By Sonia Isaacs
A development application has been lodged to extend existing land uses at the Chenrezig Institute in Eudlo, paving the way for the construction of a new Tibetan-style congregation and meditation hall, or ‘Gompa’, along with updated short-term accommodation and caretaker’s facilities.
Submitted to Sunshine Coast Council on July 7 by Jeƛ Nicholls Town Planning on behalf of Chenrezig Inc, the application seeks approval for a Material Change of Use – specifically, the extension of the existing ‘Place of Worship’, ‘Short Term Accommodation’, and ‘Caretaker’s Accommodation’ at 33 Johnsons Road, Eudlo.
The application states Chenrezig Institute is one of the oldest Buddhist centres in the Western world and has been operating in the Sunshine Coast hinterland since 1974. Located approximately seven kilometres from Eudlo township, the registered charity provides meditation retreats, Buddhist teachings, art workshops, and community outreach, along with short-term stays, a vegetarian café, and permanent residence for nuns, monks, and caretakers.
According to the planning report, the proposed development is aimed at modernising and revitalising the Institute’s existing facilities. “This development proposal essentially seeks approval to construct [a] new central congregation and meditation hall (‘Gompa’ building) as an upgraded facility to modernise and revitalise the existing use on the subject site,” it states.
The new Gompa is planned for the northernmost, elevated section of the site, a cleared and relatively level area accessible via Upper Rambert Road. Designed to reinterpret traditional Tibetan monastic architecture, the new hall will stand under 8.5 metres in height and include underground basement levels to integrate with the hillside.
The application also cites broader community benefits, including improved operational efficiency, sustainability, and provision of updated facilities for the growing Buddhist community in South-East Queensland.