Caloundra and Maroochydore are set to welcome upscale hotels as part of a new plan to encourage the development of resorts rated four stars and above.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the Sunshine Coast Council welcomed the Queensland Government’s approval of the Temporary Local Planning Instrument (Accommodation Hotel Incentive Measures) (TLPI) to attract a new wave of luxury hotels.
This would include a height allowance and reduced on-site car parking requirements.
“Council’s desire is to encourage luxury hotels in specific, appropriate locations to foster our economic growth into the future,” Ms Natoli said.
“For several years, the tourism industry and business community have highlighted the urgent need for new, branded hotels. This TLPI aims to fill that need.”
The proposed TLPI compliments the Council’s Strategic Policy that provides application fee relief and infrastructure charges discounts for accommodation hotel proposals.
About 70 percent of visitor accommodation on the Sunshine Coast consists of self-catering, limited-service apartment accommodation.
Ms Natoli said the Sunshine Coast was missing out on a variety of markets due to the limited upscale accommodation.
“We need a breadth of options to suit different visitor needs,” Ms Natoli said. “Upscale hotels will provide accommodation options for the high value and business markets.
“This type of visitor spends two-to-three times more, drives less, visits in off-peak times and stays longer.
“If we do not act now, these visitors will continue to head – and spend their money – elsewhere.”
Ms Natoli said it was estimated one upscale hotel would generate an additional spend of $29.5 million annually in the region, supporting local businesses, providing about 422 jobs during construction, and another 165 jobs ongoing.
Before the TLPI can take effect, the council must consider and comply with the conditions imposed by the Minister and publish a public notice about the commencement of the TLPI, in accordance with the Planning Act 2016 and the Minister’s Guidelines and Rules.
- Research indicates 2450 new hotel rooms are required on the Sunshine Coast over the next decade.
- Only one percent of our region’s hotels are considered luxury. The last was built in 1989.
- The Sunshine Coast is the third highest visited region in the state behind Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
- Each new hotel in the region is estimated to generate an additional $29.5m in economic impact yearly.
- Upscale hotels attract visitors who spend two-to-three times more than average.
