Amended plans for Emu Park development receive Council support

Livingstone Shire Council has today resolved to support amended plans submitted for the Emu Park unit development on the corner of Pattison and Granville streets.

As part of the court mediation process, the matter returned to the Council table in a confidential session in accordance with the Local Government Regulation 2012.

Mayor Ireland said after the application was refused by Council on 17 May 2022, the developer subsequently appealed the decision through the Planning and Environment Court.

“Since then, the developer has provided amended plans that reduce the height from six to five storeys on the western and southern ends of the building, with six storeys remaining for the balance,” Mayor Ireland said.

“There are also changes to the roof form, building design and building materials, which have improved the skyline, physical bulk and visual amenity of the building.

“Once a decision is appealed in court, the chance for Council to intervene in the process is limited, so we have taken this opportunity to consider the amended plans carefully among other factors before the next court listing on 25 January 2023.

“A full appeal process would also greatly increase legal costs to Council and be a significant drain on Council resources.

“The development responds to the urgent need for an additional supply of a variety of housing options, particularly at the southern end of the Capricorn Coast. It also provides high-quality short-term accommodation and tourism-related commercial opportunities, whilst delivering jobs and an overall economic boost to this part of Livingstone Shire.”

All submitters who lodged a properly made submission during the public notification period were invited to join the appeal process, however, no-one joined.

The process will now continue, taking into account this agreed outcome.