24 July 2007 - Ministerial Call-in of Hyatt Coolum Development Proposal

Development Watch has asked the Minister for Local Government to call in the controversial Lend Lease Master Plan for Hyatt Regency Coolum.  Maroochy Shire Council has approved the development, which proposes the construction of 660 dwellings throughout the Hyatt resort property.  This approval was granted in the face of massive community opposition, Council having received 3,657 submissions opposing the development.

				The Minister can only call in a development application if it affects a State interest.  Development Watch contends that Hyatt Regency Coolum will not maintain its international 5-star status if it is made subordinate to intensive residential development.  Development Watch President, Brian Raison said, “Council was presented with much significant evidence that refuted Lend Lease’s claim that the development was good for the Hyatt.  Not only would the development degrade the tourism experience for guests, it would also remove forever land that could be used for future tourism development.  As evidenced by the recent APEC Finance Ministers Forum and CHOGM in 2002, the Resort is not only of great importance to Sunshine Coast and State tourism, but has continuing National significance.”

				The Development Watch submission also points out to the Minister the shortcomings in the development assessment process used by Maroochy Council.  Mr Raison said, “Council did not even provide a statement in its Decision Notice justifying its reasons for overriding its own Planning Scheme, a fundamental requirement of the Integrated Planning Act.  This, together with many other flaws we have identified in the assessment process, must be of considerable concern to the Minister.”

				Mr Raison believes that overwhelming grounds exist to appeal Council’s decision in the Planning and Environment Court.  “Unfortunately, community groups such as ours don’t have the funds to mount such an appeal.  In any case, Court decisions often turn on technicalities.  We strongly believe that our drawing the Minister’s attention to Council’s treatment of the application is the most appropriate course of action.