The State Government has come under criticism for paying consultants $62,150 to investigate highrise redevelopment options of publicly owned land at the end of Mooloolaba Spit.
State MP for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson slammed the expenditure and secrecy, calling on the government to release the report and rule out highrise in the area.
The land on the end of the Spit houses the Sunshine Coast Water Police, Maritime Services and the water pilots.
“Stop the secrecy and give a guarantee that there will be no highrise on State-owned land at the end of the Spit and the area won’t be overdeveloped,” Ms Simpson demanded of the State Government.
“I asked the Transport Minister in Parliament to give a no highrise guarantee for this area but he has refused to give that guarantee in his answers tabled this month.”**
Ms Simpson has launched an e-petition to give the public a say and join the campaign to protect Mooloolaba Spit. To sign up go to https://www.savemooloolabaspit.com.au
The Government’s brief for the $62,150 consultancy required the successful applicant to investigate redevelopment options for the public land which specifically included above current council height limits.
”The end of the Mooloolaba Spit is the people’s land,” Ms Simpson said. “The people have a right to know what the Government is up to and that the public interest, the amenity and environment is protected.”
“High rise or residential accommodation in this area should be ruled out at this precious site near the river mouth and it should instead be opened up to provide more public access, while also keeping these vital emergency and marine services located here.
“The current planning scheme allows for a development up to four storeys, but not necessarily residential accommodation. However even this would cause more traffic congestion and not be compatible with maritime services and industry.
Ms Simpson said she was keen to see the old redundant buildings removed and others consolidated with existing marine services maintained as well as an opening up of more public open space where appropriate but not over development or changes that broke the height limits in this area.
