Eco-Resort Approval Update

Source: Bayside Bulletin

Eco resort step closer

THE first approvals of an eco-tourist resort on Russell Island have been given by Redland Shire Council. Council at its Development Assessment meeting on Tuesday amended the conditions of its Preliminary Approval on January 22 so the developers could satisfy council the proposed four-storey buildings would not appear above the tree line when viewed from major vantage points around Moreton Bay.

Council also wants to ensure that retained vegetation at the site will substantially screen the buildings from major vantage points around the bay.

Initially, councillors had amended a council officer’s recommendation that the height and scale of the development be reduced and the density and site coverage (number of buildings) be reduced.

At that meeting councillors voted to grant preliminary approval to the resort, including four-storey buildings, if it could be established that buildings could be screened from major vantage points in the bay.

At last Tuesday’s meeting, Cr Burns (Bay Islands and Redland Bay) successfully moved a rescind motion which required the developers to submit a visual analysis to ensure the two four-storey buildings could not be seen from above the tree line of the island.

Other conditions were also made in relation to effluent disposal and stormwater treatment.

The resort on a 4.8-hectare site on Kibbinkibbinwa Point has been designed to blend in with the existing vegetation.

The proposal consists of a caretaker’s residence, 88 accommodation units, a refreshment establishment, a shop and associated resort facilities such as a swimming pool and a gymnasium.

The accommodation will involve 20 separate buildings, consisting of 13 three bedroom, one and two-storey eco-cabins; as well as five three-storey apartment buildings with six and 12 unit configurations, and two four-storey apartments buildings with 31 and 12 unit configurations.