Agnes Water carpark
Gladstone Regional Council has proposed to construct a public car park on Council’s land at 5 Agnes Street and alter the existing on-street parking along Jeffery Court, Agnes Water.
During the design of public infrastructure, in addition to giving consideration to community feedback, Council has to consider all matters that are required in design including:
- Planning Scheme
- Constructability
- Traffic and parking codes and manuals
- Engineering requirements
- Environmental requirements
- Stormwater management requirements
- Requirements for ongoing maintenance
- Safety matters
- Disability access
- Financial sustainability.
After consideration of community feedback and submissions received during the public notification period, Council amended its development application to provide an amended design which reduced the carpark footprint, reduced the number of car parks from 87 to 73, and increased the areas of retained vegetation and setbacks from Beach Houses Estate.
On 1 December 2020, Council approved a material change of use for the land to enable a carpark to be constructed (based on the amended concept plan) subject to the conditions contained in the Decision Notice.
Following a thorough review of all relevant considerations and applying relevant laws and the Planning Scheme, Council considers the concept design approved by Council in December 2020 is appropriate, noting it is also subject to the development approval conditions, detailed design and the requirements for operational works permit.
Council considers there is a need for the proposed public carpark which will improve environmental, safety and maintenance outcomes for the site and support economic growth for the popular tourist destination.
In January 2021, two submitters lodged an appeal in the Planning & Environment Court (as is the required process for disputing a development approval) seeking the development approval be set aside and the Court refuse the development. If Council did not defend the appeal the development approval would be set aside.
Council has complied with the directions of the Court in respect to engaging experts to provide reports.
More information regarding the project and a summary of Council’s expert reports to date can be found at conversations.gladstone.qld.gov.au/agnes-water-beach-visitor-carpark.
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