Qld politics: Minister overrules council to greenlight LNP donor’s hinterland project

The state government has unapologetically backed a wealthy LNP donor’s legal bid to build luxury accommodation in the Sunshine Coast hinterland against council wishes.

An artist's impression of Maleny Manor. Picture: Place Design Group

The state government has unapologetically backed a wealthy LNP donor’s legal bid to build luxury accommodation in the Sunshine Coast hinterland against council wishes.

And Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie, in a major signal of more widespread use of the state government’s ability to overrule councils, revealed he had also proposed the call-in of other tourism-related proposals cut down by councils.

It can be revealed Tourism Minister Andrew Powell, in his capacity as Member for Glass House, successfully lobbied Mr Bleijie to appeal Sunshine Coast Council’s rejection of a plan to build a short-term accommodation complex on rural land near Maleny Manor.

The project, spearheaded by Geoffrey Thomas, proposes six two-storey buildings for a total of 28 units, a manager’s residence, reception and dining hall, as well as 48 car parking spots.

Mr Thomas was one of the LNP’s largest donors according to electoral records, handing over $56,000 to the party in 2020 – the same year he hosted a fundraising event at his property for them.

Attempts to contact Mr Thomas, including through two of his businesses, were unsuccessful.

Mr Powell batted away any suggestion his advocacy of the project was a potential conflict of interest, saying he had supported the proposal long before the LNP won government in October last year.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing.

An artist's impression of Maleny Manor. Picture: Place Design Group

“As the local member, I’m always happy to advocate on behalf of local businesses, especially when it increases jobs in, and visitation to, Glass House,” he said.

“I’m acutely aware of the need to grow eco-tourism offerings and we desperately need more accommodation on the Sunshine Coast, especially in the hinterland.”

The development application by Presidential Capital Pty Ltd, as trustee for the Geoffrey Thomas family trust, was put to Sunshine Coast Council on May 24, 2023.

Sunshine Coast Council voted down the proposal in favour of protecting the area’s rural character, citing conflicts with local planning schemes for rural areas and issues with landslide and scenic overlay codes.

Mayor Rosanna Natoli was among councillors who voted against the development.

“I believe and trust in the court process and, as this is a live case, it would be inappropriate to comment further,” she said.

It is understood the government will offer a statement of support to the Brisbane Environment and Planning Court outlining its approval of the development in line with its tourism strategy.

Mr Bleijie said he had also backed plans for hotels along Caloundra and Maroochydore and the Coochin Creek venue led by the prominent Comiskey developer family.

“As the excitement builds for 2032 and beyond, Queensland needs more tourist accommodation,” Mr Bleijie said.

Plan for Maleny Manor. Picture: Place Design Group

Originally published as Qld politics: Minister overrules council to greenlight LNP donor’s hinterland project