Former Virgin Australia CEO takes Noosa Council to court after plans for her luxury mansion at a tourist hotspot are rejected twice

By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 07:34, 23 June 2026 | Updated: 07:34, 23 June 2026 Former Virgin Australia boss Jayne Hrdlicka will face her local council in court over plans to transform a beachside cottage into a three-storey mansion. Ms Hrdlicka bought the hillside Noosa Heads property on Queensland's Sunshine Coast for $16.9million in late 2024. She lodged a development application last year to demolish the 1960s-built home and replace it with a luxury three-storey mansion designed by award-winning Brisbane architect Shaun Lockyer. But Noosa Council rejected the original plans, saying the building height and slope were inconsistent with the exclusive Allambi Rise neighbourhood and would impact public views from Noosa Main Beach. Ms Hrdlicka lodged amended plans, which were also knocked back. '[The development] has a bulky and cubic built form that does not incorporate materials and finishes that minimise its visual impacts,' the council's amended reasons for refusal stated. 'It is not designed to be responsive to Noosa Shire's subtropical climate and does not maintain a domestic appearance consistent with this visually sensitive location. 'The proposed height of 8.65m is not consistent with development within the surrounding area, nor does it complement the landform of the site.' Jayne Hrdlicka's ongoing row with Noosa Council will return to court later this year The ex Virgin Australia boss bought a hillside Noosa Heads cottage for $16.9million in 2024 Ms Hrdlicka has brought her case to the Planning and Environment Court, where a judge earlier this year criticised the council for 'delaying the case' and 'getting in the way of development'. The matter returned to court on Monday, where Michael Williamson KC allocated a six-day trial from September 14, according to The Australian. The first day will involve a site inspection before returning to the courtroom. Noosa Council has lined up 10 expert witnesses, including architects and arborists. The court also heard Ms Hrdlicka's legal team, led by Michael Connor, is finalising its expert evidence.  Noosa locals, who have previously taken to social media to discuss the plans, were divided. 'Being an arrogant wealthy former airline CEO doesn't confer special privileges,' one resident said.  'If they can't build an amazing residence on a site like that without taking the council to court, they have a problem.' Noosa Council claims that the proposed mansion (artist impression pictured) was inconsistent with the exclusive Allambi Rise neighbourhood Ms Hrdlicka (pictured with actress Rebel Wilson at the 2025 Australian Open) has taken her fight to the Planning and Environment Court Should wealthy newcomers reshape iconic beach neighborhoods or respect existing community character? What's your view?Another local said: 'I prefer the house that is already there, rather than what is proposed.' But not all locals oppose the proposal, with one commenter saying it 'looks great'. 'Hope they win the appeal,' they added. Ms Hrdlicka was appointed chief executive of Virgin Australia in 2020 after it was bought out of voluntary administration by Bain Capital for $3.5billion.  She spent four years at the helm before announcing her shock resignation in February 2025. 'I have decided the time is right for me to signal CEO transition for this great airline and ultimately to pass the baton on,' she said at the time. 'This is not a decision I have taken lightly but the last four years have been heavy lifting across the organisation during the toughest of times. 'I am very proud of what the Virgin Australia team have accomplished together since the depths of administration and the Covid-19 pandemic.' Ms Hrdlicka took up a role as boss of hospitality giant Endeavour Group in January this year. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.