Community 'disappointed' by Sheraton high-rise approval
The Planning and Environment Court has approved a modified Sheraton high-rise resort development in Hervey Bay, reducing the towers from 18 to 16 and 12 storeys following a wildlife group's appeal. The Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland expressed mixed feelings, satisfied with the height reduction and lighting changes but disappointed it exceeds the local six-storey planning limit. Community members fear the approval sets a precedent for future high-rise developments along the coastline.
- ▪The original 18-storey development was reduced to 16 and 12 storeys after mediation.
- ▪The Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland appealed over concerns about light pollution affecting sea turtles and migratory birds.
- ▪The community fears the decision may encourage further high-rise developments in Hervey Bay.
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Planning and Environment Court approves Sheraton high-rise development for Hervey BayJBy James C TaylorABC Wide BayTopic:Urban Development and Planning29m ago29 minutes agoFri 1 May 2026 at 8:00amLoading...In short: A wildlife group had appealed a local council's approval of an 18-storey resort development for a Queensland town.The court has approved amended plans to reduce the building's height and minimise the impact of lighting on surrounding wildlife.What's next? The community is concerned the decision could set a precedent for further high-rise development in the town.abc.net.au/news/hervey-bay-community-disappointed-by-sheraton-highrise-approval/106632736Link copiedShareShare articleLobby groups against a seaside Sheraton high-rise resort say they have mixed feelings about the…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).