To view the Development Application and related information click on the following link http://pdonline.maroochy.qld.gov.au/modules/common/default.aspx?page=disclaimer
The application number is MCU07/0172

September 2008
Following the public consultation period for the DA proposed by Lend Lease, there were more than 100 submissions opposing the proposed developemnt.  Council officers have reviewed the submissions and recommended to Council that the application be refused.  Lend Lease have asked for the proposal to be put on hold.  Updates will be posted in the Latest News section of this web site.   

Septtember 2007
Lend Lease advised that they intend to waive their right of appeal and instead submit a new Development Application for the tennis courts site to the MSC during the week of 17-21/09/07. The new DA proposes that the site be developed with approximately 14 freehold residential home building sites, plus the development of two new tennis courts to replace existing courts. They propose that the two tennis courts be gifted to the Twin Waters community. There will be no high, medium or low-rise on the site, just normal housing that complies with Twin Waters covenants.

This proposal represents a significant re-think by Lend Lease. It is an acknowledgement of the impact of the objections to the original proposal and the TWRA has played a very significant role in achieving this outcome.

June 2004
At the Twin Waters Residents Association meeting on 7 June 2004, residents expressed concern when informed about the proposed re-development of the Tennis Courts adjacent to the Twin Waters Golf Club. A development application for Multiple Dwelling Units, Shops and Restaurant was submitted to Maroochy Shire Council, by Lend Lease. The proposal was for a change of zoning of the golf course land, where the tennis courts are located, from recreational to residential. The proposal was to replace the tennis courts with 80 units, four storeys high.

The meeting was of the opinion that the construction of the multi-storey development was in contravention of the Maroochy Plan 2000 and would detract from the lifestyle, amenity and image of the Twin Waters Residential Community. Residents at the meeting voted to object to the proposed development. As a result of the decision, a network of residents collected signatures from the community. The signatures of 702 residents who objected to the proposed development application for the 80 units, was lodged with Maroochy Shire Council.

The development application was due to be voted on at the Council meeting in October 2004, however it was withdrawn from the meeting agenda. The application was again withdrawn at the Council meeting agenda in January 2005. At the Council meeting on 9 March 2005, Cr Tony Northey put forward a motion and reasons for refusal of the application. The Councillors voted on the development application and refused the Tennis Court Development Application.

Lend Lease made a formal appeal of the Councils decision in the Planning and Environment Court, in April 2005. Although this action was taken, Lend Lease has continued discussions with Maroochy Shire Council and has been in communication with Twin Waters Residents Association Inc., in an endeavour to resolve the matter.

The objection to the proposed development was raised by Twin Waters Residents’ Association Inc. and the community, on the following grounds:

The Maroochy Plan 2000 (hereafter referred to as “The Plan”) directs there may be as many as 3 multi-storey developments in the area. At present the designated area contains three such developments, Magnolia Lane, View Point and the Water Gallery.

The meeting resolved that the proposal of 4 clusters of low to medium density housing is in contravention of the precinct intent of 3 clusters as designated in the Plan1.

The Plan prescribes the height for multi-storey developments to be a maximum of 3 storeys. The circular distributed states that the new complex is to be 4 storeys high. The proposed 4 storey height infringes the precinct intent of 3 storeys.

Some residents have purchased their properties at Twin Waters because of these facilities. The tennis courts form an integral part of the overall Twin Waters Golf Course Complex and are utilised by a large number of the Twin Waters’ residents. The residents have stated they would be reluctant to go to the Resort to play tennis.
Prior to purchasing, it was represented to owners that “….Residents of the Twin Waters Residential Community can enjoy membership rights at the Novotel Twin Waters Golf and Tennis Club….”. Mr Eaton further commented in a media release on 31 October 2002 that the Twin Waters development “focused on quality lifestyle.” Owners understood that the tennis courts were a shared “community facility”, a large part of the quality community lifestyle that made Twin Waters so attractive. The meeting resolved that by removing the tennis courts to the resort, they would become an exclusive “resort facility.” Residents feel following the move they would be hindered and disadvantaged in comparison to the guests of the Resort.
The Tennis courts form an integral part of the overall Twin Waters Golf Course Complex. The Precinct intent states that ‘the Golf Course is to remain in its present state with only minor changes to the Clubhouse permitted because of the valuable “open space” aspect that it provides the community’ . The meeting resolved that the redevelopment of the Tennis Courts into “…Multiple Dwelling Units over 1.727 hectares” is neither within the spirit nor the literal guidelines of the Plan.
———
1 “Intent”, Chapter 3, “Statements of Desired Character for Planning Areas and Precincts”, Maroochy Plan 2000, Volume 3, p.193.

September 2008 Update
Lend Lease has sold its interest in the Canelands to Stockland. Stockland is reviewing its plans for this area.  As at September 2008, no proposals have been lodged with SCRC. 

September 2007
Lend Lease and Stockland have lodged a joint Development Application for the area known as the Canefields. This is most of the open space between the existing western boundary of Twin Waters and the Sunshine Motorway. The DA proposes a development similar to that at Twin Waters with four residential zones around canals that are linked to the existing Twin Waters canal system. The proposed main vehicle access is from David Low Way just west of Settlers Park and with minor access linked to Esperance Way in The Banks precinct.

Our understanding of the process to be followed is that the Maroochy Shire Council will make an initial review of the DA and then serve an Information Request on Stockland / Lend Lease which they would be required to respond to within an approved period. Following this, the Council will then make a further review of the Information and then there will be a period of public consultation. Given the nature of the DA and the issues that would be involved, it is likely that it will be some time before the public consultation period would commence, probably well into next year or even longer.

The TWRA will be monitoring the process and, when the public consultation period is imminent, a special committee is likely to be established to review all of the information before any submission on behalf of the community is developed. Clearly, the issues of traffic and water flows through the canals will be of considerable interest to Twin Waters residents and these will be at least two of the issues to be examined very closely when the time comes. Meanwhile, Twin Waters residents are encouraged to review the DA on the MSC web site and prepare their thoughts for the public consultation period when it is called.

To view the DA copy and past the following link http://pdonline.maroochy.qld.gov.au/modules/common/default.aspx?page=disclaimer then follow the prompts, under “Application Number” type MCU07/0130, then click “Search”.

Update - Jan 08

Sunshine Motorway - Maroochydore Road to David Low Way, including Maroochy River Bridge.

Maroochydore River Bridge.

Sunshine Motorway Upgrade-Pacific Paradise Interchange and Bypass.

Menzies Drive-Mudjimba Beach Road intersection upgrade.

October 2005
Proposed Motorway Duplication to Pacific Paradise
Lester Jackson, Department of Main Roads Project Manager presented details of the proposed duplication and upgrading of the the Sunshine Motorway from Maroochydore Road to Pacific Paradise, at the TWRA general meeting held on 10/10/2005. He also presented details about the Pacific Paradise By-Pass

He urged residents to provide feedback regarding the On and Off ramps at the Bradman Avenue end of the bridge, as the Maroochy Shire Council is deliberating whether the ramps will be kept. If you support the retention of the ramps, contact Main Roads on 1800 993234.

Pacific Paradise By-Pass
A meeting with representatives from six Community Associations on Maroochy North Shore, was held on 18/12/03. The group of Community Associations came from Pt Arkwright to Twin Waters and was brought together as a network to discuss issues of common interest to North Shore residents. One of the agenda items was concerning Maroochy North Shore roads and the intersections of David Low Way and Ocean Drive and Menzies Drive. As the Queensland State Election was approaching, it was decided that a spokesperson from Twin Waters Residents' Association Inc. contact the media about the traffic problems in the area. The media coverage resulted in local newspaper and TV coverage about North Shore roads, including the problems at Pacific Paradise. The road problems became a political issue and as a result, the government announced construction of the Pacific Paradise by-pass project.

Update - Sept 07
MSC Permanent Water Conservation Measures for Residents

July 2007
The TWRA is following two separate water issues that are considered important for the Twin Waters community:
1. A possible re-cycled water project that could utilise currently unused recycled Class A water from the Fisherman's Road Treatment Plant; and

2. Concerns about management of water in Maroochy Shire generally and also specifically relating to the Level 2 restrictions recently implemented.

1. Possible Recycled Water Project
The Twin Waters Residents' Association (TWRA) has been exploring a possible water recycling project to water the public landscape areas at Twin Waters. The project would involve tapping into an existing Recycled Water pipeline from the Fisherman's Road Waste Water Treatment Plant that runs to the North Shore to the Twin Waters Golf Club and the Novotel Resort. There is an existing water reticulation system in the public landscape areas at Twin Waters that was installed by Lend Lease during the development of Twin Waters. This system is currently connected to the Maroochy town water system and, while it is still functionally able to operate, the pending water restrictions will mean that it cannot be utilised in the future.
At its simplest, the project would involve replacing the town water with the recycled (Class A) water and just connecting the recycled pipeline to the existing reticulation system. However, it is expected that there would be complications associated with Regulations about existing systems and putting recycled water into it, even if it is an isolated and stand-alone system. The issues and options would need to be identified and addressed and the best solution identified. It is possible that a specialist consultant involved in the initial study would identify other options that could provide even better outcomes.
We believe that an initial Technical Feasibility study or Scoping Study is the logical first step. Once this is completed, the project can then described more specifically, including its indicative cost. This would then allow an investigation of project funding options which would include State or Federal Grants for worthwhile water projects.
At this stage, the project is in its very early stages. The difficulties in dealing with regulations regarding recycled water should not be under estimated. However, there is surplus Class A recycled water available in close proximity and this water is currently being dumped in the Maroochy River, which seems a waste of a potentially valuable resource. The TWRA would like to see if the water could be used at Twin Waters in a responsible and environmentally acceptable manner.

2. Water Management in Maroochy Shire & Level 2 Restrictions
The TWRA believes that Maroochy Shire has had a very good record in dealing with water at a local level. Through good planning and foresight, it is considered that Maroochy Shire has excellent water infrastructure and services. This is a great credit to the current council and its predecessors. The TWRA has concerns that those benefits for the Maroochy community may be undermined or lost as part of the State Government take-over of water assets and responsibilities.
Our concerns are at two levels – strategic and practical
At the strategic level, the TWRA is concerned at aspects of negotiations with the State over water and water compensation. Not much information has been made public, so it is difficult to form a clear view about this. However, the "hand-over" of Maroochy Shire's water assets is an important negotiation for which Maroochy Shire must receive just compensation.
At the practical level, the TWRA has doubts about the merit of any restrictions while the dams are full or near full and the interconnected pipeline is still under construction. Even if water restrictions are accepted, then the Level 2 restrictions that have been applied do not take account of some important and possibly unique circumstances in the Maroochy Shire (and elsewhere on the Sunshine Coast):

Under Level 2, the use of garden irrigation systems is banned. Many people on the Coast have invested a considerable amount of money in landscaping their gardens, often including installation of automatic irrigation systems. Further, and more importantly, many people on the Coast do not live all of the time at their homes here and rely on the automatic sprinkler systems to water their gardens on a regular basis. Hand-held hosing on nominated days is not a practical option if they are not at the residence. Level 2 restrictions have a very adverse impact on these people and on their homes and gardens.
Suggestion: Level 2 restrictions should permit automatic garden irrigation systems to be used (during the nominated watering times for that residence) if the house is otherwise unoccupied at that time. With reasonable notice, the automatic systems can be adjusted so that they only operate during the approved watering period.
Similar issues would apply for Apartment blocks / resorts etc where it is impractical to hand water gardens, but where site landscaping is integral to the presentation of the blocks, especially where tourists are likely to be staying. The solution would be similar to that proposed above.

Under Level 2, washing of roofs and hard surfaces is banned. Because of proximity of parts of the Sunshine Coast to water, sea spray is a maintenance issue and keeping buildings regularly hosed down is good maintenance practice which is no longer permitted under Level 2 restrictions.
Suggestion: Level 2 restrictions should permit buildings to be washed provided a "water blaster" is used, since this uses a greatly reduced volume of water and is a very effective method to clean a building.
The TWRA has written to the Maroochy Shire Council to formally raise the above points on behalf of the TWRA and the Twin Waters community.

Update - Sept 07
The Preliminary Draft Airport Master Plan document was adopted by Council at the 12 September 2007 Ordinary Meeting, as the MSC Airport Master Plan.

Draft Master Plan
Outcome of Consultations – TWRA Successful in its Representations on draft Master Plan.
The TWRA has been successful in its representations regarding the Draft Master Plan for Maroochy Airport. The Maroochy Shire Council has now adopted the Recommendations from the Airport Manager on the outcomes from the recent public consultation.

In summary, the main Recommendations that were adopted include:

The Council will not proceed with the option to extend the existing North / South runway
The Council will investigate the options for a long term strategy for the Airport, with the plan to incorporate options for a new runway to achieve the best balance of commercial, environmental and social outcomes i.e. investigate the case for an East / West runway. (We understand that those studies into alternative options have already commenced.)
There are a number of other Recommendations, but these are the two key recommendations. This is an excellent outcome for us. By abandoning any extension of the existing runway, the future development focus must shift to an alternative runway – an East/ West runway. Importantly, the East / West runway case will be developed to take account of commercial, environmental and social factors not just narrow financial considerations.

There are still many studies to be undertaken, but these Recommendations adopted by the Council are a very significant first step to the development of the East / West runway within a reasonable timeframe. (The Draft Master Plan that has not been accepted would not have even considered it before 2020 at the earliest).

The TWRA submission was one of the most significant of the 723 submissions arising from the public consultation and it has impacted the report and recommendations, which is satisfying for us. The future development plan for the airport is an important issue and we wanted to ensure that our voice was heard in the public consultation (and in the steps going forward). We will continue to watch developments closely and participate where we canin a constructive and positive manner.

(If you would like to read the full report presented to Council and all of the Recommendations, it can be found on the Maroochy Shire Council web site at http://www.maroochy.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=Minutes#table and click on Agenda for the meeting on 6 December 2006. The Report is on pages 54 – 70 of that Agenda.)

Thank you also to the TWRA members who put in individual submissions supporting our TWRA submission.
Maroochy Airport Draft Master Plan
A full copy of the TWRA document submitted on behalf of Twin Waters Residents' Association Inc, in response to the Sunshine Coast Airport Master Plan, can be viewed by downloading the document TWRA submission.

Residents’ Individual Submissions
In order to ensure maximum consideration of the views of Twin Waters residents in the review of the draft Master Plan for the Airport, all residents are requested to also provide their individual submissions before 14 August 2006. A submission form may be obtained by downloading the following link, TWRA Response Form

While individual submissions should express your own individual concerns about issues, the TWRA would encourage residents to include the following in their submission:

1. Support for the TWRA’s submission
2. Repeat the principal points from the TWRA’s submission, which are:

The draft Master Plan should be rejected and a revised plan should include:
a) A clear vision statement for Sunshine Coast Airport

To meet and foster the tourist and business needs of the Sunshine Coast; and

To minimize adverse impacts on Sunshine Coast residents

b) An immediate priority for the planning and development of an East / West runway to provide
A safe runway which is wider and longer than the existing north / south runway

Possible re-alignment to provide for maximized approaches and take-offs over water

No residential properties to be included within the prescribed Public Safety Zonec) The proposal to extend the existing main runway by 200 metres to the north to be abandoned

d) A “high case” passenger growth forecast based on recent growth rates continuing for at least the next 5-7 years
e) More consideration to mitigation of the adverse effects of general aviation

The TWRA’s Submission has been prepared by a Committee which includes Geoff Billard (C’tee Chair), Kevin Lyons, Peter Carey, Rob Fletcher and Richard Gooch, with Warwick Daniels (President) and Dennis Kyling (Past President) as ex-officio members. The Maroochy Airport Master Plan document can be viewed by downloading the draft Airport Master Plan

TWRA draft Submission - Request for comments (finalised 31/07/2006)
The TWRA draft submission was finalised on 31/07/2006, the following invitation for comments was presented to residents:
Residents of Twin Waters are invited to review and provide comments on the draft of the proposed Submission by TWRA, to the Maroochy Shire Council, on the draft Master Plan for Sunshine Coast Airport.
A copy of the TWRA draft Submission can by viewed by clicking the following link TWRA Draft Submission.

Please provide any comments by Saturday 29 July 2006, at the latest, to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Any comments received will be considered by the TWRA Committee that has been reviewing the draft Master Plan and has been responsible for preparation of the draft Submission on behalf of TWRA.

The Submission will be finalised and provided to MSC and Sunshine Coast Airport during the week commencing 31 July 2006. The final version of the Submission will be posted on the TWRA web site at the same time. 

The Twin Waters Residential Community is a fully planned residential project by Lend Lease Development Pty Ltd. The residential community is highly regarded both locally, nationally and international and was awarded the International Real Estate Federations “Worlds Best Residential Address” in 2004.

A major influence in this success was the introduction of a set of Covenant and Residential Building Guidelines to encourage both good design and a high standard of housing that exists within the community today.

These covenants have allowed for the establishment of a unique Sunshine Coast style of character within Twin Waters without unduly restricting the designs and construction of individual homes.

With many new owners and residents joining the Twin Waters Residential Community every month, it is important that due regard is given to the provisions of the Covenant and Building Requirements to ensure that the high level of amenity established within the community is maintained.

Whether construction a new house or undertaking additions to an existing one, there are a number of important points to consider that may have an impact on the amenity within the community. These include;-

Garages & Storage – Have you given consideration for storage or drive through access to the rear yard, as the parking of boats and recreational vehicles (caravans) should be screened from public view where possible.

Fencing – Fencing around your home and those of your neighbours can affect the overall appearance of Twin Waters. There are many different types of lots including, Traditional, Courtyards, Waterfront and Golf frontage each having specific fencing requirements. Please refer to the covenant fencing requirements for your lot prior to construction.
Landscaping - Landscaping is an important feature of Twin Waters and enhances the high standard of architecture established with the community. All gardens should be established within 3 months of occupation of the dwelling.

A set of covenant and residential guidelines introduced by the project developer, Lend Lease Developments Pty Limited is available by downloading Covenant and Building Requirements ...»

Your support is needed.
A local resident has been in contact with Translink about establishing a regular bus service for Twin Waters. He has received support from management of the Twin Waters Resort, Apex Club and the Living Choice Retirement Village.

Residents of the Twin Waters Community have also been asked to show their support for a public bus service to start operating in the Twin Waters area. This can be done by emailing Megan Harkin, or by phoning Translink.
Translink: http://www.translink.com.au/
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Ph. 3117 1400 (Brisbane)

October 2005

During 2002 and 2003, a resident of Twin Waters (Ross Winks) worked for over 12 months to have the place name of Twin Waters officially adopted. As a result of his efforts, the name Twin Waters has now been officially adopted as a place name. The following information reports the status of progress as of 25 August 2003. Officers of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed that the following authorities had been officially informed of the creation of the new suburb of Twin Waters:

Australia Post Dept of Public Works & Housing MSC
Electoral Office Dept of Environment & Health SES
Emergency Services Dept of Transport  Police
UBD Directories Australian Bureau of Statistics Telstra
Dept of Navy Geo Science Australia RACQ 

The database of Dept of Natural Resources and Mines was also updated to reflect the boundary changes. The officers of DNR explained that they had no control over how or when the particular authorities deal with the notification, but they said that new suburbs are created fairly regularly in QLD and the various organisations sometimes wait until they can process a number of the changes simultaneously.

They said it can sometimes take a year or two before all the computer databases are updated. Their advice was that when an organisation tries to tell us that Twin Waters is not a suburb, we should refer them to DNR or MSC for clarification.

After many months of making contact with Sensis, they successfully programmed their computers to accept Twin Waters as a place name in March 2005. Twin Waters is now listed as a place name in the online phone directory and in the White Pages. It appears nearly all authorities have now updated their records and recognise Twin Waters as a place name, with the postcode 4564.

Anyone interested in playing tennis at Twin Waters can do so using the courts available at the Twin Waters Golf Club. Two courts are being re-surfaced and soon four courts will be available for use.

Courts may be booked by making arrangements with the Pro Shop at the Twin Waters Golf Club (telephone 5457 2444). Court hire costs $10 per hour, or $8 per hour if you join Twin Waters Preferred (only available to Sunshine Coast residents). If you want to play tennis regularly, it is well worth becoming a Twin Waters Preferred Member (for $25 per annum) as this will also give you discounts on other purchases at the Golf Club.

Some Groups have formed and are playing on a regular basis and some of these Groups are seeking more players on a regular basis. If you are interested, contact details are as follows:

Day Co-ordinator & Contact Details
Wednesday morning Contact William on 5448 8507  
Saturday morning  Contact Anneke on 5450 7551 
Monday morning Co-ordinator needed 

There is plenty of opportunity for other Groups to be formed and there are plenty of time slots available. If you would like more information, call Anneke on 5450 7551 or simply contact the Pro Shop and book a court to suit your convenience. If you would like to form a new Group and seek members, the contact details can be added to this web site. Just send details to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

A Professional Coach Mr Steve Whitecross (0411742033) is available for lessons and, if there is sufficient interest, the Professional may be willing to re-establish classes. This could be of particular interest to younger tennis players.

The Twin Waters Residents Association supports the initiative of residents to utilise the tennis courts that are available at the Twin Waters Golf Club.