17/09/2024
The Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (WPSQ) Fraser Coast Branch has lodged an appeal with the Planning and Environment Court, challenging the Fraser Coast Regional Council’s recent approval of a large-scale, 19-storey ‘twin towers’ hotel and apartment complex on the Esplanade overlooking the Great Sandy Marine Park.
This approval, granted in late July, has raised significant concerns over its potential environmental and community impacts.
Environmental concerns
The proposed development is planned to overlook the waters and reefs of the Great Sandy Marine Park, within the ‘Dark Sky area’ designated by the State Government under the 2023 Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan. The construction would also be visible from K’gari, threatening the region’s natural and cultural values.
The WPSQ Fraser Coast Branch’s appeal highlights the considerable environmental consequences of the development, which grossly breaches height and zoning provisions. The project poses severe threats to nesting marine turtles and shorebirds and impacts areas identified as essential habitat and ecologically significant wetlands, including in-shore coral reefs. The potential ramifications extend to matters of both State and National environmental significance.
Zoning and height limit violations
Adding to the concerns, the proposed site is in a high-density residential zone with a strict building height limit of 20 metres. The development, however, proposes a structure approximately 75 metres in height, including a rooftop recreational area featuring a bar and pool.
The proposed development has:
- Excessive residential density
- A building height far beyond the Planning Scheme’s approved height limits
- A form, scale and character inconsistent with local surroundings
- Significant overshadowing effects
- Negative impacts on streetscape, locality character and community views.
WPSQ Fraser Coast Branch argues that the council inadequately handled this development’s approval process. The decision was narrowly passed (six votes to five) following last-minute changes to the building design. Furthermore, the approval overlooked the fact that the building would exceed the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) by more than 20 metres, creating a potential hazard to aviation. No approval has been sought or issued under Commonwealth legislation for this deviation.
Support the appeal
WPSQ Fraser Coast Branch urges the community to support the appeal, which seeks to preserve the integrity of the local environment and ensure that any future development aligns with the region’s sustainable vision.
Here’s how you can support the fight:
- Sign the Parliamentary e-petition
- Contribute to the Save Fraser Coast’s Fragile Marine Life fundraiser
- Contact WPSQ Fraser Coast Branch at frasercoast@wildlife.org.au for further information.