Council gives unanimous support
Orange County goes ahead

THE controversial Orange County subdivision at Landershute Road has been approved by Maroochy Shire Council in a unanimous vote.

Cr Geoff Littler said he was glad to see the issue resolved and he hoped the community would now allow the developer to get on with the job and make a development which would be an asset to the community.

"I am happy with the outcome and am satisfied that any concerns regarding an agricultural buffer with the adjacent farm have been addressed by the conditions," he said.

"The decision to approve staged development of the subdivision subject to conditions was passed unanimously by the council."

Approval conditions require five allotments bordering the adjacent farm to be held as a buffer until such time as the farm use ceases.

The first stage will see development of a park and the approval covers a total of 94 lots in Stages 1 to 3 of the 13 stage development. The site is zoned Residential A in an Urban designation of the Council's Strategic Plan.

Cr Littler emphasised that only the first stage of 32 lots would be developed at this time, but said it was important to approve the first three stages so that infrastructure could be put in place.

"It must be realised that by having the whole development approved in multiple stages we have been able to maintain a good system of neighbourhood parks. This is good forward planning," he said.

"Despite present pressures to diminish residential block sizes, the quality of Orange County will be maintained throughout all the later stages. We have set the pattern and it will remain."

The Palmwoods Residents and Ratepayers Association, which has been actively fighting Orange County for the last three years, refused to comment on the decision.

"We will not be making a comment to the Palmwoods District News," publicity officer David Mira-Bateman said.

The PRRA last year established a fighting fund to appeal a council decision to approve rezoning of the site. More than $11,000 was raised but the challenge in the Planning and Environment Court in March 1997, was unsuccessful.

Speaking for the Orange County developers, Bob Simpson said he was pleased the decision was through but that it was inappropriate to comment further until the developers had seen the conditions imposed.

"We have yet to receive official advice but it is good a decision has been reached, as this has been so intense for the community," he said.