Planning scheme change means business

PROPOSED planning scheme changes will clear the way for new rural enterprise, according to the Noosa Council.
In a statement to the media, the council said the amendments, which were open for public comment, removed development application requirements for some hinterland business operators.
Councillor Sandy Bolton said the proposed changes would encourage eco-tourism and regenerative farming opportunities, and expand Noosa’s holiday options.
“The hinterland is the perfect backdrop for high-value low-impact businesses such as cooking schools, yoga studios, boutique farms, food and art trails as well as the sale of home-made foods, furniture and homewares,” she said.
“These amendments remove some of the hurdles preventing hinterland property owners from exploring these sorts of opportunities.
“Council’s $4.7 million investment in Dr Pages Road will soon provide a fully-sealed loop road through the hinterland, opening up a whole host of new opportunities to cater for self-drive and ride tourists and these changes will help the community make the most of them.”
The changes are said to make setting up various business enterprises easier, including small boutique farms, wellness centres, classes and bed and breakfast accommodation.
“The amendments allow for the use of up to three bedrooms of a rural zone property to create a B&B, without need for a development approval,” Cr Bolton said.
It is proposed that camp grounds and caravan parks would become consistent uses for rural zones, subject to an approved development application.
Establishing overnight parking facilities for up to five fully self-contained RVs won’t require a development application, providing further accommodation options for visitors to enjoy personalised hosted experiences.
“Hinterland properties as small as 10 hectares in area are ideal for low-impact and eco-tourism enterprises, which are a great fit for the Noosa brand,“ Cr Bolton said.
“These changes will help make life easier for operators of Noosa’s 7000 small businesses, which are the backbone of our local economy.”
To view the proposed amendments online and lodge a submission visit: yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au
To view a hard copy, visit the Noosa Council’s Level 2 customer service desk at 9 Pelican Street Tewantin. Submissions can be emailed to strategicplanning@noosa.qld.gov.au or posted to P.O. Box 141, Tewantin, Queensland 4565.
For further information contact the council’s strategic planners on 5329 6212. Submissions on any aspect of proposed planning scheme amendments must be made by Friday 2 October.