Council takes over the hall By Jolene Ogle THE future of the historical Cooroy Memorial Hall remains uncertain despite Noosa council being expected to take on the trusteeship of the building. In a report presented to the general committee meeting on Monday 17 October, council staff recommended accepting the trusteeship of the Deed of Grant in Trust, which includes the hall and the Cooroy RSL building. The report also recommends the CEO undertakes consultation with the community and Department of Mines and Natural Resources about possible future uses and management of the hall. The consultation would identify a clear use for the building, the financial risks and implications of each option, and the local community’s ability to contribute to the hall’s repair, maintenance and management.
The report also suggests the possibility of replacing the hall with a memorial or recreational park. Report author and director of community services Alan ‘Fox’ Rogers said the purpose of the hall had changed dramatically since it was first built as a memorial to fallen soldiers in 1926 for a cost of £2000. The hall was originally used for showing movies up until the 1960s as well as dances and balls, wedding receptions and church services, school concerts, arts and crafts and public meetings. Mr Rogers said the need for a community hall has declined with the introduction of cinemas, large halls at schools and other spaces available for use throughout the region. Mayor Tony Wellington said the acceptance of the trustee didn’t commit the council to funding or maintenance of the hall but did commit the council to consulting with the community.
The Cooroy Memorial Hall was built in 1926 to honour the fallen soldiers who served in WWI. The building cost £2000 to build and was officially opened on 20 August 1926. Noosa council is expected to take on responsibility for the Cooroy Memorial Hall. “In that regard, I would just like to point out we are doing both the Cooroy RSL and the community a favour by taking on the responsibility of an issue that was not in our making,” he said.
Carols, fireworks, festive cheer THE Noosa River shores will come to life once again this Christmas, thanks to the support of Noosa Council, Noosa Christian Outreach Church and local Noosa businesses. The group of local businesses have pitched in to make the Christmas Carols a reality after sponsorship and funding was not enough to cover costs for the annual festival that draws thousands of locals and visitors to the Noosa River each December. On Sunday 18 December from 7pm, Lions Park Noosaville on Gympie Terrace (Pirate Park) will see the Noosa Carols on the River go ahead this year, fireworks and all, after local businesses pooled together to donate the muchneeded additional funds. Noosa Boathouse owner Phil Bradford said he became concerned when he heard funding had been reduced over the last few years. “After a meeting with Jane Spies from the Christian Outreach Church to discuss what was needed, all it took was a
Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie said the consultation will put the future of the hall “squarely in the hands of the Cooroy community”. “I like the way it is an open-ended question - what is the best use of that
land and the hall? “It gives the community the chance to think more broadly rather than just the use of the hall, but the land itself,” he said. Councillors are expected to ratify the decision to accept staff recommendations at their ordinary meeting on 20 October.
Expanded use looks to future By Jolene Ogle
Some of Noosa's most iconic businesses have come together to bring Christmas cheer to Noosa: From left, Noosa Springs GM Mark Brady, Noosa Boathouse's Phil and Sarah Bradford, Jane Spies from the Christian Outreach Church with granddaughter Elodie, RACV Noosa Resort manager Darren McClenaghan, Graham Bradford of Netanya and Tourism Noosa CEO Damien Massingham. few phone calls and emails to reach Church so revenue genget local businesses to jump erated this year will go back onboard with their support,” to supporting the event next Phil said. year,” he said. Noosa Boathouse together The Noosa Carols on the with Pepper’s Resort and Spa, River is a free event held on Netanya Noosa, RACV Re- Sunday 18 December at Noosort, Noosa Springs Resort, saville Lions Park from 7pm. Sofitel Noosa, Bella Casa Noosa Boathouse is also holdResort, Ocean Breeze Resort, ing a three-course Christmas Tourism Noosa and Noosa Dinner and Carols on Tuesday Surf Club have collectively 6 December with proceeds contributed $8500 towards going towards the event. the event, with further support Tickets are available now from KC Fireworks providing at $49.50pp and can be purfireworks on the night. Phil Bradford said the car- chased at www.noosaboatols were a great night for the house.com.au/events. Sponsors are still needed Noosa community at a happy so anyone who would like and festive time of year. “We will continue to assist to contribute to the event the Church this year to struc- can contact Jane through the ture the commercial viability Christian Outreach Church of the free community event on 5449 9658 or email jane@ put on by the Christian Out- noosacoc.org.au.
A RECOMMENDATION to allow the lifestyle centre Acres to employ a broader range of uses on site could pave the way for a new age of innovative retail in Noosa. The Acres lifestyle centre sits on an acre block on the edge of a zoned residential area and developer Ralph Rogers has been in a longterm battle with council planning staff over breaches to the approval, which he blames on an out-dated town plan. A report presented to the Planning and Organisation Committee on Tuesday 11 October explains how Mr Rogers has applied for greater flexibility in how space is used within the site. “The intent of the proposal is to allow greater flexibility of uses than previously approved,” the report said. “The application arose following council development compliance action. Some tenants within the centre, such as a dress shop, expanded cafe and other proposed tenants, did not accord with the approval given. “Following meetings with the applicant (Mr Rogers) it agreed to seek a new approval involving a broader range of issues.”
Could Acres be the future of commercial retail spaces nestled in residential zoning? Mayor Tony Wellington said there are two issues competing while considering whether to approve Mr Rogers’ proposal. “I know we would all like to see a development such as this succeed,” he said. “The other is (that) it’s a shame there wasn’t due diligence done at the outset to ensure the zoning was appropriate to the development. “Therefore, we have, to some extent, respect the immediate neighbours to the development who, when the (space) was a nursery ... wouldn’t expect to have a restaurant operating on their doorstep and therefore operating into the evening.” Councillor Brian Stockwell said Acres should be con-
gratulated for its collaborative approach to development, negotiating with the community to ensure a community-supported development was built. “This is a prototype for a type of development that I think we will be encouraging in the future,” he said. “This development actually negotiated with the community to come up with a form of development that was supported locally. “I think that’s really important to say the development has the majority support of those people around it.” Councillors are expected to approve the changes to Mr Rogers’ original development approval at tonight’s (Thursday) ordinary meeting.
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HAVE YOU RECENTLY LOST A LOVED ONE? Remember them forever. Place a Memorial Plaque on our Memorial Wall and have their ashes scattered at sea. Contact Coast Guard Noosa 5474 3695 noosatoday.com.au
Thursday, 20 October, 2016 | NOOSA TODAY 3