Community
11 October, 2023
People power
COMMUNITY pressure has resulted in the rejection of a multimillion-dollar luxury retreat on bushland at Yorkeys Knob.
Cairns regional councillors on Wednesday overwhelmingly refused the recommendation by officers to allow the “seven-star” 38-apartment resort over two storeys with spaces for 44 vehicles at Buckley St.
In the latest application, the developers – New Land – axed two restaurants and a day spa.
The original proposal for land opposite Yorkeys Knob Boating Club was for 67 units, a two-storey central facilities building with a lobby, two restaurants – one serving Chinese cuisine and one with a western menu – and a spa, gym, and a further three spa treatment rooms.
The council received 184 objections to the development from residents.
But the suburb’s divisional councillor Rhonda Coghlan successfully moved an alternate resolution to refuse the development application.
“The proposed development for short-term accommodation is not reasonably expected to occur within the low-density residential zone and is inconsistent with the clear land use intention expressed in the planning scheme for development within the low-density residential zone,” she said.
“The development represents a significant departure from the requirements for development contained within the strategic framework and low-density residential zone code.”
“The development represents a significant departure from the requirements for development contained within the strategic framework and low-density residential zone code.”
Cr Coghlan also listed concerns about biodiversity, visual impacts, safety and the community’s expectations.
“When considered as a whole, the combination of the identified departures from the planning intent for the land as expressed in the planning scheme, the reasonable expectations of the community for development on the land and the lack of relevant matters which support the proposed development all weigh against approval of the development,” she said.
“On balance, it is appropriate that council refuse the development application for the reasons provided.”
Cr Brett Olds told the council meeting that he agreed to all of Cr Coghlan’s reasons. “Community expectations have to be at the forefront, especially when they have elected 10 councillors,” he said.
“The community doesn’t want it, it’s not zoned for this.”
Deputy mayor Terry James said there would have been “a very significant loss of vegetation”. He said it would been “a visual blight on the escarpment”.
Cr Rob Pyne said the community had already lost a lot of valuable bushland on the northern beaches.
He said the “seven-star” retreat would have been predominantly used by wealthy overseas tourists.
A small gathering of residents quietly applauded the unanimous decision.
After the meeting, Yorkeys Knob Residents Association president Adrian Gover said he was “still shaking” after the ruling.
“It’s been three years of a horrendous time (trying to stop the development). I’m just stunned,” he said.
“To think councillors voted unanimously was showing support for the community, which is amazing. I didn’t see it coming.
“I’m thrilled for today and I am very pleased with Cr Coghlan’s presentation.”
The developer’s planning representative – the RPS Group, was contacted for comment.
