Redevelopment of $700 million shopping centre may be 'called in'

Queensland's Sunshine Plaza, in Maroochydore, may have its development application 'called in' due to being in the interest of the state, according to Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jeff Seeney.

Seeney is utilising his powers under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 to propose a call in regarding the $350 million extension of the $700 million shopping centre.

"I believe it is in the state's interest to consider calling in the proposed development, as Sunshine Plaza is the largest private employer on the Sunshine Coast, providing work for some 3,000 staff," Seeney said.

The centre generated more than $500 million of retail sales in 2012, said Seeney, explaining that the extension will create 6,900 full-time construction and operational jobs.

The redevelopment includes 120 extra speciality stores, an additional 1,500 car spaces and an expansion of Myer, as well as the first David Jones department store in the region. It has received some interest from observer Terry Ryder who noted its significance.

Seeney's decision follows the approval of an application by Lend Lease for the 37,000 square metre extension and the logding of an appeal against the council's decision by an objector.

If called in and re-assessed, the minister's decision cannot be appealed on planning grounds.