Comiskey Group appeals Sunshine Coast Council’s rejection of Coochin Creek campsite

A court will have its say on plans to transform Sunshine Coast strawberry fields into a campsite next to the region’s hottest new ‘Coachella’-style music festival location.

Comiskey Group co-director Robert Comiskey has proposed a 150-site eco camp at Coochin Creek, Roys Rd, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Picture: John Gass

A Queensland pub baron has taken his battle for an eco-camp and tourist park neighbouring his Sunshine Coast “Coachella” site to court amid environment and traffic concerns.

Comiskey Group is appealing Sunshine Coast Council’s rejection of its application for a 150-site eco camp at former strawberry fields at Roys Rd, Coochin Creek.

The founders of Sandstone Point and Eatons Hill hotels proposed the campsite at the “unique and scenic” site neighbouring its 150ha new music festival location, Coochin Fields.

The proposal included 150 campsites, eco tours along Pumicestone Passage, bushwalking, water activities, horse riding and high ropes.

Comiskey Group co-director Robert Comiskey – who directs the business with Paul and David Comiskey – said he could not comment directly on the appeal while it was ongoing.

The Comiskey Group lodged plans for a 150-site campsite and eco park at 1807 Roys Rd, Coochin Creek.

However he said the appeal would not disrupt work on a music festival at Coochin Fields for 2023 as it was a separate application.

A meeting between the company, council and a planning and environment court representative was set for October 21 with the appeal to be reviewed on October 28.

Capacity for increased traffic on Roys Rd was a key issue the council.

It said the proposal did not include upgrades to the road network.

Environmental concerns were raised with the rural-zoned site’s location along Pumicestone National Park, Coochin Creek Esplanade and Pumicestone Passage.

The Comiskey Group’s Sandstone Point Hotel at Bribie Island, where they host huge events and festivals. Picture: Contributed

It also raised concern that it was part of the interurban break – designed to provide a buffer between urban areas of the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane – and the development could “alienate or fragment” the land, and create noise and air quality impacts.

But the Comiskey Group argued the eco camp was a suitable use of the rural land adding that it would benefit the area and complement surrounding rural properties.

It said it would promote the appreciation of the natural environment and support tourism.

Loss of “good quality agricultural land was not significant”, according to the company, and it said that was outweighed by community benefits.

It is not the first time Mr Comiskey has taken the council to court after he successfully appealed the rejection of his application to for a pub at Doonan.

The court found in Mr Comiskey’s favour, allowing the up to $4m project to go ahead.