MVA pushes for stronger protections in planning scheme

Wayne Parcell

The Montville Village Association (MVA) has lodged its submission on the Proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards to protect hinterland villages, the natural environment and agricultural land.

In its formal response, the MVA praised community spirit and growth in the region but warned that unchecked development could undermine the very character that draws people to the Blackall Range. “The Range villages and region are a picturesque area with outstanding visual amenity overlooking the Sunshine Coast… a green backdrop providing natural and rural services, local produce, farmers markets, picturesque villages amidst a mosaic of farming land, remnant vegetation and significant conservation reserves,” the submission noted.

The Association raised several key concerns. It called for full reviews of the scheme every 10 years, in line with the Planning Act, to keep pace with rapid change. It objected to Council-owned quarries at Dulong and Image Flat being granted special status, saying they should face the same Major Change of Use requirements as private quarries.

The MVA also expressed concern over high-density relocatable home and retirement developments in unsuitable areas such as Mapleton and Montville, citing inadequate water, sewage and stormwater provisions. It recommended stronger provisions for bushfire management, including new brigade facilities and public water storage, and greater protection for high-quality agricultural land from short-term accommodation projects.

Finally, the group called for better recognition of public transport needs in the hinterland, including on-demand bus services and the long-promised duplication of the heavy rail line to Nambour.

President Wayne Parcell thanked Max Standage of MADCA for his assistance, and all those who contributed to the process. “This submission reflects the community’s expectations for development that is compatible with our small villages and outstanding environment,” he said.