Residents urged to have their say on Draft Planning Scheme

Sunshine Coast Council Principal Development Planner Mark Cornell “We want to understand exactly what the community is saying and what their views are.”

Hinterland residents are being urged to provide feedback on Sunshine Coast Council’s Draft Planning Scheme, which is undergoing its 10-year review.

Speaking at the Nambour Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catchup on August 7, I am Nambour’s Rhonda Billett said the scheme was not a “done deal” and community views could still influence its final form.

“We do have a chance to have our say on what we want to see for Nambour and surrounds,” she said. “That could be about height restrictions, about the special entertainment precinct… there are so many different things that are up for conversation at this point in time.”

Ms Billett said recent discussions with council showed they were “really listening hard” to community feedback.

Sunshine Coast Council Principal Development Planner Mark Cornell said there were several proposed changes for Nambour, including some increases in building heights and allowances for more bars and entertainment venues within the Special Entertainment Precinct.

“We want the good, the bad, the ugly,” Mr Cornell said. “We want to understand exactly what the community is saying and what their views are.”

Ms Billett encouraged residents to complete the survey online, describing it as “really important” despite perceptions about consultation fatigue.

Nambour Chamber President Mark Bray echoed the call, saying community engagement was key to ensuring the town’s future.

“Anything that you can do to champion that side of things and make sure that Nambour is not forgotten is appreciated,” he said. “The future’s very, very bright. We just have to keep letting everyone know that we’re here and that we’ve got a lot to contribute to the region.”