Qld govt scraps Great Sandy National Park eco-cabin tourism plan

Plans to build 16 “glamping” tourism cabins in the Great Sandy National Park have been quietly scrapped by the state government following public backlash.

Controversial plans to open a series of eco-cabins at the Great Sandy National Park have been scrapped following public backlash over the tourism project, as the tourist spot experiences a surge in post-Covid popularity.

Controversial plans to open a series of eco-cabins in the Great Sandy National Park have been scrapped following public backlash over the tourism project, as the tourist spot experiences a surge in post-Covid popularity.

The project’s termination was announced on the Tourism Department’s website, which revealed the proposal was scrapped last month.

The plan, first floated in 2019, met with significant backlash from sections of the community when it was revealed.

The proposal included the construction of five “glamping” cabins along the 100km Cooloola Great Walk stretching from Rainbow Beach to Noosa.

Private company CABN was engaged by the state government in 2022 to deliver the project.

Kabi Kabi traditional owners were involved in negotiations with the state government over the plan, which sparked concerns parts of the forest would be locked off to members of the public.

The proposal included plans to build 16 cabins along the length of the 100km Cooloola Great Walk between Noosa and Rainbow Beach.

Noosa independent MP Sandy Bolton celebrated news of the cancellation in a Facebook post, saying the “long journey is over”.

“We have received a positive response to our request for no commercially built structures in the Great Sandy National Park, with assurance that government is not proceeding with this project, whilst remaining committed to working with Kabi Kabi to realise their aspirations and seek tangible social and economic benefits for them,” Ms Bolton said on Facebook.

“ Yes, this very long journey is over, demonstrating how credible, respectful and knowledgeable advocacy is powerful, and I thank everyone who has contributed.”

The proposal was met with backlash from conservationists and residents of the area, who raised multiple concerns including that it would lock members of the public out from some parts of the park.

A Tourism Department spokesman said it was “disappointed not to realise the original vision” but it remained focused on protecting and showcasing the “unique” tourism offerings of the park.

“The Queensland Government has worked closely with the preferred proponent and Traditional Owners, the Kabi Kabi people, over the past four years to take this project forward,” the spokesman said.

“The state is disappointed not to realise the original vision, but our commitment to protecting and showcasing the distinctive beauty and ecology of the Great Sandy National Park and the unique tourism opportunity it presents to the region and Traditional Owners remains strong.”

The spokesman said he could not give further details as negotiations over the project were “commercial in confidence”.

The termination on the proposal was announced shortly before public submissions closed for feedback on the proposed Cooloola Recreation Area Management plan.

A sustainability report and government response released in May revealed vehicle access purchases (or permits) for the area increased by 29 per cent between the 2016-2017 and 2020-2021 financial years.

Submissions closed on Tuesday.

Originally published as Qld govt scraps Great Sandy National Park eco-cabin tourism plan