was not the intended use for this rural area under the Burnett Shire Planning Scheme and the development would not conserve good quality agricultural land.

“The developer was found to have failed to demonstrate an overriding public benefit for allowing this proposal, when better suited sites exist within the Council’s planned urban areas.

“The Department of Infrastructure and Planning the shire’s residential zones are large enough to accommodate growth for the next 10 to 15 years, and the proposal is also contrary to the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Planand the State Planning Policy.

“The State has a clear interest in conserving rural areas which underpin the economic and environmental health of our regions, so I have decided to call in this development application.”

The applicant, Galawall Pty Ltd, lodged the application with the former Burnett Shire Council in June 2007, before the council was amalgamated into the Bundaberg Regional Council.

Under state laws, the Planning Minister can call in a development application if State interests are not met and decide the application in place of the relevant local government.

Mr Lucas now takes on the role of assessment manager under the Integrated Planning Act and is responsible for a full review and making a decision on the development. His decision cannot be appealed.

Media Contact: Matthew Klar 0437 435 223