A contentious plan for a 150-site tourist park has been given the green light by the state government.
The proposed Coochin Creek Tourist Park was approved after the development application was called in by Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie, overriding Sunshine Coast Council’s power to decide on the application, and providing him with decision-making authority that cannot be appealed.
Developer the Comiskey Group has also submitted plans for a nearby festival site, dubbed Coochin Fields, which could host six events per year. It is also being considered by Mr Bleijie.
The planned tourist park includes 75 cabins, 75 campsites, a pool, water park, tennis court, mini golf and jumping pillow on 43ha of former strawberry farm at the end of Roys Road.
It has drawn criticism from community groups, who formed a coalition to oppose the plans. The State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) also expressed concerns over the proposal, stating it was “of the view there is not an overriding need in the public interest for the proposed development”.
But the approval has been welcomed by the region’s leading tourism group, Visit Sunshine Coast, and Mr Bleijie said the decision reflected the state government’s commitment to unlock new ecotourism opportunities through responsible planning.
“The Crisafulli Government is taking decisive action to restore confidence and unlock economic opportunities across the region,” he said.
“Queensland’s tourism future depended on projects like this and Coochin Creek will proceed with strong safeguards in place to protect the environment and ensure visitor safety, while supporting jobs and tourism growth.
“Unlocking ecotourism across Queensland will create future jobs, support local communities, and unlock new opportunities for operators.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
“This decision was made after a rigorous process that considered expert advice and community input.
“The conditions we’ve imposed will ensure the project respects the unique environmental values of the area while delivering huge economic benefits for the Sunshine Coast region.”
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the state government was committed to unlocking Queensland’s potential for tourism.
“This decision reflects our landmark Destination 2045 strategy to support the tourism industry and deliver a better lifestyle to Queenslanders through a stronger economy,” he said.
“We want to see more low impact and high-quality ecotourism opportunities, and we will continue to work with the private sector and community to ensure Queensland is the number one destination in Australia.”
Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton welcomed the decision, highlighting its potential to transform the region’s tourism and economic landscape.
“This project is a game-changer for the Sunshine Coast,” she said.
“It will give our region the opportunity to boost ecotourism offerings and showcase our natural assets, attracting visitors who want an authentic experience.
“Beyond tourism, the economic ripple effect will be significant – creating jobs, supporting local businesses and driving growth across sectors.”
Comiskey Group director David Comiskey said the approval represented the culmination of a five-year planning and approvals process, and the company was pleased to move into construction.
“While we have drawn on our experience building, owning and operating the popular Sandstone Point Holiday Resort, Coochin Creek Tourist Park will be a unique destination in its own right, thoughtfully designed for its natural setting,” he said.
“The project will create local jobs, attract new visitors to the region and deliver a high-quality, family-friendly eco-tourism experience that showcases the Sunshine Coast.”
Sunshine Coast Business Council chair Sandy Zubrinich said tourism was a key sector supporting the regional economy.
“The Comiskey Group is internationally known for developing and operating some of Australia’s most successful and award-winning tourism venues and this development adds to the diversity and choice to attract tourists to the area,” she said.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said the announcement was a huge win for the tourism industry.
“The tourist park will deliver much-needed new accommodation for the region while also strengthening the Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a leading eco-tourism destination,” he said.
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
