Green light for new hotel

Plans for a new hotel development in one of Moreton Bay’s fastest-growing areas, have been approved.

Councillors last week gave a green light to the application (DA) for 8000sqm at 1-3 Facer Road, Burpengary.

The current Woodpecker Bar and Grill, which has been operating more than 25 years, would be replaced by a new two-story building.

Plans show it would be built on the corner of Facer and Rowley Rds, with an outdoor beer garden/dining area replacing Liquorland.

The uncovered beer garden (417sqm) would be the same size as a roofed outdoor area, with an internal tavern (677sqm) and outdoor playground (64sqm).

Council officers said the applicant has addressed a lot of amenity issues around noise, traffic and transport access, landscape screening to neighbouring properties.

But, when considering the application by Queensland Venue Co, councillors questioned the request for Gaming until 4am and unanimously voted for a 2am finish.

The DA proposes hours of operation for the Bistro 11am-1am, Beer Garden 11am-1am, Sports Bar 10am-1am and Gaming 10am-4am. Current hours are 10am-1.30am.

“I don’t see a reason for 4am when everything else is shutting down at 1am,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“I’m concerned with people leaving at 4am when you have residents pretty close.”

Cr Jodie Shipway (Div 4) shared the concerns saying: “4am seems excessive in an area like that.”

The meeting was told Burpengary Community Club, in a more residential area, closes at midnight and Burpengary Tavern at 4am, being in a more industrial area.