A new Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI), aimed at encouraging the development of upscale hotels on the Sunshine Coast, took effect from Friday, April 4.
This initiative, known as the Accommodation Hotel Incentive Measures, provides increased building height allowances and reduced on-site car parking rates for eligible accommodation hotels located in Maroochydore and Caloundra.
The TLPI, coupled with the earlier adopted hotel incentives policy, was prepared in response to the needs of our region. For several years, the tourism industry and business community have highlighted the urgent need for new, branded hotels.
Upscale hotels - four star and above - will provide accommodation options for the high-value and business markets. This type of visitor spends two-to-three times more, drives less, visits in off-peak times, and stays longer.
The tourism industry, employing nearly 10 per cent of the Sunshine Coast workforce, stands to benefit significantly from this move.
It is estimated that just one upscale hotel will provide an estimated minimum visitor spend of $29.5 million every year. It will also provide approximately 422 jobs during construction and another 165 ongoing.
The TLPI suspends and affects aspects of the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014, relating to the development of resort complexes or short-term accommodation uses for accommodation hotels.
A copy of the TLPI can be viewed on Council's website.
