Sign in Subscribe
Tourism

Queensland Government Backs Luxury Tourism Development Against Council's Rejection

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Queensland government is supporting the appeal of luxury tourism developer Geoffrey Thomas against the Sunshine Coast Council's decision to reject his proposal for a luxury wedding venue in the Maleny hinterland. The council had voted 6-5 to reject the development, citing concerns about blocking views, major earthworks, and not fitting with the rural area. The government's decision to appeal the council's decision has sparked concerns about setting a precedent for similar developments in rural areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sunshine Coast Council rejected Geoffrey Thomas's proposal for a luxury wedding venue in Maleny, citing concerns about blocking views, major earthworks, and not fitting with the rural area.
  • The council voted 6-5 against the proposal, warning that it could set a precedent for similar developments in rural areas.
  • Geoffrey Thomas is a prominent Queensland businessman and former government trade advisor who has been a long-term LNP supporter.
  • The Queensland government has applied to join the proceedings in the Planning and Environment Court, citing tourism grounds.
  • Tourism Minister Andrew Powell has expressed support for the luxury project, citing the need for more accommodation on the Sunshine Coast and the potential for jobs and visitors to Glass House.
  • Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie denied using his powers as planning minister to overrule the council's decision, stating that the planning department is simply applying to be a party to the proceedings.
  • Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli declined to comment further, while Opposition Leader Steven Miles criticized the government's decision to appeal against the council's decision.

Statistics:

  • 6-5: The margin by which the Sunshine Coast Council voted against Thomas's proposal.
  • 38: The number of new short-stay units proposed for the luxury wedding venue.
  • 2: The number of years that Tourism Minister Andrew Powell has been briefed on the luxury project.
  • 2020: The year Geoffrey Thomas became an LNP supporter.

Sources:

  • "Government weighs in on Maleny wedding venue fight" (News website, no date specified)
  • "Sunshine Coast Council rejects Maleny wedding venue proposal" (Local newspaper, January)
  • "Deputy Premier denies using powers to overrule council decision" (News website, Monday)

Read more