Tewantin people power reinforces locally led planning
- 40-unit proposed development in Tewantin has had its State Facilitated Development status revoked, after it was rushed through by the former Labor Government.
- The local community had raised concerns about the lack of alignment with the Noosa planning scheme.
- Crisafulli Government delivers on election commitment to ensure State Facilitated Development's adhere to council planning schemes and community consultation.
The Deputy Premier has today revoked the State Facilitated Development at the intersection of Poinciana Avenue and Sidoni Street, Tewantin.
The decision follows significant opposition from locals, who believe the development's excessive height, its impact on local character and the resulting congestion would pose challenges for the area.
In addition, locals and council were concerned about the lack of alignment with provisions in the Noosa planning scheme.
The former Labor Government steamrolled communities and councils across Queensland and rushed through development proposals to catch up for a decade of poor planning that has created the housing crisis.
The Crisafulli Government is resetting the planning partnership with local councils to ensure new housing opportunities are locally informed, with genuine consultation empowering the decision-making process.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the views of council and residents shouldn't be ignored on planning decisions in their community.
"We've been working with council to try to resolve some of the issues, but it's clear that's not possible with this development," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Fast-tracking housing approvals, shouldn't come at the expense of council and community buy in and consultation.
"The Crisafulli Government has already approved four State Facilitated Developments, totalling more than 1000 new homes in Toowoomba, Wakerley, Woolloongabba and Indooroopilly as part of our reset planning partnership."
For Tewantin to progress, the development would need to meet the requirements set under council's planning scheme, including the preferences around heights.
Noosa Shire Council Mayor, Frank Wilkie, welcomed the Government's decision.
"This is impressive action, and I thank the Deputy Premier for following through on this pre-election commitment to responsible planning by ensuring SFD projects comply with the Noosa Plan," Cr Wilkie said.
"In this case, the action has prevented an over-height, over-scale development with insufficient car parking and no guarantee of any genuinely affordable housing from being imposed upon our community."
"We are working to facilitate truly affordable quality housing that respects the Noosa Plan 2020 and aligns with Noosa values.
"This decision clearly shows the government is listening to local communities and aspiring to work with councils as an equal partner, as pledged, to deliver outcomes the community expects."
