PROPOSAL TO RE-CLASSIFY FHA

ELANDA POINT, NOOSA RIVER.

Attachment 1 to Item 2Planning & Environment Committee Agenda11 April 2017

Noosa River Re-Classification of FHA “A” to FHA “B”.

Author:

Wade Batty

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL

Proponents Details

Eco Camp Pty Ltd – atf MCB Trust

ABN: 44 279 342 093

PO Box 1804 Noosaville. DC.QLD. 4566.

Brief overview of the Proposal

A unique opportunity exists for Eco Camp Pty Ltd (EC) as it has entered into a sale contract with the

current lease holder of the Elanda Point Education and Adventure Park to purchase and transfer the

existing Qpws leases known as LOT A & LOT B on MCH5358.

The Company has provided the State Government with a Master Plan strategy, to redevelop the site into

a world class Eco Tourism facility. (A copy of this plan is attached to this submission.)

On the 11th November 2016, the Company received an in principle approval from the Department of

National Parks, Sport and Racing to proceed with the re-development of the site, subject to the

satisfaction of standard re-development criteria. (A copy of this approval is attached to this submission.)

Intrinsic to achieving a desired outcome is the necessity to undertake installation of jetty infrastructure to

better manage the existing and future use from the Lease Area and assist to facilitate the delivery of

quality tour services into the Noosa Everglades, delivered by Eco Camps’ sister Company, The Discovery

Group.

Eco Camp Pty Ltd (EC) requests that DNPSR consider an application to re – classify an area of Lake

Cootharaba from Fish Habitat Management A – to Management B.

Advice received by the department indicates that Fish Habitat Management A does not permit a private

entity lodging an application for Resource Allocation with the final outcome sought is to install jetty

infrastructure to support improved operations from the Leased land.

(A copy of the jetty plan is attached to this submission.)

Brief Description

Elanda Point Education and Adventure Park has been operating a commercial tourism venture from the

Lease area since 1979, formalised with a 50 year Lands Act lease in 1986, expiring in 2036 and having

an option to renew in 2026.

The existing operation has on average 131,000 overnight visitor stays per annum, the majority of which

are embarking on marine based activities from the Lease area, directly from the beach.

The location of this key piece of jetty infrastructure is the most logical, practical and environmentally

sustainable way to manage current and future use of activities from the Lease area.

Sequencing of Development and Stages.

The attached site plan and proposed capital improvements provide the conceptual framework and

locations of improvements and investment being proposed by Eco Camp. The Department of National

Parks Sport and Racing have provided an ‘in principle’ approval for the improvements to proceed based

on this information.

Eco Camp has undertaken research into the experiences that inbound and domestic visitors are seeking

within the Eco-Tourism sphere. Discussion with their existing client base, international wholesalers has

led them to refine the suggested offerings and product mix in this location.

Stage 1 – Immediately pending approvals

Central reception and visitor facilities constructed. A food and beverage, interpretative and Eco

Tourism hub and access point. This will present as an Eco Resort.

Construction of additional and refurbishment of existing educational cabins in the western area of

the site and improvements to existing “mess hall”.

Construction of a new main amenities building.

Installation of jetty infrastructure to sustainably manage current and future use of activities

from the Lease area and to facilitate delivery of quality Eco-Tourism services into the Everglades.

It will also establish a navigable and safe boating access.

Development of glamping area and associated infrastructure to service a combination of 2 – 4

person luxury tents on the Eastern Side of the site.

Stage 2 – During years 3 – 5 of operation

Development of glamping area and associated infrastructure to service a combination of 2 – 4

person luxury tents to the north of the site.

Refurbish / replace workshop and storage facilities located at the entry to the site.

** Please refer to the attached plan for details of components of the overall development adjacent to FHA

and location of the proposed jetty footprint.

The proposed jetty infrastructure will not require any associated works to occur on the Leased land, other

than at the point of abutment, where it is anticipated this will be a timber walkway / ramp to gain safe and

equitable disabled access.

Describe and justify the proposed amendments:

Please refer to the attached Master Plan and Location Plan to confirm the extent of the area sought to be

re-classified.

Lake Cootharaba is an extensive body of water approximately 50 square kilometres in size. The extent

of the area to be re - classified is 0.05 square kilometres. This translates into area 0.001% of Lake

Cootharaba.

Due to the location of the proposed infrastructure, the depth of water that relates to the designated area

and the insignificant scale of the infrastructure;

There will be no impediment on maritime navigation.

There will be no impediment on any other recreational user group of the Lake ie: sailing, yachting and

personal water craft use.

There will be no impediment to any other commercial user group of the Lake.

As Lake Cootharaba is unaffected by significant tidal range, the initial draft design for jetty infrastructure

highlights a low scale, low height, fixed timber walkway extending from the foreshore to a floating section.

There will be minimal visual impediment resulting from the installation of such infrastructure.

The re-classification is required to enable the proponent to submit an application for resource allocation

with the eventual intent of installing jetty infrastructure in this location to work in synergy with the Leased

area and to fit in with the use of the Lease area, which is zoned for visitor facilities and services / tourism.

Currently, and for the last 31 years the lessee operates a commercial tourism operation from the Leased

land and utilises the foreshore and waterways for commercial marine activities. The current use and

management of these activities can be vastly improved by the provision of infrastructure which will assist

in minimising impacts in the FH zone and on the adjacent Leased land.

Access to the subject area is well established. The proposed location is one which has strong planning

merit within spatial based locality assessment. Located directly adjacent to the Lease area, existing

camping grounds and public access national park it serves to improve the current poor accessibility into

Lake Cootharaba that presently exists.

The proposal does not require any associated infrastructure to be located within the declared Fish Habitat

Area. The location is one that is entirely suitable as the required amenities, services, parking, etc. is all

insitu, operational and located on land outside of the Habitat Area.

At present there are no compliant disability access points to enable safe and equitable access to tour

vessels, the jetty will be able to fulfil this gap with the proposed infrastructure.

FRC Environmental, one of Australia’s most respected environmental consultants has undertaken

extensive research and site field studies of the habitat adjacent to the Lease area as directed by DNPSR.

FRC’s report scientifically supports the re-classification of the area, and installation of jetty infrastructure.

This report will be presented to DNPSR in the final submission lodged for re-classification.

The Discovery Group – Current and Future Use

Eco Camp considers it imperative to highlight the synergies between the authorised activities permissible

by the applicant in relation to commercial access of the Cooloola National Park. The proposed acquisition

of the current Lease by Eco Camp, will result in the amalgamation of the current lessees existing tour

operations, Commercial Activity Permit capacity with Qpws – with that of the existing and future tour

operations and Commercial Activity Agreement capacity with Qpws, held by The Discovery Group.

The Discovery Group holds 99% of the Qpws Commercial Activity Permits in the Cooloola National Park

and has significant capacity to facilitate commercial operations.

The commercial capacity held by the Company translates into approximately 1,000 people per day into

Cooloola National Park. This is without the addition of the commercial capacity acquired by Eco Camp in

purchasing Elanda Point. Subsequently, there is zero risk that “other” commercial access / operators to

the upper reaches of the Noosa River can develop.

The Discovery Group presently undertakes over 1,500 high speed vessel trips annually from Gympie

Terrace, Noosaville into the Noosa Everglades. With increasing market demand in Eco Tourism and

popularity of an Everglades experience the number of vessel trips is forecasted to grow at a rate of 8%

per annum.

The Company seeks a long term sustainable operational methodology and is currently faced with the

predicament of increasing the size and number of its vessel fleet and departures from Gympie Terrace to

meet demand.

The acquisition and re-vitalisation of Elanda Point into a world class Eco Tourism facility is an integral

component of delivering a sustainable Eco Tourism operation.

Currently, the company consumes over 100,000 litres of unleaded fuels per annum operating their

vessels from Gympie Terrace, Noosaville. As well as a substantial financial impost there are resultant

exhaust discharge into the marine environment and vessel wash impacts on foreshore areas in the lower

– mid reaches of the Noosa River system.

The Company seeks to manage the business more sustainably by utilising the existing road network

infrastructure to bring tourists to the Elanda Point precinct, then have them board vessel’s from safe jetty

infrastructure and depart on their Everglades experience - utilising low draw, low wash and low fuel burn

vessels specifically designed for the pristine upper lake and estuary system to deliver minimal impacts

and a better overall Eco Tourism experience. (Please see attached draft design of vessels).

Estimated fuel consumption for the tour vessels operating under this methodology is 15,000 litres per

annum. The new vessels will produce negligible wash and foreshore disturbance. This is a significant

reduction of impacts from current operations and offers sustainable long term benefits for the entire river

system network.

The only way to adequately accommodate the requirements from the Leased land in the most sustainable

manner with a view to appropriately managing impacts is to pursue a successful re-classification of the

Management Area followed by a successful application to install jetty infrastructure.

The re-classification sought of the Fish Habitat Area adjacent to the commercial Lease area delivers upon

significant aspects of the Noosa River Plan.

The Noosa community vision and aspirations are quite clear, as set out within the Noosa River Plan1

1. VISION FOR THE NOOSA RIVER SYSTEM

The Noosa River system is—

- Recognised internationally for the natural, recreational, scenic, cultural and economic values

flowing from the river’s rich biodiversity and habitat,

- Managed within an effective coordinated framework that strives for sustainability and best

practice in nature-based recreation and ecotourism, and;

- Valued by government, industry and community which take an active role in protecting and

rehabilitating riparian areas and ensuring that development and activities in and on the river

system and on tidal lands are sustainable.

1 Noosa River Plan, Noosa Council in collaboration with DPI, DNRM, EPA, QT / MSQ – November 2004

Support

As outlined above, the Company has received in principle approval from the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing to proceed with the re-development of the Elanda Point site. The project has also received overwhelming support from key stakeholders and received written endorsement from:

Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games.

Member for Noosa Glen Elmes MP.

Tourism and Events Queensland

Visit Sunshine Coast

Tourism Noosa

Noosa Council (A copy of these are attached to this submission.)

Description of social and economic values

The existing economic and social values of the Lease area intend to significantly enhance with the

transfer of the Lease and implementation of improvements to the Lease infrastructure. The inclusion of

jetty infrastructure to enable safe and equitable access to Lake Cootharaba is intrinsic to forecasted

outcomes.

Capital investment.

Significant capital investment is scheduled for both purchase from existing lessee, improvements and

new facilities. Preliminary budgetary calculation estimates an investment of $4.5 million will be necessary

over the first 5 years.

The quality of the product and experiential offering to the customer is such that the investment in new

infrastructure cannot be short changed. Eco Camp is very serious about the need to maintain the quality

of their brand and that of the Eco Tourism experience within Cooloola National Park.

Economic return and Social Benefits

Employment opportunities and Economic Return

It is proposed that over time staffing levels for the group will increase in total to some 35 staff with

salaries of $1.8 million / year.

Additional return to local economy for goods and services would suggest after undertaking

feasibility studies, a direct economic injection $10 million / year.

Current historical research has identified that the mix of international vs domestic tourism

customers to be 65% - 35%. The growth in the international visitor has seen an 85% growth over

the past 5 years seeking these experiences within the Cooloola National Park.

Cumulatively the overall direct economic impact from our high yield international visitation would

return $6.5million / year and the domestic visitation $3.5million / year.

Conclusion

The establishment of jetty infrastructure at Elanda Point has significant benefits to the community of

Noosa, the broader Noosa River system and in parallel to the long term sustainable future of the tourism

industry.

It is a key pillar to the success of the re-development proposal of Elanda Point and in providing high

quality experiences for visitors.

The re-development of Elanda Point into a world class Eco Tourism facility will deliver far reaching

benefits across a broad spectrum of the local community. Importantly, it will generate significant

opportunities for residents and other businesses in the hinterland communities.

The project compliments Noosa Council’s vision and the pending “New Noosa Plan”.

The project delivers upon significant aspects of the Noosa River Plan.

The project fits with the vision of the “Queensland Eco Tourism Plan (2016-2020).”

The project dovetails into the regional tourism organisation’s “Destination Tourism Plan”.

The project meets the objectives of Tourism Noosa’s “Sustainable Destination Action Plan (2017-2022).”

END.

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LETTERS OF SUPPORT

T 61 7 3535-5270 E rick.hamilton@queensland.com

16 November 2016

Mr Wade Batty

Group Managing Director

The Discovery Group

PO Box 1804

NOOSAVILLE DC QLD 4566

wade@thediscoverygroup.com.au

Dear Mr Batty

Thank you for contacting us regarding tourism development opportunities at Elanda

Point.

As you are aware, Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) is the state’s lead marketing,

destination and experience development and major events agency. A key role is to work

closely with industry to identify and market consumer experiences which align with our

overall strategic marketing direction.

TEQ is currently transitioning its approach to include a greater focus on Queensland as

the ‘Master Brand’ and signature experiences that promote and leverage the state’s

destinations. This approach is underpinned by five signature experience themes

Queensland is universally famous for – reefs, islands and beaches; natural encounters;

adventure and discovery; Queensland lifestyle; and events.

If approved, the further development of Elanda Point at Lake Cootharaba would provide

additional ecotourism experiences and enhance a number of the ‘signature experiences’

the Sunshine Coast offers visitors.

TEQ will continue to work with The Discovery Group and Visit Sunshine Coast to identify

opportunities to leverage newly developed experiences through the delivery of its core

functions outlined above.

Should you require any further information about TEQ’s role in working with industry to

leverage tourism growth opportunities, please don’t hesitate to call Ms Therese Phillips,

Director, Destination Partnerships, TEQ, on telephone (07) 3535 5018.

Yours sincerely

Rick Hamilton

Group Executive

Destinations and Global Partnerships

Level 10 30 Makerston Street Brisbane Qld 4000 GPO Box 328 Qld 4001 Australia T +61 7 3535-3535 F +61 7 3535-5563 W teq.queensland.com

ABN 77 745 152 359

29 November 2016

Wade Batty

Managing Director, The Discovery Group

E-mail: wade@thediscoverygroup.com.au

Dear Wade,

Letter of Support for Elanda Point Redevelopment

Thank you for providing your background paper regarding the Elanda Point

Redevelopment Eco Tourism opportunity to the Tourism Noosa Board. The Board have

asked me to write to you to express their strong support for this proposed development.

The Tourism Noosa Sustainable Development Action Plan highlights the need for new and

improved product in our region that fits with the attributes of Noosa, to ensure we

continue to increase the tourism spend from high yielding visitors.

From the information provided in your background paper your proposed development

at Elanda Point, including the jetty aligns with the objectives outlined within the

Sustainable Destination Action Plan.

Therefore, Tourism Noosa provides its full support to this project and wishes you well in

your endeavours.

Yours sincerely

Steve McPharlin

Tourism Noosa Chair

Officer Name: Brett de Chastel Officer Email: mail@noosa.qld.gov.au Phone No: 07 5329 6500

ECM Ref: Customer/ Discovery Group

PO Box 141 P. (07) 5329 6500 mail@noosa.qld.gov.au TEWANTIN QLD 4565 F. (07) 5329 6501 www.noosa.qld.gov.au

3 February 2017 Eco Camp Pty Ltd PO Box 1804 Noosaville DC Qld 4566 via email – wade@thediscoverygroup.com.au Attention: Wade Batty, Managing Director Dear Mr Batty,

I refer to the Discovery Group’s proposal to establish an Eco-Tourism facility at Elanda Point by taking over the existing lease from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). The Discovery Group has requested a letter of support from Noosa Council to assist with their negotiations with the State Government in relation to their proposal. Noosa Council supports the ongoing development of the Noosa tourism sector with an emphasis on a high quality tourism product that complements the Noosa brand focusing on our outstanding natural environment. Our tourism market is important to our local economy. Our region’s tourism focus is also on “quality over quantity” and a high quality eco-tourism proposal certainly fits with our Noosa brand. As such, the concept of the Discovery Group to re-invigorate the current Elanda Point camping ground into a world class eco-tourism facility is supported subject to, of course, the Discovery Group receiving all necessary approvals to enable that to occur. Such a facility will complement the Noosa tourism offering and be particularly attractive to the overseas and interstate tourism target markets. Noosa is also part of the “Australia’s Nature Coast” initiative facilitated by Visit Sunshine Coast, Tourism Noosa, Destination Gympie and the Fraser Coast Regional Tourism organisations. This initiative is focused on highlighting the natural experiences that can occur in this region and the proposed eco-tourism facility at Elanda Point will certainly add significantly to that initiative. One of the benefits that we see from the Discovery Group’s proposal is the opportunity to remove over 1,500 high speed vessel movements per year from the lower reaches of the Noosa River. We are also supportive of the Discovery Group’s proposal to change their operating fleet to low draw, low wash vessels designed to deliver minimal impact of the Noosa River and lake foreshores. We believe that both of those initiatives will have a significant positive effect on the Noosa River and its lake foreshores compared to current operating practices and as such, those initiatives have our support. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours faithfully

Brett de Chastel Chief Executive Officer