Deception Bay - the next Noosa?

Published 3:00pm 24 August 2023

Words by Nick Crockford

Deception Bay could become the next Noosa, according to residents who are pushing for plans to protect their suburb and unlock its tourism potential.

The Deception Bay Residents Group (DBRG) wants Moreton Bay City Council to draw-up a Neighbourhood Plan for the suburb’s “significant ecotourism assets”.

DBRG says an “opportunity to nurture ecotourism” is being “ignored” and with it a slice of Queensland’s $32 million tourism industry.

It highlights the “globally-significant Ramsar wetlands, unspoilt coastline, national marine park, state conservation areas, hiking and biking trails”.

Pop-up community consultations continue this weekend, with DBRG collecting comment and information from visitors and residents.

“We want to work with Council, provide information to validate our claim,” Yvonne Sylvia, spokesperson for DBRG, said.

|“We understand population is coming and we’re not against development, we just feel we have something unique here.”|

The Bancroft baths at Deception Bay

Ms Sylvia said the group planned to speak to Cr Mark Booth (Div 2) and Cr Sandra Ruck (Div 5) as well as State Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting.

“Cr Booth has invited us to talk to him and we are going to respond,” Ms Sylvia said,

DBRG says Council’s 2016 Planning Scheme may lead to a corridor of high-rise buildings built along the waterfront.

“We feel Council’s current planning scheme and tourism plan overlook the exceptional coastal features, seaward visual corridors, aquatic areas, archaeological and historic sites found only in Deception Bay,” Ms Sylvia said.

|“Not only are the coastal landscapes of Deception Bay stunning, these played a significant role in the birth of Queensland through the discoveries of the first European explorers.|

“If Council understood the environmental and economic value of Deception Bay, both scenic amenity maps would show protected coastlines.”

Early feedback from DBRG’s pop-up sessions suggest those spoken to were not aware of possible high-rise developments and were “surprised” by the size.

Ms Sylvia said nearly pop-up visitors wanted the natural and environmental features of Deception Bay protected and backed the fast-tracking of a Neighbourhood Plan.

They want views of the marine park and Ramsar area protected along with trees, vegetation waterfront land and seaside shacks from the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

Feedback suggests many would like Deception Bay’s ecotourism to be “family-centred, affordable and accessible”.