Representing the local business community since 1986.
Proposed heritage and character amendment to the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 – what it means for Maleny
Hi everyone,
The Chamber of Commerce contacted the council after being advised of the proposed amendment and requested a meeting to discuss and requested a chance to engage the CBD and provide a submission representing views in relation to the proposed amendment. While the council is obligated to issue the documents supporting these changes in full, it can be and has been confusing to some. One of the issues we felt could have been done better was make it easier to find what the changes mean to the building owners.
Today we met with Kent Hartshorn Strategic Planner and James Lillis Senior Strategic Planner of the Planning and Environment Department of Sunshine Coast Council.
Kent and James advised that there are 233 heritage listed properties within the council boundaries with 57 new being added and 21 existing being dropped from heritage listed to character buildings.
Council shares the enthusiasm of Maleny Commerce in relation to the protection of local character in Maleny. To this end, the proposed character area in Maple Street, Maleny is intended to help ensure that future development is complementary to the identified character of the street. As part of this proposal, a number of buildings in Maple Street are proposed to be identified as character buildings, which will help ensure the preservation of historic built fabric that is vital in defining the character of the street.
As well as this, the Maleny Hotel and the Third Maleny Butter Factory (Maleny Veterinary Services) are proposed to become local heritage places, adding to the existing recognition of local heritage in the town centre area.
On the plus side for Maleny with these two buildings being added as local heritage places, it defines our identity which will play into the placemaking of the CBD.
Maleny Commerce is keen that the CBD be spruced up, a new entrance sign is put in place and some artwork be installed representing the town. We are currently working on a major heritage project with the first stage identifying CBD and surrounding buildings that have historical value as well as a great story to tell. While we have been and currently are progressing the new entrance sign, these proposed changes to the planning scheme will, in fact, help us gain funding to achieve upgrades to our CBD and possibly support our request for a new entrance sign and help with our heritage project.
While the formal consultation period for the proposed amendment has ended, Council would welcome the considered response of Maleny Commerce on the proposals to be lodged no later than Friday 11 October.
We are aware that some business owners have already forwarded a submission to the Council, however should you wish to provide a submission representing your views in relation to the proposed amendment, it would be greatly appreciated if you could provide this to the chamber by Friday 11 October allowing us a few days to gather to information and formulate our submission on behalf of the CBD business community.
