NEWS FROM THE SUNSHINE COAST DAILY
AND LOCAL NEWSPAPERS
Sekisui resort partner wants 220-room, five-star facility
UPDATE: THERE is still no clear timeframe for when a development application will be put forward on the Sekisui House project at Yaroomba but we do know the identity of the operator of the five-star resort making up part of any future development.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts, operator of more than 1300 resorts in over 100 companies will plan and operate the Westin Coolum Resort and Spa on the controversial development site.
WHAT WE KNOW:
The resort would be less than 200m from the ocean with direct beach access, Mr Hunt said he expected the facility to create "hundreds" of jobs.
There is still uncertainty over whether a future proposal will abide by the current planning scheme, although Sekisui House senior development manager Evan Aldridge acknowledged the original 10-storey plans were now "off the table".
He said they had an existing four-storey approval on the site, but they would be working with Westin to make sure they came up with the "right outcome" that was both viable and sustainable in the long term.
Mr Hunt spoke at length on the need for such a facility in the region, given the push to expand the Sunshine Coast Airport, the decline of the Palmer Coolum Resort and the need to tackle youth unemployment in the region.
He said "all facets" of the community would be engaged as plans were developed and said he was here for the long haul when asked about potential timeframes for both planning and eventual development and delivery of the resort.
Mr Hunt's company operated the Sheraton at Noosa for a number of years and he said he was excited at the potential to re-enter the Coast market with what he said was the first, new five-star facility in nearly three decades.
Mr Aldridge said the announcement had come at a "pertinent time" after discussions with facets of the local community over the past few weeks.
He said the resort was one of the cornerstones of the future proposal of the site.
Mr Aldridge said it was "definitely not" premature to bring Starwood on board without any development application, but said there was no fixed timing on the planning process, although the proposed Westin resort was slated to open in 2021.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts, operator of more than 1300 resorts in over 100 companies will plan and operate the Westin Coolum Resort and Spa on the controversial development site.
WHAT WE KNOW:
- Sekisui House and Starwood Resorts and Hotels sign agreement to bring five-star Westin Coolum Resort and Spa to Yaroomba beachfront development site
- Starwood rep says plan is for 220-room, five-star resort with 850 sq m conference facility, three or four specialty restaurants
- Sekisui House senior development manager Evan Aldridge says 10-storeys is "off the table" for next proposal
- Aldridge says no fixed time on submitting a DA, Starwood say proposed resort is slated to open by 2021
- Starwood say resort would be expected to create "hundreds of jobs"
- When asked whether 220-rooms is viable within the town plan, Starwood were unclear but say there is plenty to consider with a proposal like this
- Starwood Hotels and Resorts operated Sheraton Noosa Resort and Spa for 27 years until earlier this month
- Acting Mayor Tim Dwyer says partnership is "exciting" for the region and while he was yet to see any proposals, was appreciative of the work done by Sekisui House to bring Starwood to region
- Wider community yet to be consulted on latest plans but community focus groups will be revisited in coming weeks before wider community sees any plans says Aldridge
The resort would be less than 200m from the ocean with direct beach access, Mr Hunt said he expected the facility to create "hundreds" of jobs.
There is still uncertainty over whether a future proposal will abide by the current planning scheme, although Sekisui House senior development manager Evan Aldridge acknowledged the original 10-storey plans were now "off the table".
He said they had an existing four-storey approval on the site, but they would be working with Westin to make sure they came up with the "right outcome" that was both viable and sustainable in the long term.
Mr Hunt spoke at length on the need for such a facility in the region, given the push to expand the Sunshine Coast Airport, the decline of the Palmer Coolum Resort and the need to tackle youth unemployment in the region.
He said "all facets" of the community would be engaged as plans were developed and said he was here for the long haul when asked about potential timeframes for both planning and eventual development and delivery of the resort.
Mr Hunt's company operated the Sheraton at Noosa for a number of years and he said he was excited at the potential to re-enter the Coast market with what he said was the first, new five-star facility in nearly three decades.
Mr Aldridge said the announcement had come at a "pertinent time" after discussions with facets of the local community over the past few weeks.
He said the resort was one of the cornerstones of the future proposal of the site.
Mr Aldridge said it was "definitely not" premature to bring Starwood on board without any development application, but said there was no fixed timing on the planning process, although the proposed Westin resort was slated to open in 2021.
CBD and Solar on Mayors Wishlist :
Sunshine Coast Daily: 16th December
A GOLF course slowly transforming into a construction site and a cane farm becoming a solar farm are two of the highlights expected on the Sunshine Coast in 2015.
Mayor Mark Jamieson detailed the enormous amount of work achieved in 2014 at his annual State of the Region address yesterday.
He also provided insight into some of the developments expected next year.
Cr Jamieson said construction of the new CBD at the 53ha Horton Park golf course, which the council purchased in 2012, would begin in 2015.
An independent board was established on Thursday to oversee the development.
Cr Jamieson said tenders for the solar farm at Valdora would be called for in the first quarter of 2015.
He was determined construction of the 15 megawatt solar farm could begin later in the year.
Another highlight would be the unfolding of construction around the Sunshine Coast University Hospital site.
"We will have a lot of development around this health hub east of the hospital," Cr Jamieson said.
One development Cr Jamieson was not banking on was the approval of Sekisui's proposed development at Yaroomba.
There is enormous community opposition to the development.
The council has postponed any amendment of the planning scheme needed for the development to go ahead.
Cr Jamieson said the council would now first vote on whether it should consider an amendment to the planning scheme and, if that was successful, would take it to the community for comment.
"The council is still deciding whether it will take forward the amendment," he said.
Ninety per cent of council's business would be to continue to provide services the community expected.
Cr Jamieson said a highlight for 2014 was the work achieved with the environment levy, which included the purchase of 400ha of environmentally sensitive land over two years.
"This is a good demonstration of the council's desire to make the Sunshine Coast the most sustainable region in Australia," he said.
STATE OF THE REGION HIGHLIGHTS 2014:
A GOLF course slowly transforming into a construction site and a cane farm becoming a solar farm are two of the highlights expected on the Sunshine Coast in 2015.
Mayor Mark Jamieson detailed the enormous amount of work achieved in 2014 at his annual State of the Region address yesterday.
He also provided insight into some of the developments expected next year.
Cr Jamieson said construction of the new CBD at the 53ha Horton Park golf course, which the council purchased in 2012, would begin in 2015.
An independent board was established on Thursday to oversee the development.
Cr Jamieson said tenders for the solar farm at Valdora would be called for in the first quarter of 2015.
He was determined construction of the 15 megawatt solar farm could begin later in the year.
Another highlight would be the unfolding of construction around the Sunshine Coast University Hospital site.
"We will have a lot of development around this health hub east of the hospital," Cr Jamieson said.
One development Cr Jamieson was not banking on was the approval of Sekisui's proposed development at Yaroomba.
There is enormous community opposition to the development.
The council has postponed any amendment of the planning scheme needed for the development to go ahead.
Cr Jamieson said the council would now first vote on whether it should consider an amendment to the planning scheme and, if that was successful, would take it to the community for comment.
"The council is still deciding whether it will take forward the amendment," he said.
Ninety per cent of council's business would be to continue to provide services the community expected.
Cr Jamieson said a highlight for 2014 was the work achieved with the environment levy, which included the purchase of 400ha of environmentally sensitive land over two years.
"This is a good demonstration of the council's desire to make the Sunshine Coast the most sustainable region in Australia," he said.
STATE OF THE REGION HIGHLIGHTS 2014:
- Delivered development scheme for the Maroochydore City Centre - the only greenfield CBD development in Australia
- Delivered the first Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme in May
- Developed the Environmental Impact Statement for the Sunshine Coast Airport expansion
- Established Economic Futures Board
- Released the latest update on investigations of a potential light rail solution for the Caloundra to Maroochydore corridor
- Maintained a strong stance on preserving the inter-urban break between Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay
- Released new Corporate Plan and corporate image
- Supported 20 significant events, which generated an estimated $47 million economic benefit
- Provided more than $3.5 million in grants to community organisations
- More than 1 million visits to our libraries
- More than 1 million visits to council's nine aquatic centres
- More than 180,000 people passed through Nambour Showgrounds gates
- Finalised a new $80 million waste contract
- Customer staff responded to more than 240,000 inquiries
- Continued to manage almost 3000km of roads, 448 bridges and more than 1100km of pathways
COMMUNITY IS SHUT OUT OF DECISION MAKING PROCESS
FORMER Development Watch president Brian Raison has accused Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson of being "economical with the truth", claiming the mayor's assurance the community would be consulted about the proposed Sekisui development was disingenuous.
Mr Raison agreed the mayor would seek submissions from the public for his proposed amendment to the planning scheme.
"However, he does not explain that, if this amendment is rammed through, Sekisui's future development application will no longer conflict with the planning scheme," Mr Raison said.
"This means that public consultation on this future application will not be required and the public will not be able to comment on the detail of the application.
"Whatever trust in council that remains in the community will evaporate if councillors allow this travesty to continue."
University of the Sunshine Coast urban and regional planning lecturer and researcher Nicholas Stevens said there was a growing impetus to shut community out of decision making.
Complainants in Planning and Environment Court appeals now faced having all costs awarded against them if they lost following legislative changes by the Newman government.
Nicholas Stevens said if the scheme was amended, those seeking to appeal Sekisui House development approval would be left vulnerable at law and to legal bills that could top $200,000.
He said if the council went ahead to accommodate Sekisui House it would be a game changer for the region. Mr Stevens said the planning scheme was a legacy of community input and understanding stretching back generations.
"To amend it for the first $1 billion developer to come along creates no certainty for the community and none for people who have made investments with the town plan in mind," he said.
"People confuse planning and development. Planning is the future. Development is now.
"This is not just about Yaroomba and Coolum. This is about the whole Coast. There would be a domino effect.
"There are places on the Sunshine Coast you can build to height. Sekisui House didn't buy in one."
University of the Sunshine Coast lecturer in politics Bronwyn Stevens said council risked alienating voters by holding so many discussions about the project behind closed doors.
She said overturning what had been a widely supported and just- established town plan at the request of a developer was causing serious concern in the community.
"People are now asking questions about how their councillor will vote," she said.
"It's understandable the council wants work and progress but our advantage is that we are not the Gold Coast."
Former Coolum councillor Vivien Griffin said the "extraordinary step" council was considering taking would have ramifications across the region.
She said changing the rules of the game by changing the planning scheme in advance of an application set the odds in the developer's favour.
Mayor Mark Jamieson has stressed that council has yet to decide if it will amend the scheme and if it did all public submissions would be considered.
Mr Raison agreed the mayor would seek submissions from the public for his proposed amendment to the planning scheme.
"However, he does not explain that, if this amendment is rammed through, Sekisui's future development application will no longer conflict with the planning scheme," Mr Raison said.
"This means that public consultation on this future application will not be required and the public will not be able to comment on the detail of the application.
"Whatever trust in council that remains in the community will evaporate if councillors allow this travesty to continue."
University of the Sunshine Coast urban and regional planning lecturer and researcher Nicholas Stevens said there was a growing impetus to shut community out of decision making.
Complainants in Planning and Environment Court appeals now faced having all costs awarded against them if they lost following legislative changes by the Newman government.
Nicholas Stevens said if the scheme was amended, those seeking to appeal Sekisui House development approval would be left vulnerable at law and to legal bills that could top $200,000.
He said if the council went ahead to accommodate Sekisui House it would be a game changer for the region. Mr Stevens said the planning scheme was a legacy of community input and understanding stretching back generations.
"To amend it for the first $1 billion developer to come along creates no certainty for the community and none for people who have made investments with the town plan in mind," he said.
"People confuse planning and development. Planning is the future. Development is now.
"This is not just about Yaroomba and Coolum. This is about the whole Coast. There would be a domino effect.
"There are places on the Sunshine Coast you can build to height. Sekisui House didn't buy in one."
University of the Sunshine Coast lecturer in politics Bronwyn Stevens said council risked alienating voters by holding so many discussions about the project behind closed doors.
She said overturning what had been a widely supported and just- established town plan at the request of a developer was causing serious concern in the community.
"People are now asking questions about how their councillor will vote," she said.
"It's understandable the council wants work and progress but our advantage is that we are not the Gold Coast."
Former Coolum councillor Vivien Griffin said the "extraordinary step" council was considering taking would have ramifications across the region.
She said changing the rules of the game by changing the planning scheme in advance of an application set the odds in the developer's favour.
Mayor Mark Jamieson has stressed that council has yet to decide if it will amend the scheme and if it did all public submissions would be considered.
Sunshine Coast Daily: The people's wish
COMMENT BY BILL HOFFMAN: THE extent of Sekisui House's engagement with councillors and state MPs over its Yaroomba ambitions give cause for concern.
The LNP Government was elected in 2012 with the promise to empower local government to have more control on the future direction of their communities.
It was the point State Planning Department senior policy adviser Matt Adams made to SEQ Property Ltd when it first sought to have the Coast's planning scheme altered before its gazettal to improve the value of the Maroochy River Cabin Village and Caravan Park site.
In that instance, and despite an apparent lack of state interest in the matter, Planning Minister Jeff Seeney intervened in favour of the land owner. The Minister also rejected council's removal of Halls Creek as a future urban development investigation area, again to the interest of a single land owner.
At the Sunshine Coast Community Cabinet meeting on June 22, Premier Campbell Newman tore into then acting Mayor Chris Thompson and chief executive John Knaggs, demanding to know was happening with the Sekisui proposal.
He was told nothing could be done until a development application was received.
Since then much has been done, with the council now considering amending the planning scheme to accommodate the proposal.
RELATED: Business group says Sekisui would be good for Maroochydore
Mayor Mark Jamieson insists residents will be able to make submissions to those changes. That assurance provides cold comfort to a community that has just made thousands of submissions to the recently gazetted plan in which they have made clear where they are comfortable with increased height and density.
Yaroomba, and other communities that would be affected by what is proposed, were not in the picture.
Planning schemes at their best see into the future and prepare a pathway to it that ensures quality of life and environment is sustained. At their worst they become a hotchpotch of inconsistencies, servant to individual development aspirations.
We do need to grow the Coast, but it is an imperative that should focus on the economy, not just finding new ways to make battery hens of people.
The construction sector has lifted despite all claims of gloom, with many approved subdivisions now a flurry of activity. It is other sectors, clearly identified in the council's economic development strategy, that need attention.
If we want a smarter, more economically resilient and sustainable place for our children, that is where our city fathers and political representatives must focus their attention. What we are seeing is smoke and mirrors meant to blind an old game of "up-zoning" to deliver windfall gains to a few.
The LNP Government was elected in 2012 with the promise to empower local government to have more control on the future direction of their communities.
It was the point State Planning Department senior policy adviser Matt Adams made to SEQ Property Ltd when it first sought to have the Coast's planning scheme altered before its gazettal to improve the value of the Maroochy River Cabin Village and Caravan Park site.
In that instance, and despite an apparent lack of state interest in the matter, Planning Minister Jeff Seeney intervened in favour of the land owner. The Minister also rejected council's removal of Halls Creek as a future urban development investigation area, again to the interest of a single land owner.
At the Sunshine Coast Community Cabinet meeting on June 22, Premier Campbell Newman tore into then acting Mayor Chris Thompson and chief executive John Knaggs, demanding to know was happening with the Sekisui proposal.
He was told nothing could be done until a development application was received.
Since then much has been done, with the council now considering amending the planning scheme to accommodate the proposal.
RELATED: Business group says Sekisui would be good for Maroochydore
Mayor Mark Jamieson insists residents will be able to make submissions to those changes. That assurance provides cold comfort to a community that has just made thousands of submissions to the recently gazetted plan in which they have made clear where they are comfortable with increased height and density.
Yaroomba, and other communities that would be affected by what is proposed, were not in the picture.
Planning schemes at their best see into the future and prepare a pathway to it that ensures quality of life and environment is sustained. At their worst they become a hotchpotch of inconsistencies, servant to individual development aspirations.
We do need to grow the Coast, but it is an imperative that should focus on the economy, not just finding new ways to make battery hens of people.
The construction sector has lifted despite all claims of gloom, with many approved subdivisions now a flurry of activity. It is other sectors, clearly identified in the council's economic development strategy, that need attention.
If we want a smarter, more economically resilient and sustainable place for our children, that is where our city fathers and political representatives must focus their attention. What we are seeing is smoke and mirrors meant to blind an old game of "up-zoning" to deliver windfall gains to a few.
Yaroomba protest ramped up.
SUNSHINE Coast councillors are being bombarded with letters from residents angry about proposed Town Plan changes to accommodate Sekisui House's high-rise development plans for Yaroomba.
And more than 700 people have signed an online petition launched on Monday and protesting any alteration to the planning scheme.
The petition, created by Development Watch and long-time Coolum resident Felicia Bowtell, aims to attract thousands of signatures ahead of a Sunshine Coast Council meeting in December.
That meeting will decide whether council moves major planning scheme amendments that many fear will open the gates to high-rise development in beachside locations from Caloundra to Peregian.
The petition declares: "Mark Jamieson: listen to the people you represent. Don't destroy what we love about the Coast. No changes to the planning scheme. No high-rise at Yaroomba."
Ms Bowtell, 31, said her goal was to educate people about the issues.
"People are making comments urging councillors to listen to listen to the community and locals rather than a foreign company,'' she said.
"We need to protect the environment. It's so beautiful here.
"I am all for work and job creation, but that should be done inside the current town plan. Sekisui House can create an eco-friendly development with the approvals it already has."
COMMITTED: Protesters turn out to rally against the Sekisui House development proposal.John Mccutcheon
Development Watch spokeswoman Helena Lloyd said creative ways were being explored to keep front and centre in councillors' minds the message that the town plan must be respected.
A website - http://www.protestmerch.com - has been created to allow people to download poster and tee-shirt designs. Yaroomba residents will on Sunday begin hanging signs on their fences along David Low Way, demanding council sticks to the town plan approved earlier this year.
Development Watch says it cannot match Sekisui House's promotional budget, but will produce its own brochure counteracting claims in the developer's yaroombanextgen.com.au website.
Sekisui House will conduct community information sessions about its concepts for development of the Yaroomba site, today from 10am until 2pm and next Friday from 4- 8pm at the Coolum Community Centre.
And more than 700 people have signed an online petition launched on Monday and protesting any alteration to the planning scheme.
The petition, created by Development Watch and long-time Coolum resident Felicia Bowtell, aims to attract thousands of signatures ahead of a Sunshine Coast Council meeting in December.
That meeting will decide whether council moves major planning scheme amendments that many fear will open the gates to high-rise development in beachside locations from Caloundra to Peregian.
The petition declares: "Mark Jamieson: listen to the people you represent. Don't destroy what we love about the Coast. No changes to the planning scheme. No high-rise at Yaroomba."
Ms Bowtell, 31, said her goal was to educate people about the issues.
"People are making comments urging councillors to listen to listen to the community and locals rather than a foreign company,'' she said.
"We need to protect the environment. It's so beautiful here.
"I am all for work and job creation, but that should be done inside the current town plan. Sekisui House can create an eco-friendly development with the approvals it already has."
COMMITTED: Protesters turn out to rally against the Sekisui House development proposal.John Mccutcheon
Development Watch spokeswoman Helena Lloyd said creative ways were being explored to keep front and centre in councillors' minds the message that the town plan must be respected.
A website - http://www.protestmerch.com - has been created to allow people to download poster and tee-shirt designs. Yaroomba residents will on Sunday begin hanging signs on their fences along David Low Way, demanding council sticks to the town plan approved earlier this year.
Development Watch says it cannot match Sekisui House's promotional budget, but will produce its own brochure counteracting claims in the developer's yaroombanextgen.com.au website.
Sekisui House will conduct community information sessions about its concepts for development of the Yaroomba site, today from 10am until 2pm and next Friday from 4- 8pm at the Coolum Community Centre.
We don't want to become Macau. Sekisui House Opponents
A QUIET beachside community will be transformed into an area with a population density to rival Macau and Karachi if Sunshine Coast Council changes its planning scheme to accommodate Sekisui House plans for Yaroomba, opponents of the proposal say.
Protesters have again demanded councillors throw their support behind existing planning scheme provisions, saying they have difficulty understanding why the proposals are even being considered.
They set up their own information boards on Saturday outside the Coolum Community Centre, where Sekisui House representatives ran an information session.
About 200 people who attended the session later signed forms expressing opposition to the proposal.
Resident and protest organiser Julie Failor said based on the 1470 units Sekisui House proposed to build, along with a 250-bed five-star resort, the 19ha site would eventually house the equivalent of 19,342 people per square kilometre - slightly less than Macau's 19,796 and more than Karachi's 18,300.
Protesters have again demanded councillors throw their support behind existing planning scheme provisions, saying they have difficulty understanding why the proposals are even being considered.
They set up their own information boards on Saturday outside the Coolum Community Centre, where Sekisui House representatives ran an information session.
About 200 people who attended the session later signed forms expressing opposition to the proposal.
Resident and protest organiser Julie Failor said based on the 1470 units Sekisui House proposed to build, along with a 250-bed five-star resort, the 19ha site would eventually house the equivalent of 19,342 people per square kilometre - slightly less than Macau's 19,796 and more than Karachi's 18,300.
Yaroomba "A danger for coast"
A FORMER leading Sunshine Coast developer has warned Sunshine Coast Council risks creating a precedent with any town planning changes to accommodate Sekisui House development plans at Yaroomba.
Planning consultant Bob Borger says approval of high-rise plans there would force a change to development decisions at Town of Seaside.
"There is no merit in developing a resort far away from other tourist facilities and retail outlets,'' he said. "You need an active tourist area much more than that suggested in Sekisui's plans."
Mr Borger said that to lend support for Sekisui House to achieve an amendment to the planning scheme set a dangerous precedent. He described as highly unorthodox the Mayor's support for lifting of height restrictions.
His comments come as residents are gearing up their campaign to convince councillors to vote against any planning scheme amendments.
Planning consultant Bob Borger says approval of high-rise plans there would force a change to development decisions at Town of Seaside.
"There is no merit in developing a resort far away from other tourist facilities and retail outlets,'' he said. "You need an active tourist area much more than that suggested in Sekisui's plans."
Mr Borger said that to lend support for Sekisui House to achieve an amendment to the planning scheme set a dangerous precedent. He described as highly unorthodox the Mayor's support for lifting of height restrictions.
His comments come as residents are gearing up their campaign to convince councillors to vote against any planning scheme amendments.
|
|
|
The Save Yaroomba Group (as a sub committee of Friends of Yaroomba Inc) is dedicated to the preservation of social amenity in the Yaroomba Village area. We are not opposed to appropriate development or economic growth across the Sunshine Coast region or the Yaroomba Beach precinct. We are opposed to the Sekisui Yaroomba Beach development because it does not conform to the reasonable restraints contained in the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014. The Sekisui DA will greatly affect the social environment for all residents in the Yaroomba Beach Community, and our aim is to ensure that the Sekisui Yaroomba proposal fully adheres to the height and density requirements stipulated for the Yaroomba Beach district in the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014. We welcome appropriate development to Yaroomba Beach, but we will strenuously oppose the current form of the Sekisui Yaroomba Beach proposal. If you would like to support our cause to save the Yaroomba Beach Community from this inappropriate Sekisui Yaroomba development, you are welcome to either donate via the facility on this website, or join our email list to receive updates.
