Local Councillors are concerned that a new 36-storey high-rise development could change Airlie Beach’s trademark ocean views and put extra stress on the intersection of Shingley Drive and Shute Harbour Road if plans go ahead for a 107-room luxury resort at the location.
The building plans for the Shingley Beach development request a height of 39 metres, which is 27 metres above the nominated height level and does not adhere to the Airlie Beach Town Plan development ideals.
“I am very concerned about this as we have not seen the full return of tourism yet and cannot see how we will manage that growth,” said Councillor Al Grundy.
“That intersection already requires treatment – why can’t we see applications come through that fit with the town plan instead?”
Located adjacent to Coral Sea Marina, the new complex would become a striking feature on the main road into Airlie Beach, and some concerned residents feel that the “magical moment you first see as you travel over the hill” will be changed forever.
One of these locals is Jack Stansfield who has owned a property at the neighbouring Marina Shores for the past 10 years and resided there personally for two.
“It will have a huge impact on the liveability of the area,” he said.
“My two major concerns are loss of aspect and over-shadowing of surrounding properties.”
He also believes the new development may lower the value of surrounding properties and ruin the privacy as well as create a vast amount of traffic during construction.
Council has been reviewing the development plans for the last year, considering factors such as increased traffic, capacity and height.
Whitsunday Regional Council Director Development Services Neil McGaffin said that it is not unusual for development submissions to ask for variations on nominated height levels.
“You will be able to see it,” he said.
“But it will not block out the entire view – there will still be sea vistas.”
“It will not be a complete eye sore because it has been designed so that the back of the building looks over the road and they want it to be as attractive as possible.”
Mr McGaffin did say, however, that there is nothing to stop the developers from on-selling the approved plans.
“Anybody that is in the property business wants to see it increase in value whether they keep it or sell it on is immaterial.”
A computer generated view of the new development at Shingley Beach
