POLICE were called to a construction site near Maleny last week after about 20 residents blocked access to the property in protest over a development.
As reported in GC&M News (16 April), residents have become increasingly concerned at the progress of the development at 960 Bald Knob Road, claiming earthworks are creating potential hazards, while traffic control issues were also raised following an incident earlier in the week.
Before 8am Friday morning (April 19), a group of residents descended on the site, parking a vehicle across the driveway to block access. Police said they responded “to a disturbance at a construction site on Bald Knob Road, Bald Knob at around 8am today, April 19”. “Upon arrival, police took up with a group of people outside the address,” a Police spokesperson said.
“A vehicle was parked across the driveway to the construction site. The owner of this vehicle moved the vehicle when asked.
“No official complaints have been made.”
Property owner, Gilad Bakas, said he was looking to create the “first privately-owned public park on the Sunshine Coast”.
“I feel it’s almost an obligation to share this (view) with the public,” he said. “We are creating level areas for car parks, picnic areas, and viewing platforms to appreciate the view.”
“A ‘park’ is Accepted Development under the planning scheme and as such no council approval is required.” A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson earlier confirmed that the development did not require approval.
Council officers had investigated complaints and found no laws were being broken. “Council officers will continue to monitor the work being carried out,” the spokesperson said.
Mr Bakas said that, weather depending, the park should be complete in six months.
“(I want) to share the beauty of this property with as many people as possible, while keeping the experience pleasant and relaxing, and without causing interference or nuisance to the neighbours and the community”. Access to the park would initally be free while the owner assessed “how people interact with the park”.