Rainbow Realty Deal July 2013

“You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.”
Harlan Ellison

Well the big news this month was the decision by Judge Michael Rackeman of the Planning and Environment Court to disallow the appeal for the development of Rainbow Shores Stage 2. (RS2)

Upholding the original Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) opposition to RS2, the decision means that the 200 hectare site north of the current Rainbow Shores development which developers, Rainbow Shores Pty Ltd, have held a development lease on since 1984 will now remain "as is". The development would have added a peak resident and tourist population of up to 6550 people to the 4000 peak for the entire district, including Inskip Point. It was to have included units, houses and retail and commercial establishments.

Regardless of your position on the issue, the fact is that this decision will have a huge impact on the future and potential growth of our town. The judgement which was handed down and spelt out in 140 pages essentially rejected the development on environmental grounds which could apply anywhere in our surrounding bush land, effectively preventing any new land releases around the town (including the extension of Cypress Avenue and any additional land release beyond Bombala Crescent).

The development leases were offered by the Bjelke-Petersen government in 1984, in exchange for sandmining leases rendered worthless when the Commonwealth banned the export of sand from Fraser Island.

You could argue that a lack of growth and development is a good thing. Some people believe that if no additional land is released for development, the value of existing real estate will increase because what we have is then considered more unique and certainly more exclusive. Unfortunately, a lack of development can be a double edged sword with many investors and owner occupiers reluctant to buy into an area with limited potential for growth.

Clearly, we are pro sustainable development (you are unlikely to meet a real estate agent who isn't). But, we also recognise that this is a huge, contentious and complex issue with both proponents and opponents with very valid arguments. We have penned a letter to our local member, David Gibson, and given our thoughts on the issue and we encourage anyone who feels strongly (one way or another) to do the same. Our opinion/s might not change anything but we, as a community should have a say in the future of our town.

Here is an extract of our letter to Mr Gibson:

"In light of this recent decision regarding Rainbow Shores Stage 2 we have concerns regarding the future of our town. We are business owners who employ three full time staff, we also own a home in Rainbow Beach and have two children attending the local school. Our concerns are centered around the fact that it appears as if there will be very limited opportunity for growth in our town and therefore our business. Despite there being a willing party, ie. a developer who is committed to investing in infrastructure and community facilities, providing jobs and more opportunities for the local community - there is no way forward without development approval.

As you are aware, Rainbow Beach is dependant upon tourism and many businesses in town rely upon the permanent population to 'survive' throughout the year outside of holidays. Every business in town would benefit from future, sustainable development and if we were to reach and maintain a 'critical mass' of permanent residents, this would provide the impetus for more services and amenities.

In our business, we see firsthand every day the disadvantages of being such a small town. Many young families leave town when their children reach high school and many young people have limited or no opportunities for work in town so they have to move. We have over a dozen properties listed for sale because the owners are no longer able to stay in town due to a lack of medical facilities and support. In addition, there are dozens more properties for sale as investors no longer believe the town has any future growth or potential.

With the recent legal judgement against Rainbow Shores Stage 2 we would like to see the current, 'pro-economic development and tourism', government revisit the master plan in order to see a way forward in respect to growth and development for Rainbow Beach. The alternative is that we see very limited growth opportunities and this is likely to result in a loss of confidence and hope within the local business community."