The approved Badderam Eco Luxe Resort & Spa proposal is subject to 158 specific conditions, and will deliver the first five-star eco hotel and conference facility on the Sunshine Coast.

Planning Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said he supported the proposal and was pleased that council voted in favour of his motion calling for the application to be approved.

“Council has fought hard to safeguard the delivery of this development to ensure community expectations are met and to mitigate any potential risks,” Cr Dickson said.

“This is a very onerous approval, with regards to the stringent conditions and infrastructure agreement proposed and the applicant has already agreed to all 158 site specific conditions as well as entering into an infrastructure agreement outlining the developer’s obligations.

“Council’s approval today will ensure that the developer delivers not only on the expectations of council but on the commitments and promises made to the residents of Buderim.

“Residents want to see something happen, this is what the locals of Buderim want and we as council need to deliver.

“The overall development will support the local building and construction industry as well as providing future employment for locals.

“It is predicted that around 385 jobs are likely to be provided both directly and indirectly as a result of the construction of this development.”

About 3000sq m of vegetated escarpment land will be transferred into public ownership for bushland reserve purposes to link with other publicly-owned environmental lands, Cr Dickson saying this was an added benefit to the community.

The proposed resort is projected to attract some 55,000 overnight visitors to the resort per annum.

Overnight visitors to the resort are expected to contribute some $35 million in expenditure to the local economy per annum.

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Simon Latchford said the Sunshine Coast was fast becoming a beacon for domestic and international tourists looking for an environmentally and family friendly destination.

"This is exactly the type of investment that the Sunshine Coast economy needs,” Mr Latchford said.

"The jobs and economic benefit that Badderam Eco Luxe Resort & Spa will bring makes it a must-have project for the region.

"Together with the game changing Sunshine Coast Airport project, Badderam will assist in providing the access and five-star facilities, domestic and international visitors seek.”

Of the 337 properly made submissions council received on the application, 292 were in support for reasons mainly relating to economic and tourism benefits.

See also:

Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project takes off

Australian tourism ticking all of the boxes

Brisbane's latest boutique hotel unveiled