Crane Company Challenges Motorway Depot Refusal
A crane hire company is challenging a recent rejection of its plan to establish a depot located near the Sunshine Motorway. AMAC Cranes has filed an appeal in the Planning and Environment Court following the Sunshine Coast Council’s denial of their proposal.
Details of the Proposal
The application sought permission to develop a six-hectare site situated at 252 Yandina Coolum Road, Coolum Beach. Initially submitted in February 2025, it aimed to utilize the location for storing up to six cranes and two transport trucks within two sheds totaling 791 square meters.
Reasons for Council Refusal
The Sunshine Coast Council issued its decision notice on January 29, citing several reasons for rejecting the proposal. The council highlighted concerns regarding:
- Inconsistency with existing rural zoning.
- Significant floodplain works.
- Impact on valuable agricultural land.
- Visual obstruction from mapped scenic routes, including Yandina Coolum Road and the Sunshine Motorway.
The council stated that the development would undermine established planning strategies for the area.
Appeal Justification
AMAC Cranes argues that the proposed land has minimal agricultural value and is unsuitable for traditional farming. The appeal, filed by MacDonnells Law on February 23, emphasizes the site’s limited utility for agricultural activities.
- The land is segmented and constrained.
- It has a relatively small area compared to adjacent rural parcels.
- It features irregular configuration.
The appeal also includes concerns about the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ plans for road duplication, which could affect the property’s western boundary.
Community and Economic Benefits
AMAC Cranes argues that granting approval for the transport depot would contribute positively to the local construction industry. The appeal posits that the facility would support regional growth and that it would not significantly intrude into the floodplain.
The proposal includes plans for screening to minimize visibility from adjacent roads and references nearby properties with approved developments for transport and service stations.
Next Steps
The appeal asserts that there is a planning, community, and economic need for the requested development. As the case unfolds, the implications of the council’s refusal and the potential benefits of the depot will be under scrutiny in the Planning and Environment Court.
The decision is impactful, as the site falls within the Blue Heart area, where the council maintains that the development must demonstrate community interests and the absence of suitable alternative sites.
