State’s plan to increase shire’s population

dents in the future for the Noosa Shire is not feasible nor sustainable.

“That is 13,000 more than what we can sustainably carry, equivalent to Christmas peak season every day. There are many who have fought so hard for Noosa over the decades, including for de-amalgamation, and we need to fight again, for our communities, our environment and our economy.” regional plan. community’s interests, both to the Minister and Premier directly, as well as through the SEQ Regional Council of Mayors. Residents too can make their individual voices heard.

“It's our view that there's been a distinct lack of genuine collaboration, and they've disregarded the voices of individual local governments.

“Local councils are best positioned to understand the individual needs and capacities of their communities and yet our voices haven't been heard in this process.

“It is crucial that our voices are heard, and that the State considers the individual needs and capacities of each of our own communities," Cr Stewart said.

Regional Plan.

“Should the state government retain these figures after public consultation and our advocacies, we shall be calling on everyone again to load onto buses. We need everyone behind us,” Sandy said.

THE state government's plan to increase Noosa Shire’s population has raised major concerns.

The government’s draft South East Queensland Regional Plan calls for Noosa to accommodate an additional 19,100 people by 2046 and to possibly accommodate increased building heights of between four and eight storeys in some locations.

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said this is unrealistic.

“As we understand it, the State expects us to accommodate more than half of the 19,100 population increase – around 10,000 people – in the next two-tothree years, which is very concerning.

“It's unrealistic and will place a huge strain on our infrastructure, environment and amenity.”

Independent Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton said the projected permanent population of 76,000 resi-

Cr Stewart said the State's push for a relaxation of building heights to allow apartment buildings between four and eight storeys in some areas is similarly concerning.

“If this were to occur, it would greatly impact the character and look and feel of Noosa. What makes us unique is our distinct lack of high-rise structures, and this draft plan seemingly undermines something that we hold dear and have fought so long and hard to protect and maintain.”

Mayor Stewart said Noosa Council was disappointed with the way the State developed the draft

"There's barely anything of significance for Noosa in the state's draft regional infrastructure plan, despite the population increase they're expecting us to accommodate in a short period.

“The State has shifted the burden of accommodating another 2.16 million people in South East Queensland over the next 20 years back onto the local councils.”

Cr Stewart said Council’s concerns were made known at a meeting in Brisbane with state officials, mayors, and senior planning staff from across South East Queensland.

“We will continue to advocate strongly to protect our

Sandy said she will be working together with Noosa Council to demonstrate to the state government why the projections for the Noosa Shire in the draft plan are not sustainable nor sensible for Noosa communities and broader Queensland.

“It is time to be vigilant and for all to get involved as we do not need any additional strain on our environment, infrastructure and amenities, nor on the character and built environment that makes Noosa a unique destination and home.”

Council and Sandy are urging residents to have their say on the state's draft South East Queensland

Have your say on the state’s draft plan

THE State Government will hold a local in-person consultation session where locals can talk to state planners about the Draft SEQ Regional Plan at ‘Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church (Noosa District) Parish Hall’ 5 Moorindil St, Tewantin on Tuesday 29 August from 4 to 6 pm. Residents can view and have a say on the state's draft plan online at shapingseq. statedevelopment.qld.gov. au. Submissions close at 11.59 pm on 20 September 2023.

MEMBER for Noosa Sandy Bolton’s office has advised the email address supplied for residents to give feedback on Cooroy intersections (“Cooroy intersections ‘concerning’”, Cooroy Rag 26 July) was incorrect.

Sandy’s office said the minister’s office provided them with the wrong Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) email address.

“The correct email address for resident feedback is NCR_Planning_Comms @tmr.qld.gov.au.

“We would like to thank all the residents who were quick to let us know, and continue to encourage everyone who would like to see these intersection upgrades to please provide feedback to TMR.”