Approved retirement facility complies with Planning Scheme
Indicative master plan for over 50s lifestyle resort
At Tuesday's Ordinary Meeting, Council approved a retirement facility for an over 50s lifestyle resort at Finch Road in Canungra.
Mayor Greg Christensen said the development application complied with the requirements of the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme, however was subject to conditions.
"The development was approved subject to 35 conditions that are within Council's remit of the Planning Scheme," he said.
"Ensuring adequate access to State-controlled roads and water and sewerage is the responsibility of other entities, who Officers engage with during the assessment process.
"We understand there are some concerns within the community about the development due to water security in Canungra, however Seqwater and Urban Utilities plan well into the future and will ensure the current and future drinking water demands for Canungra are met.
"The State Assessment and Referral Agency, who assesses road access, has also advised that the proposed entrance to the development into a State-controlled road is compliant with State Code 1 and had no requirement for conditions."
Division 3 Councillor Virginia West said Council couldn't refuse a development application because it wasn't popular with the community.
"Legally, the development application has ticked all the Planning Scheme boxes and adheres to the requirements from other agencies," she said.
"We have previously refused a Canungra-based development on the basis of inadequate water supply, which was overturned in the Environment and Planning Court.
"We respect the professional evaluation from the external agencies and understand Urban Utilities has provided the applicant with a Service Advice Notice which said their reticulated water and sewerage network could potentially support the development.
"Council will continue to engage with, Seqwater, the Queensland Government and Urban Utilities to advocate for a reliable water supply for the Canungra township."
Cr West also said unlike many other developers, the applicant had also consulted with community members about the development to gain their feedback.
"The applicant is aware of water supply concerns within the community and will provide above and underground water tanks within the development, including a 5,000 litre tank per dwelling, as well as using recycled water in public open space," she said.
"Based on community feedback, they have also removed a proposed bowling green to encourage residents to join the local Canungra Bowls Club and become part of our community.
"Importantly, the developed area will avoid Koala Habitat on the eastern half of the site and enhance a waterway through the site."
The development has been proposed in the form of an integrated residential community, designed to reflect traditional urban design principles that promote social interaction and pedestrian connection. It consists of 188 dwellings, associated communal facilities and an office. The development will provide six types of residential housing options. An additional 64 visitor parking spaces and a dedicated caravan parking area will be provided throughout the facility.
The development also includes a range of ancillary community facilities of residents including:
- multiple indoor community gathering and recreation spaces
- a swimming pool
- pickle ball courts
- community gardens/lawn, and
- a hobby shed.
Cr Christensen said the new facility will also allow local people to retire closer to home and create jobs for our community.
"The Scenic Rim has an ageing population, and facilities like this mean that people can downsize and continue to enjoy the lifestyle our region has to offer," he said.
"There will also be jobs created throughout the building process and the ongoing management of the facility, which will also create opportunities for our local people to live and work in the Scenic Rim."
The site will be managed under the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003 which provides for a management structure for the residential/retirement park and does not include internal subdivision of land.