JIM FAGAN
Makepeace Island in Noosa River may be heart-shaped but there will be no love lost between owner Sir Richard Branson and Noosa Council if councillors accept the recommendation of its Planning and Organisation Committee and its officers.
Sir Richard’s company, Makepeace Island (Operations) Pty Ltd wants to convert the 9.3 hectare island into a boutique resort and just before de-amalgamation received approval from Sunshine Coast Council, subject to conditions which limited guests to 20 and made clear amplified music must not be audible between 10pm and 7am.
On Tuesday the council’s development assessment co-ordinator, Kerri Coyle, told the committee the applicant had lodged an appeal with the Planning and Environment Court submitting the conditions were unlawful and were an “unreasonable imposition.”
In her report Ms Coyle said the two conditions were considered critical to restrict noise emissions to protect the amenity of neighbouring residents. The closest residential properties were just 200 metres to the west in Cambridge Court, Tewantin.
“The applicant’s noise report used the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing criteria for amplified music,” Ms Coyle said.“This is generally only suitable for entertainment precincts where pubs and clubs usually establish. This is not appropriate for the area given the closeness of residential properties and inconsistent with the Noosa Plan for the area.”
The committee endorsed her recommendation to defend the appeal. It will now be discussed by the general committee on Monday.
Makepeace Island was bought in 2007 and completed in 2009 as a private retreat for family and friends of Sir Richard and Virgin Blue co-founder, Brett Godfrey.
