Application 2024123, Planning Act 2016 – Development Application for Development Permit for Material Change of Use – Outdoor Sport & Recreation (Mini Golf)
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Board welcomes the opportunity to respond to Development Application 20241233. Our submission reflects the views of the Chamber’s Board and not its membership.
The Chamber Board welcomes businesses that complement and elevate the Council’s Master Plan, Tourism Whitsunday’s destination marketing efforts, and Chamber’s vision for a thriving, world class Airlie Beach precinct. The Application’s intent to develop an all-weather sport and recreation complex is to be congratulated and will be of great value to tourists, cruise ship visitors, and the community alike, as well as contributing to Airlie Beach’s mix of land uses.
We also acknowledge that the owners and developers would have considered a number of options for the site, including low to medium-rise accommodation or other commercial property that would require the removal of trees and landscape.
However, the Chamber Board’s concerns relate the following:
- 8. Planning Scheme purpose 3h (page 16): Development incorporates a high standard of architecture, urban design and landscaping that creates attractive and functional buildings, streets and places.
- 8. Planning Scheme purpose 3i (page 16): Development provides an active and articulated streetscape allowing for casual surveillance and pedestrian access from the street, with demonstrated connectivity to surrounding land uses.
- 3.2.3.2 (2) Land use strategies (page 21): The core landscape values within the Whitsundays are protected, and if practicable enhanced.
The Chamber Board strongly opposes the proposed Jurassic Falls concept and dinosaur-themed design currently under Council assessment.
We firmly believe the proposal fails to meet the development requirements and expectations for Airlie Beach’s main street precinct, and does not align with the strategic vision to position the town centre as a world-class destination that reflects what is ‘naturally iconic’ about the Whitsundays region.
Our key concerns include:
- Lack of contextual integration: The proposed dinosaur theme and structure bear no meaningful connection to the Whitsundays’ natural landscape, identity, or surrounding built environment. This disconnect undermines the goal of presenting a unified, premium, and iconic visual experience that promotes the region on the global stage.
- Public safety risk: The exterior design creates climbing hazards for both children and adults, posing serious safety risks. This is unacceptable in a high-traffic public area and raises significant concerns regarding risk mitigation and liability.
- Visual and structural concerns: The proposed design is visually intrusive and at risk of rapid degradation, potentially becoming a maintenance burden and visual blight on the main street. The Chamber questions whether the materials and construction approach are suited to the climate, salt air, and wear typical of the area.
- Parking shortfall: The application provides no on-site car parking and instead notes a reliance on future discussions with Council to resolve this. With existing pressure on parking, the Chamber calls for clear planning and commitments prior to approval.
While novelty attractions have a place in tourism, this particular proposal is fundamentally at odds with the broader direction being pursued by Council and Tourism Whitsundays to elevate the profile of Airlie Beach’s main street and deliver design excellence in public and private spaces.
The Chamber supports the applicant’s intent to develop a family-friendly mini-golf and activity centre. However, we urge the applicant to reconsider the design concept in a way that authentically reflects the Whitsundays’ character, natural beauty, and visitor brand.
Should the applicant wish to explore alternative concepts, the Chamber is open to providing input and support to help shape a development that delivers both business success and community alignment.
By Allan Milostic, Chamber President
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