State agency urges rejection of Coochin Creek tourist park proposal
A state agency’s response to a controversial 150-site proposed tourist park has set up a crucial test for Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie.
A state agency’s damning response to a controversial 150-site tourist park has set up a crucial test for Queensland’s planning minister.
Deputy Premier and planning minister Jarrod Bleijie used ministerial power to call in the Comiskey Group’s plans for a sprawling site in Coochin Creek in June.
The developer intends to transform the site into a tourist park with 75 cabins and 75 campsites.
A separate application by the Comiskey Group to establish a large festival site, Coochin Fields, has also been called in by Mr Bleijie.
The call-in allows Mr Bleijie to assess and decide the proposal, overriding the Sunshine Coast Council.
As part of the call-in process the State Assessment and Referral Agency provided a response to Mr Bleijie, outlining a number of recommendations.
The SARA response, published last week, ultimately recommended the proposal for the tourist park be refused.
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.
“SARA does not believe there will be a significant adverse economic, social or environmental impacts on the community if the proposed tourist park is not developed,” the report stated.
A high bushfire risk was also noted in the report, stating a more “comprehensive” emergency plan was needed.
“The only access to and from the site is Roys Road, through a 10 kilometre stretch of pine plantation that is identified as having high bushfire risk,” the report stated.
Following the release of the SARA report, Comiskey Group director, Rob Comiskey, said the region was lacking the accommodation the proposed tourist park would provide.
“The Sunshine Coast currently faces a shortfall of 967 caravan and cabin sites, with no new holiday park developments proposed — particularly in such a prime waterfront location,” Mr Comiskey said.
“The region also has a shortfall of 819,000 person-nights, which is expected to grow to 1.1 million by 2046.”
A state government spokeswoman said more detail had been sought from the Comiskey Group about potential impacts of the tourist park.
“The deputy premier recently issued an information request to the applicant outlining a number of state interests that need to be addressed,” she said.
“The information request seeks more details from the applicant regarding the proposed uses and the potential economic, tourism, social and environmental impacts.
“Community consultation will occur following the applicant’s response to the information request.”
Mr Bleijie does not need to consider the SARA response in his decision.
However, Sunshine Coast Environment Council engagement manager, Narelle McCarthy, said she urged Mr Bleijie to follow their advice.
“The protection of the Pumicestone Passage and its internationally significant ecological and natural values is paramount as is the long-term integrity of the Northern Inter-Urban Break,” Ms McCarthy said.
“SCEC calls on the minister to heed SARA’s well-considered and sound advice to refuse this application and uphold the integrity of the planning system and environmental obligations.”
