Marina appeal dropped by Newport Action Group

Published 1:00pm 27 February 2024

Newport Action Group (NAG) has withdrawn its appeal over Moreton Bay City Council’s decision to re-zone marina land, which may lead to a multi-million-dollar hotel development.

NAG informed Queensland’s Planning and Environment Court last week it “discontinues the whole of the proceedings”, which were filed on January 10.

The appeal followed Council’s move in November to approve a ‘material change of use’ for more than 10,000sqm of land at Newport Marina.

That decision switched the land, rezoned as industry in 2016, back to marine industry, residential accommodation and associated uses.

"Surprised"

Council's decision enables Kindred Group, which owns the marina, to press ahead with plans for a hotel, bar, food and drink outlet, function facility low impact industry, marine industry and short-term accommodation.

Josh Kindred, CEO of Kindred Group, said he was “surprised” by NAG’s decision to withdraw its appeal but “thrilled at the outcome”.

“We will continue to work with the entire Newport community to make sure we have a great outcome for Moreton Bay in general,” he said.

Mr Kindred expected a development application to be lodged with Moreton Bay City Council “very soon”.

The new development will be in the centre of Newport Harbour

NAG, which has fought marina development for six years, would not comment now on its decision to withdraw the appeal.

However, NAG’s appeal to the Planning and Environment Court said the proposed development was “inconsistent with the land use under Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme” and “does not support the continued viability of waterfront-based industry”.

It added the development “will restrict waterfront access for marine industry”, could affect the character of the area and is “not appropriate for the land”.

In a statement last November, Council said it saw an “opportunity to revitalise the area and sustainably regulate future development in the precinct”.

Decision

Council’s decision made any onsite marine industry Code Accessible, increasing opportunity for marine businesses, but limiting large industrial development.

The land was earmarked for a marina in 1977 and in 1982 Redcliffe City Council approved rezoning to future high density.

In 1998 consent was given for 64 townhouses before in 2005 it was rezoned special marina and multiple dwellings.

From 2005-2016 it was zoned for mixed residential … and then marine industry.