Noosa Junction - where the locals go

Name:

Phone Number:

E-Mail Address:

Postal Address:

Letter

Please feel free to edit as you see fit before clicking send.
This message will be forwarded to thenoosaplan@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
(we will also sign off with the name you provided above)

To whom it may concern, As a Noosa Junction property owner this is a formal letter in support of the findings of the Noosa Business Centre (NBC) Master Plan review by the Regional Strategy and Planning Directorate, Sunshine Coast Regional Council (February 2009). Although this submission is after the March 11 deadline, given the short time frame allowed I request that it be accepted as a contribution to the debate. I believe the long term growth plans for Noosa contained in the Master Plan should not be rejected in favour of the short term goals of a private property developer whose own submission acknowledges that his plans are contrary to the intention of the NBC. The development proposed by Stockwell seeks to build an air conditioned shopping centre that will choke the surrounding streets with traffic (SKM report 4 August 2008) and reduce public transport opportunities (Kemp June 2008). Reports by Council experts (SKM) indicate the current retail development proposed for the site would interfere with the proposed internal road network and limit the size of the transport interchange required to service the region. It is unthinkable that public transport, medical centres, offices for new employment and civic buildings could be replaced by a shopping centre offering retailing that is already offered in Maroochydore. To maintain a strong and vibrant future Noosa needs to diversify its economy by developing an office-based knowledge industry. This is clearly the intention of the Master Plan. However in his report Kemp stated that there is already insufficient land for commercial development in Noosa and that removing land at Civic for retailing would further compromise the region's ability to attract new businesses. Therefore I believe it is vitally important to the future of Noosa that the NBC remains a business and community focused hub and that only limited additional retail development is allowed to occur. Noosa requires quality, long term employment and investment opportunities for our children. Urban Economics points out that the retail employment promised at Noosa Civic 3 is focused substantially on the 15-19 year old age group that is a declining proportion of our community. Urban Economics also points out that the entire Noosa region only needs 40,000 sqm of new retailing by 2026 while Stockwell promises 90% of the supply by 2012. Council's own expert report indicated that this would slash $50 million a year in income from Noosa Junction alone and have a 10%-13% impact on the turnover of retailing in the area. A bizarre solution proposed by Urban Economics is to stop all retail development in Noosa for four years to minimize the impact of Civic 3. This only serves to highlight the potential planning blight that would result from its development and long term negatives that it would generate. From a community perspective I believe it is vital that Noosa’s current retail centres such as Noosaville, Noosa Junction, Tewantin and Hastings Street are allowed to retain their character and not be subverted by a "big box" shopping centre in an out of centre location. While there will be a requirement for more retail as the Noosa population grows there are sufficient sites available to consolidate the existing shopping hubs, as well as current vacancies, to accommodate much of that growth into the future. Ironically, even the Noosa Creative Alliance sponsored by Stockwell does not attribute shopping centres as a major driving force in creating the type of knowledge-based communities we are planning for. Its website quotes a vibrant community containing: "T4 Territorial Assets: A quality, desirable and protected environment (smart growth) and attractive public amenities – nightlife, walkways, waterways, outdoor activities and cultural venues, including restaurants and a vibrant music scene." Surely the intention of the Master Plan. The changes proposed by Stockwell strike at the heart of the Noosa planning processes and, if accepted, could set a precedent for poor and ad hoc development into the future. The Noosa Business Centre (NBC) Master Plan is the best long term strategy for the Noosa region and should not be altered.