Coochin Creek tourism park plan opens for public feedback
Community groups have rallied to fight a controversial Sunshine Coast tourism development after the Deputy Premier took control of the decision. Take the poll.
The community is able to have its say on a controversial development application to transform a Sunshine Coast site into a large-scale campground.
The proposal put forward by the Comiskey Group, hoteliers behind Sandstone Point, The Doonan and Eatons Hill, seeks to transform a sprawling site in Coochin Creek into a major tourist attraction.
Plans show a campground, which would include 75 cabins and 75 campsites, along with a separate festival site to accommodate up to 35,000 people.
The controversial campground plans opened up for public submissions on October 24 and will close on November 17, drawing some criticism the time period was “narrow”.
It is understood 15 business days for public consultation is within state development assessment rules.
A total of 10 community organisations, including the Sunshine Coast Environment Council and the Caloundra Residents Association, have come together to oppose the development.
Sunshine Coast Environment Council president Narelle McCarthy said she encouraged people to provide their thoughts during the submission period.
“The region’s tourism appeal lies in preserving the natural amenity and integrity of our green belt and the Pumicestone Passage,” Ms McCarthy said.
“True sustainable tourism celebrates and protects these natural assets through low-impact, nature-based recreation — not large-scale developments that threaten their character and ecological value.”
More than 100 submissions have currently been made to Deputy Premier and planning minister Jarrod Bleijie.
The latest step in the application process comes after Mr Bleijie used ministerial power to call in the Comiskey Group’s plans in June.
The call-in allows Mr Bleijie to assess and decide the proposal, overriding the Sunshine Coast Council.
The two separate applications, one for the campground and another for the festival site, were then referred to the State Assessment and Referral Agency for recommendations.
In August, the SARA recommendations ultimately stated the proposal for the campground should be refused, followed by a further refusal recommendation for the festival site in September.
The report found no “overriding need” for the proposal to go ahead, citing ecological concerns due to its proximity to Pumicestone Passage and possible adverse impacts on neighbouring residents.
In response to a request for more information, town planners stated the festival site would be used a maximum of six times per year.
“The Coochin Fields Music Festival Site proposes a low-frequency, high-quality events venue on rural land that supports tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities and will maintain the non-urban character of the NIUB, protect environmental values, and deliver significant economic and community benefits,” the response stated.
It also touted a “$95.1 million in annual visitor expenditure” if the proposal was to go ahead.
Mr Bleijie and the Comiskey Group have been contacted for comment by this publication.
