NOOSA on Weyba development interests have hit back at a campaign opposed to the proposed development, saying there are “serious misconceptions” about the proposal.
Northbrook – acting for the Mantle Group, which is preparing an application to develop Noosa on Weyba Village – says the community consultation process has revealed fundamental misunderstandings about the proposal.
“We’re not denying opponents their opinions, but we’re concerned that misinterpretation of the proposal’s detailed environmental ground truthing, planning and its overall intent is negatively and unfairly affecting public debate,” development director Steve MacRae said.
“Noosa on Weyba will be a world’s best practice development which will carry EarthCheck accreditation for environmental, social and economic triple bottom line sustainability.
In countering “recurring misconceptions”, Mr MacRae said:
- ?no buildings will be allowed within 60m of the Lake Weyba shoreline and, in accordance with the requirements of the Queensland Coastal Plan, the first 40m of the buffer zone will be revegetated
- ?all buildings – to be low density – within the first 250m from the lake edge will be restricted to one and two storeys, and have covenants to ensure they blend with the existing environment
- ?any three-storey dwellings will be set back at least 250m from the shoreline and will be mostly out of view from the lake
- ?the project engineers have worked with Unitywater to ensure existing water and sewerage infrastructure services can accommodate the proposal.
“The project team would not propose an urban development on this site that had any risk of polluting the sensitive waterways, so in-ground septic systems, like those used in earlier developments in the precinct, are not an option,” Mr MacRae said.
“The master plan will create an environment where wildlife will traverse through not only specific wildlife corridors, but also the new urban development using the latest design techniques to ensure wildlife can cross the project between existing adjoining environmental areas.”
He said this would be similar to the adjoining property development of Eumarella Shores, which was established by William Tainsh in 2002.
“Our project will be submitted to the State Government for consideration as a Wildlife Refuge, confirming our environmental intentions,” Mr MacRae said.
“The Biodiversity Development Offset Area (BDOA) approval – which will result in 139.5ha of the property donated to the Noosa National Park – took 18 months to be processed and was rigorously reviewed by government.”
Mr MacRae also said community forums had alleged a link between the proponent and Asian and Russian business deals and the owners of Singapore Airlines, which was also incorrect.
“The proponents have been residents and land owners in Noosa since 1969 and 2005 respectively, so they understand the area very well and appreciate its unique nature,” he said.
“The project team has presented to neighbours adjacent to the Noosa on Weyba site, Sunshine Coast Regional Council and the executives of resident group Friends of Lake Weyba, plus the president of the Noosa Chamber of Commerce.
“It is a pity that not all adjoining neighbours chose to accept our invitation to a private neighbours-only presentation.”
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