Unanimous approval for Noosa's newest high-end resort was testament to the applicant's respect for the Noosa Planning and willingness to work closely with council.
On Thursday (October 17), Councillors unanimously ratified changes to a 2008 approval for a resort on a 2.4-hectare site at 3-7 Serenity Close, Noosa Heads.
"The professionalism and willingness of Calile Malouf Investments to work with our town planning staff to achieve a quality development outcome is testament to them," the Mayor said.
"These amended plans are one of the best examples we've seen of quality-over-quantity development.
"There's no longer any development proposed within the environmental management and conservation zone, there are increased landscaping setbacks to Serenity Close to reduce the impact on surrounding residents, a reduced number of units, more onsite carparking, more landscaping and retention of more natural vegetation," Cr Wilkie said.
"This is a massive improvement on the existing approval and the development is now fully sited in the tourist accommodation zone.
"The way they have worked with our professional planning staff to achieve the best possible outcome for this site is commendable," Cr Wilkie said.
The 186-unit Calile resort is set to become the first new high-end resort offering of its type in the Noosa region for a long time.
"It shows that when you have a developer that is willing to work with us, we can achieve great quality development outcomes without sacrificing our town plan," the Mayor said.
"This development is fully aligned with the intent of the planning scheme, which has always seen this site set aside for a five-star resort.
"This outcome is a win for the community, a win for local tourism and our economy."
"Furthermore, it is well documented that South-East Queensland requires an additional 20,000 rooms to adequately service the 2032 Olympic Games. The approval of this resort will assist to fulfil some of this demand whilst also aligning with the Noosa brand attracting high-value international and domestic visitors," Cr Wilkie said.
"This development will raise the standard of short-term of accommodation across the region and is anticipated to absorb demand for high-end short-term accommodation that is currently occurring in residential areas."
In September The Calile Hotel Brisbane was named in The World's 50 Best Hotels awards, coming in at number 25, and being named Best in Oceania.
