Moore Park Beach Project
ABOUT THE PROJECT
LOCATION AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Bundaberg Sugar has applied to Bundaberg Regional Council to develop 128 residential lots and a 2,000 m2 commercial centre on 16.25 ha of land at Moore Park Road on Moore Park Beach in Bundaberg, Queensland.
The development area will also consist of a total of 7,000 m2 of active parkland, with an additional 11,000 m2 of managed green space.
Community Benefits:
• Provision of diversity of housing types for the community
• Investment of approximately $45 million into the Bundaberg region
• Estimated 100 full time direct onsite jobs during construction
• Estimated 165 full time in-direct jobs during construction
• Additional population will support local community services and local businesses
Bundaberg Sugar’s origins date from more than 130 years ago when sugar cane was first planted in Queensland.
With such a long history, many landholdings and properties were acquired along the journey. These included not only sugar cane growing lands, but also railway lines, loading facilities of all types and storage depots among others.
Bundaberg Sugar is continuing to review its landholdings and seeks alternative uses on landholdings that are no longer productive for agricultural purposes.
The alternative land uses will contribute towards regional development. Bundaberg Sugar’s land at Moore Park is one such case in point.
The Moore Park Beach residential development project is a considered approach to the location and will facilitate the delivery of a diversity of housing stock for Moore Park Beach and the greater Bundaberg region.
This Moore Park Beach landholding will also make a significant contribution to employment, business and community development in the region.
To allow the orderly release of the land, Bundaberg Sugar’s proposal has been divided into nine stages and is expected to be delivered from 2010 to 2014
Development Approval from the Bundaberg Regional Council for the proposal is anticipated within the first half of 2010.
Subject to this timing, it is Bundaberg Sugar’s intent to start work on Stage 1 of the Moore Park Beach housing project before the end of 2010.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
FAQ's
Project Purpose and Impact
Q. What is the need for a project of this nature?
A broad assessment of housing need, based on the most recent household projections together with a summary of the available residential allocations under the Planning Schemes (the former Burnett Shire and Bundaberg City), has been undertaken for the region.
Based on this assessment, we anticipate current housing capacity will allow for approximately 4 years supply, which is less than the planning period under the current Planning Schemes.
The Moore Park Beach residential development project in its current form is a respectful approach to the location and will facilitate the delivery of a diversity of housing stock for Moore Park Beach and the greater Bundaberg region.
The Moore Park Beach landholding will also make a significant contribution to employment, business and community development in the region.
To allow the orderly release of the land, Bundaberg Sugar’s proposal has been divided into nine stages and is expected to be delivered from 2010 to 2014.
Q. What is Bundaberg Sugar proposing to do with its land at Moore Park?
Bundaberg Sugar seeks to build an extension to the existing township of Moore Park.
The proposal will result in the development of 128 residential lots and a 2,000m2 commercial allotment at the site entrance.
The allotments proposed as part of the development are of varying size (600m2 +) and will provide additional allotment types and diversity to the existing township of Moore Park Beach, providing a greater range of housing choice within the locality.
The development will set aside land for conservation purposes, 148ha of which will be dedicated to the State for conservation purposes.
Q. What is the long-term economic impact of this project?
This project will support regional growth in Bundaberg by building communities and generating employment.
During civil earthworks and the residential and commercial construction, the project will provide approximately 100 full time direct onsite jobs per annum and an additional 165 full time direct offsite jobs per annum.
The project will provide a population boost to the area which will assist the viability and sustainability of community services and local business services.
Q. What are the timelines for this project and how long will the construction take?
Primary earthworks will be undertaken over a period of three months.
Development Approval from the Bundaberg Regional Council for the proposal is anticipated within the first half of 2010.
Subject to this timing, it is Bundaberg Sugar’s intention to start work on Stage 1 of the Moore Park Beach housing project before the end of 2010.
To allow the orderly release of the land, Bundaberg Sugar’s proposal has been divided into nine stages and is expected to be delivered from 2010 to 2014.
Planning Scheme
Q. Where does this project fit in the planning scheme?
The development proposal is considered to be consistent with the provisions of the Transitional Planning Scheme under which the application was made.
The extent of development aligns with urban allocations under the Moore Park Beach Development Control Plan and the proposed subdivision is consistent with the design standards contained in the Goomburrum Shire Planning Scheme.
The Strategic Plan does not specifically override the provisions of the Moore Park Development Control Plan, provided any development on the subject site does not result in the loss of sensitive wetland areas and that a reticulated sewerage system is provided. Bundaberg Sugar’s development proposal complies with both of these tests and is therefore consistent with the provisions of the now superseded planning scheme.
The current planning scheme also formed part of the transitional planning scheme under which the application is lodged, and whilst the current planning scheme identifies the site as being rural, there is an identified shortfall in housing supply in the area and the proposal forms a logical extension to the existing township of Moore Park.
Q. What are the steps moving this project forward?
The response to a Request for Information from State Government Agencies and Bundaberg Regional Council has been provided.
The Public Notification period closed on 17 September 2009. As a number of submissions were received by Council, Bundaberg Sugar will prepare a response to the Council on issues raised within the submissions.
As the Public Notification stage has been finalised, the proposal now moves into the Decision Phase of the application process.
A community information session was undertaken on 13 November 2009 to provide information to the community about the details of the proposal.
Sewerage
Q. How will the development be provided with sewerage?
A new, dedicated private treatment plant will be constructed as part of the development, and maintained by the Community Title Scheme.
The sealed sewerage system will treat water to a Class B standard, exceeding DERM requirements.
Treated water will be pumped from the subject site to adjoining Bundaberg Sugar agricultural landholdings for cane field irrigation. Detailed modelling shows that the proposal requires an irrigation area of 6.4ha to meet sustainable nutrient levels and to ensure no impacts on groundwater. The proposal is to use a 20ha disposal area, allowing treated sewerage to be spread broadly and to ensure that baseline environmental standards are easily met.
The sewerage infrastructure will be designed to be connected to a Council operated sewerage network (if and when required). This will reduce the total extent of infrastructure that needs to be installed by Council when sewerage is eventually provided and will result in cost savings to Council.
Mosquito and Midges
Q. How will the development address mosquito breeding and midges?
A biting midge and mosquito strategy to be implemented by Bundaberg Sugar will include buffer areas resulting in an up to 90% reduction in the number of biting insects within the development area.
These measures are also anticipated to achieve minor reductions in midge numbers in the adjoining properties. Measures to control mosquito and biting midge numbers will be funded by the development’s Community Management Scheme.
Noise
Q. How will construction noise be managed?
Construction will be subject to an Operational Works application and will need to be approved by Bundaberg Regional Council. As such, all activity will need to conform to the Council’s noise and hours of construction requirements.
Traffic
Q. How will the project impact traffic?
Current Moore Park Road vehicle movements, adjacent to the development site,
are approximately 1,300 vehicles per day. Once completed, the residential development will generate approximately 1,300 vehicle movements per day, with an additional 500 vehicle movements arising from the commercial development (once constructed).
The intersection of Moore Park Road and Murdochs Road will be upgraded to a 4-way, non-signalised intersection to cater for the proposed development.
No additional road upgrades are required to the road network.
During the development process, trucks will enter and exit via Moore Park Road and will not pass through the township.
Q. How will traffic be managed during construction?
All drivers of construction vehicles will undergo a site-specific induction, which includes traffic routes, local road usage information and site-specific safety management procedures.
Bundaberg Sugar will also ensure that, during the development process, trucks will enter and exit via Moore Park Road and will not pass through the township.
Flora
Q. What will be the impact of vegetation clearing as part of the Moore Park Beach residential project?
Detailed assessments, including a fauna and flora survey, have been conducted on site to determine the site’s ecological values, and assess potential impacts from the proposed development.
Only 6% of the total site vegetation will be cleared, with 148 ha of the site being dedicated to the state for conservation purposes. The detailed investigations found that the proposed development area is the portion of the site in which vegetation is most degraded through historic property maintenance, dumping and ongoing public access.
Clearing of the development site is allowed by the urban zoning under the Moore Park Development Control Plan at the time the application was made.
Q. How will the project impact wetlands?
No development will occur within the wetland areas and 50 metre conservation buffer.
A 70 metre setback is provided from the edge of the wetlands to residential lots.
148 ha of wetlands and watercourses, covering approximately 60% of the site, will be dedicated to the State as a conservation area.
Extensive analysis of the extent of the wetlands has been undertaken to provide solutions to meet the requirements of State and local agencies.
Q. Is Bundaberg Sugar using good quality agricultural land to develop housing facilities?
While it is mapped as containing Good Quality Agricultural Land, the site is subject to tidal inundation.
The site is not considered to be a Good Quality Agricultural Land because of the porous nature of the soils which result in poor nutrient loading and water retention, alongside other agricultural constraints.
The adjoining landholding (a largely cleared site immediately south of the development) is currently used for grazing which is likely to be the highest and best agricultural use in this location. The adjoining land is not considered to be Good Quality Agricultural Land and Bundaberg Sugar’s development proposal is not considered to prejudice agricultural production on this landholding.
Fauna
Q. How will the project impact rainforest birds in the area?
The Moore Park Beach project development was significantly modified to take into consideration ecological constraints and has been designed to be respectful of ecological values.
In order to maintain ecological connectivity across the site, sections will be maintained as conservation areas, including wetlands.
Coxen's Fig Parrot
• No positive sightings of the Coxen’s Fig Parrot have been recorded in the Moore Park Beach area since 1998. Targeted surveys for the Fig Parrot have not identified the species on site.
• The eastern portion of the site contains high densities of Rusty Fig which is an important food tree for Coxen's Fig Parrot. This portion of the site will be preserved.
• The development area consists of Eucalypt Open-forest which does not provide core habitat for the Coxen's Fig Parrot
Black-breasted Button-quail
• Black-breasted Button-quail has been recorded in the eastern portion of the site where Littoral Rainforest habitat is better developed and disturbances are less intensive.
• The area that is proposed for development largely consists of a Eucalypt Open-forest which does not provide core habitat for the Black-breasted Button-quail
Other Threatened Species
• One threatened flora species, Wedge-leaved Tuckeroo, has been identified on the site but will not be impacted by the proposed development
• The site also provides potential habitat for other threatened species, particularly Water Mouse, Radjah Shelduck, Red Goshawk and Beach Stone-curlew. The development is not expected to have a significant impact on these species as their preferred habitat will be largely retained.
• There are a number of potential positive outcomes that the proposed development may have for biodiversity, including:
o Monitoring of Coxen’s Fig Parrot will provide rigorous scientific data for this generally poorly understood species.
o Management of feral animals across the site
o Landscaping throughout the development area is proposed to consist largely of figs that will provide additional food sources for any Coxen’s Fig Parrots.
Q. How will the project impact koala habitation in the region?
Multiple site visits including a detailed fauna survey have been undertaken to understand the site’s ecological values.
An Environmental Assessment found no evidence of koalas on site, although some koala habitat trees were found.
As the proposal retains connectivity through the site around wetland areas, and development is limited to only 6% of the site, the impacts on potential koala habitat are negligible.
Cultural Heritage
Q. Are there any sites of cultural heritage significance?
To ensure there is no impact on potential cultural heritage values, should artefacts be found during the construction process, these will be dealt with in accordance with the requirements of the Heritage Act 2003 Duty of Care Guidelines and will be fully investigated.
Amenity
Q. How will the proposed residential project impact the existing residents, their property and lifestyle?
Best industry practice will be followed during the construction of the Moore Park Beach residential development resulting in minimum disruption to local residents and to day-to-day community life.
The Moore Park Beach redevelopment project will build on and balance the eastern end of the township by adding a measured population which will assist the viability and sustainability of community services and local business services in the area.
Community
Q. How will Bundaberg Sugar engage with local community regarding this project?
Bundaberg Sugar is committed to a transparent community and stakeholder engagement program for this project.
A community information session was organised by Bundaberg Sugar at Moore Park on 13 November 2009 to present the project to the community.
At this session, the Bundaberg Sugar project team responded to queries and recorded community feedback.
Additional feedback and enquiries can be directed to the Project Information Line on 1800 613 303 or by sending an email to info@bundysugar.com.au
Q. Are there any community benefits expected from the development?
Bundaberg Sugar is considering the development of an educational boardwalk from the development site to the beach.
Bundaberg Sugar is also investigating a public recreational boat ramp on adjoining Bundaberg Sugar land.
Additional Council approvals would be required to progress these projects.
Water
Q. Will the project result in water supply issues for existing residents?
The proposed development can be serviced by the existing reticulated water supply for Moore Park through redistribution of water resource allocations to increase Council’s water supply capacity.
Any necessary upgrades to the Council’s water supply capacity, including resource transfers, will be undertaken by Bundaberg Sugar as needed.
Q. Will floods have an impact on the site area?
Earthworks will ensure the development area sits above the 1:100 year flood level.
Q. How will the development process impact ground water?
Through the careful design of stormwater management systems that achieve no worsening of the pre-development water quality and quantity, and through the provision of a sealed reticulated sewerage system, the development will have a negligible impact on groundwater quality and quantity.
Q. Will stormwater have an impact on the wetlands?
Through the combination of a bio-retention basin and linear swales, the quality of stormwater exiting the development will be maintained to ensure no impact on wetland values.
OUTLINE OF STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
Community and Stakeholder engagement specialists, Three Plus has been contracted to assist Bundaberg Sugar in undertaking stakeholder briefings and a community information session for the Moore Park Beach Residential project.
A community Information session has been scheduled for 13 November 2009 at the Moore Park Community Hall on Club Avenue, Moore Park Beach from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
The purpose of the Community Information Session is to:
• Inform the local community of the details of the proposed Moore Park Beach Residential Project
• Identify any community issues relating to the proposal.
Following the Community Information session, Bundaberg Sugar will:
• Report back to residents on its responses to any issues
• Provide a Community Engagement Report to Bundaberg Regional Council.
Stakeholder briefing meetings have also been sought with State and Federal MPs, Department of Environment Resources Management (DERM), Bundaberg Regional Council and Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP)
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSION INFORMATION
Bundaberg Sugar organised a Community Information Day on 13th November 2009 for the local community and other interested parties to meet with the company and its project team about plans for the residential development at Moore Park Beach.
The following communication materials were used to promote the Moore Park Beach Community Information Session.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSION POSTERS
FEEDBACK FORM
Download here.