‘More short-term accommodation needed’
By Kirra Livingstone
THE rejection of a $24 million luxury tourism accommodation development is a huge missed opportunity for Maleny and its growing wedding sector, according to local councillor Winston Johnston.
The multimillion-dollar Maleny Manor venture was rejected by a majority of councillors at January’s ordinary meeting.
Cr Johnston voted for the project, which involved 38 units and a 48 space car park aimed at wedding parties.
It was refused by council largely due to scenic amenity and engineering concerns.
Cr Johnston said Maleny is in desperate need for more short term accommodation options to support key economic industries.
“I am disappointed because the wedding industry is so important to the Hinterland, particularly the Maleny area,” he said.
“It was a $24m development as well, and we don’t get developments like that in Maleny, I’ve never seen a development of that price in my division for as long as I’ve been a councillor.
“Council recognises a need for more short term accommodation so much so they are raising the legal heights of buildings, but they are doing nothing for the hinterland.”
Cr Johnston added there needs to be a better variety of accommodation types in the hinterland.
“There’s plenty of Airbnbs that you can book for three days or a week or whatever it is, for just short term accommodation for the wedding industry,” he said.
“There’s a shortage of short term accommodation, and when I say short term I’m talking about one or two nights.”
Despite Cr Johnston’s view that the Bald Knob development is a lost opportunity, he doesn’t think this will set a precedent for more application refusals in the hinterland.
“I don’t necessarily believe it will set a precedent for the very reason that, I don’t think there are other locations where this would happen,” he said.
