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 for accountability, credibility and transparency. Preference will be given to letters of 100 words or less.
- Read the story: Controversial tourist park proposal approved
Ross Goodwin, Meridan Plains: The council was totally correct in the non-approval.
Carol Wood, Bongaree: I am devastated by this decision by the Deputy Premier to give this development the go ahead. The Pumicestone Passage is a world-renowned example of an untouched wetland necessary for the continuing welfare of the abundance of wildlife and migratory birds that inhabit the area. Destroy the habitat and the species is lost.
The description of eco-tourism is an enigma. I ask why the Commonwealth Government has not been included in this decision as this government has the responsibility of overseeing developments affecting Ramsar protected wetlands of national and international importance? Why sign up to a protection treaty if there is no intention to honour the intent of that treaty? There must be thousands of other sites in Queensland more suitable for a fun park instead of a highly-protected natural wetland.
It must be time to question the Commonwealth Government and also request a judicial review in the High Court of this destructive decision. It is definitely not in the best interests of the people of Queensland or indeed even wanted by a majority of concerned citizens and responsible local authorities. Do we live in a dictatorship or a democracy? Why does one individual have the power to go against the advice of all responsible departments and citizens and declare there is no right of appeal. The case of the people of Cleveland in Moreton Bay comes to mind. Tanya Plibesek at least had enough knowledge of the law to overrule the Queensland government on that one after a 10-year fight by local people. I pray that it may happen again and that this unique area in the Pumicestone Passage will survive for the benefit of coming generations of wildlife and people.
Lyn Rushby, Bribie Island: The Coochin Creek Tourist Park development was recommended for refusal by the state government’s own State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) in October 2025. The grounds were no significant adverse economic impact on the community and no requirement for the caravan park to be placed inside the Northern Inter Urban Break (NIUB). Well that’s pretty clear.
But wait. What’s this new amendment to the planning regulations introduced by the government on 28 November, 2025? There are now new changes to matters that tourism and recreation uses in the NIUB are to be assessed against. What a surprise!
Max, surname and location withheld: You can’t be serious. This is another important sensitive environmental area that this present state government doesn’t care about. They don’t believe in climate change and, going on their long time policies, we wouldn’t have many areas like this left if it wasn’t for caring protesters saving such places under threat.
- Read the story: Developer plans 18-storey tower on main road
Lynette Saxton, Yaroomba: The Noosa Shire Council recently refused a DA because it was 40cm over the allowable building height – and rightly so. The Sunshine Coast Council should do the same here. Developers need to adhere to the planning scheme.
Delysia Purcell, Maroochydore: We are opposed to the 18-storey proposed high rise on Aerodrome Road due to the height and intrusive nature for our area. The boundaries that were previously set was to maintain a standard set for Maroochydore and surrounding areas, while construction companies keep pushing the boundaries under the guise of needed housing. We do not want to become like the Gold Coast, overtaking the beauty of our Sunshine Coast.
Richard Williams, Moffat Beach: Yet another developer seeks to knowingly override council planning regulations (this time 50 per cent over the height limit). In spite of their claims to be meeting ‘community needs’ their only real motive is more profit. I hope the council will uphold its regulations designed to protect the community.
Nancy Duncan, Mooloolaba: A proposal for an 18-storey building in Aerodrome Road creates a dangerous precedent if adopted. Maintaining current high restrictions is crucial to keeping the Sunshine Coast’s residential culture as is. We do not support becoming a future big city CBD. Let’s stay ‘Sunshine Coast’ style and not a capital city style.
- Read the story: Court action launched over alleged unlawful clearing
Lynette Saxton, Yaroomba: Good on Noosa Council for pursuing this. Unfortunately, people like this, who have $20 million to spend, don’t really care if they get a fine or have to pay court costs because in the end the clearing has been done. Hopefully, the court will order that they have to revegetate with mature trees/plants.
- Read the stories: Next breakthrough closed, second dredge arrives and Upgrades ramp up along at-risk beach
Trev Hall, Kings Beach: With the Caloundra population growing rapidly and forecast to continue, both Kings Beach and the new Happy Valley Beach are required to accommodate summer beachgoers. Both beaches are well used and offer different wave actions depending on the winds.
Any money available for renovations to the Bribie breakaways should now be used to build up a high seawall along Golden Beach and fill in behind this wall with footpaths and recreation facilities. The Townsville seafront is a good example of a protected beach and great pedestrian facilities.
It will be detrimental to the Caloundra swimming community and beachgoers if the new Happy Valley Beach is destroyed for the sake of changing the current Pumicestone Passage outlet.
- Read the stories: Refresh of renowned shared street almost complete and Toilets remain closed as authorities trade blame
Diane Derby, Marcoola: I noticed with interest that it cost $600,000 to paint Ocean Street – hardly practical.
What would be practical would be to actually open the shower and bike facilities at Maroochydore bus depot that have been closed for approximately a year or more.
A tick of approval to the council that they actually opened the toilet block as it was also closed for a long time without anything being done. The council did mention it was closed due to vandalism.
There are many places in Australia that have bike and shower facilities open for public use. It’s time we did the same, otherwise why even build them.
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 for accountability, credibility and transparency. Preference will be given to letters of 100 words or less.
