Council refuses 11 cabin development on Tamborine Mountain

At the resumed 3 August 2021 Ordinary Meeting on Monday, Council confirmed its reasons for refusing a proposed development of 11 tourist cabins at Eagles Retreat Place on Tamborine Mountain.

Mayor Greg Christensen said the proposed development did not meet some of the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme criteria, and did not protect and complement the semi-rural character and scenic amenity values of Tamborine Mountain.

"The 11 cabins comprised of five different designs and ranged between two to three storeys in height with significant bulk and scale," he said.

"In addition, the cabin floor areas ranged from 148-196m2, which is significantly in excess of the 100m2 provided in the Planning Scheme."

The proposed facility also allowed for a communal recreation facility exclusively for the use of guests located toward the centre of the site, a wellness centre comprising sauna, steam room and massage suites; a gym; horizon edge pool; games room and a mix of indoor and outdoor breakout and barbeque spaces.

Cr Christensen said that it was critical that any new developments met the requirements within the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme.

"Council is a strong supporter of growing our tourism offering for the region and creating jobs for our local people, however it is critical that any new accommodation facilities comply with our Planning Scheme and retain the natural beauty and amenity of the Scenic Rim," he said.

"Interestingly, the applicant initiated a 'deemed refusal' to the State Planning Court prior to Council finalising deliberations.

"This is an unusual step, however this action does not in any way affect Council's, or the communities', ability to respond to the appeal any differently to Council deciding an application."