Three Plus’ strategic advice was crucial to Sekisui House obtaining development approvals for each of their controversial projects, Yaroomba Beach on the Sunshine Coast and West Village at West End. A range of tactics were employed to mobilise individuals, small business and industry to positively position both projects with the Queensland Government and their respective Councils.

For West Village, engagement with key decision makers was critical to the project’s approval following a call-in by the Queensland Government. Three Plus’ wide-spread engagement work for Yaroomba Beach resulted in a Sunshine Coast record of 3,000 formal submissions of support.

Achievements
  • Securing positive third-party endorsements from groups and individuals whose views were considered legitimate (by Councils and Queensland Government figures).
  • Successfully uncovered mistruths being promoted by activist groups and responded publicly with the facts.
  • Substantial engagement via multiple channels to inform and seek feedback from community members. For West Village, feedback was recorded according to the Deputy Premier’s call-in requirements.
  • Advocated for the key benefits of each project throughout the respective communities and their wider regions (i.e. the larger Sunshine Coast community and the wider Brisbane community).
  • Yaroomba Beach achieved the largest number of supportive submissions ever received on the Sunshine Coast.

The Beachside project at Yaroomba

Process
  • Each Development Application proposed a mix of residential, commercial and community open space on the respective sites. Yaroomba Beach’s proposal also included a 5 star eco‑tourism Westin Coolum Resort and Spa.
  • The projects required wide-spread community and stakeholder engagement programs to identify credible businesses, business groups and individuals who were able to provide well‑informed, formal support.
  • West Village was approved by Brisbane City Council in 2015 despite objections from community groups. An appeal was lodged and the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, called in the DA in 2016.
  • Sekisui House had previously attempted to secure approvals for their Yaroomba Beach development and were refused by the Sunshine Coast Council following uncontested misinformation from vocal community groups.

West Village is a popular mixed-use precinct