Version 2 - Current Planning Scheme

6.2.16 Major tourism

6.2.16.1 Application

This code applies to assessing development where the code is identified as applicable in the table of assessment for the major tourism zone. When using this code, reference should be made to section 5.3.2 and where applicable, section 5.3.3 located in Part 5.

6.2.16.2 Purpose

The purpose of the major tourism zone code is to provide for:
1. Integrated resort complexes and facilities on parts of Heron Island, Quoin Island, Wilson Island and Lady Elliot Island that meet the needs of tourists at a scale consistent with the islands environmental values.
2. A mix of uses including tourist facilities, resort complexes, tourist attractions, short–term accommodation, retail, education, research, community purpose, recreation and open space that support the needs of tourists and visitors.
3. Permanent residential accommodation only for management and employed personnel may be appropriate.
The purpose of the zone will be achieved through the following overall outcomes:
1. Uses are subordinate to or directly associated with tourism activities particularly where included as part of an integrated development.
2. A range of accommodation densities and types are provided to meet the needs of tourists, visitors, management and staff.
3. Development protects and enhances the unique local, scenic, environmental, cultural and historic character of the locality.
4. Development services the needs of tourists, visitors and staff.
5. Development provides a high level of amenity.
6. Development minimises adverse impacts on ecological values.
7. Development responds to land and infrastructure constraints including topography, bushfire, flooding and coastal hazards.

6.2.16.3 Assessment benchmarks

Table 6.2.16.3.1—Accepted development subject to requirements and assessable development

Performance outcomes	Acceptable outcomes
Use – Caretaker's accommodation
PO1 Development is: ancillary to the primary use, and does not compromise the low density, open space character of this area.	AO1.1 No more than 1 caretaker's accommodation unit is established on the site.
	AO1.2 Caretaker's accommodation is a maximum of 100m2 GFA.
Built form (if involving building work)
PO2 Buildings and other structures: are low rise, and reflect a low density that maintains open space and coastal character.	AO2 Building height does not exceed 8.5m.
For all assessable development
Land use
PO3 Non–tourism uses occur only where they: are ancillary uses that are part of a resort complex, nature based tourism activity or other related tourist activity are small–scale support the development of the zone for short–term tourist accommodation purposes, or are for educational or research purposes.	No acceptable outcome is nominated.
Design
PO4 Residential uses for visitors are designed to provide adequate: private open space communal open space, and services and facilities to support intended short term stays.	No acceptable outcome is nominated.
PO5 Buildings and structures do not compromise local, scenic, environmental and amenity values.	No acceptable outcome is nominated.
PO6 Development provides for public access to foreshore areas except where: environmental values are adversely impacted, and there is a risk to public safety.	No acceptable outcome is nominated.
Amenity
PO7 Development minimises impacts on surrounding land and uses, having regard to: noise hours of operation visual impact signage odour and emissions access to sunlight, and privacy. Note—Applicants may be required to engage specialists to provide detailed investigations into the above matters in order to demonstrate compliance with this performance outcome.	No acceptable outcome is nominated.
PO8 Landscaping is provided to enhance the appearance of the development, screen unsightly components, create an attractive on–site environment and provide shading. Note—Refer also to the Landscaping code.	No acceptable outcome is nominated.
Protection of natural values
PO9 The site layout and design responds sensitively to on–site and surrounding topography, coastal foreshore areas, waterways, drainage patterns, and ecological values, such that: any hazards to people or property are avoided any earthworks are minimised the retention of natural drainage lines is maximised the retention of existing vegetation is maximised sewerage, stormwater and water infrastructure is sustainable, and there is adequate buffering, screening or separation to adjoining development.	No acceptable outcome is nominated.
Use - Nature based tourism
PO10 Development protects environmental values and is of a scale and intensity that does not compromise the low density and environmental character of the locality.	AO10 Development does not exceed more than one guest per 1,000m2 of site area.