Controversial 150-site 'eco-tourism' project approved for Queensland
The state government approves a 150-site tourist park with 95 conditions despite ongoing environmental concerns from authorities and community groups.
The state government has approved a 150-site tourist park on the Sunshine Coast with 95 conditions despite ongoing environmental concerns from authorities and community groups.
The Comiskey Group submitted two development applications to the Sunshine Coast Council in 2022 for a $35 million music festival and tourist park at Coochin Creek, 6 kilometres east of the Bruce Highway.
Sunshine Coast Council previously expressed concerns about potential bushfire risks, traffic problems, and the environmental impact of hosting large-scale festivals.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie called in the application for the site in July.
The state government has green-lit a 150-site tourist park for Coochin Creek (ABC News: Madeline Grace)
On Thursday, Mr Bleijie announced the approval for the tourist park section of the application, a 43-hectare site proposing 75 cabins and 75 campsites.
"It's beneficial for Queensland, beneficial for the Sunshine Coast, beneficial for jobs and economic opportunity and prosperity and our small business community and also creating a tourist and ecotourism environment right here on the Sunshine Coast," he said.
Mr Bleijie said the decision was made after "rigorous consultation" and "aligned with the state government's Destination 2045 tourism strategy.
He said he was still assessing the application for the festival site.
A map of the Coochin Creek tourist park (ABC News: Madeline Grace)
Spanning approximately 22 football fields in its entirety, the proposed festival site, known as Coochin Fields, would be one of the largest in Australia if approved.
The Comiskey Group — which developed the Sandstone Point Hotel near Bribie Island and The Doonan near Noosa — said it planned to host "Coachella-style" events and lifestyle exhibitions, including camping and caravanning shows at Coochin Fields.
Tourist park details
Comiskey Group director David Comiskey said they planned to inject $35 million into the approved tourist park and were not concerned if more funds were needed.
He said the Sandstone Point Hotel cost the group about 30 per cent more than what was predicted.