A coalition of community and environmental groups has raised concerns after the deputy premier approved amendments to development conditions for a Sunshine Coast tourist park.
The collective issued a statement after Jarrod Bleijie signed off on changes affecting the Comiskey Group’s Big4+ Tourist Park at Coochin Creek.
The statement said there is “deep concern” for the area.
The coalition highlighted “weakened conditions”, including the removal of a cap on the number of people accommodated on site (previously limited to 600 persons based on 75 cabins and 75 campsites).
But Mr Bleijie said the development will help “unlock tourism”, create jobs and support local communities.
He also said the project will go ahead with “strong safeguards” to protect the environment and visitors.
The development application was called-in by Mr Bleijie last year, giving him the power to decide on it, and it was subsequently approved in January.
The Comiskey Group then requested changes in March. Some of those were approved this month. The developer’s application for a nearby festival site was also successful in February.
The coalition has raised concerns over changes to operational controls such as water supply, bushfire and flood risk management, traffic impacts and amplified music limits, along with increased noise, light, litter and disturbance to wildlife, including threatened species.
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The group also flagged expanded site use and operational intensity, reduced ecological buffers, potential encroachment into riparian, mangrove and wetland areas, approval of unrestricted helicopter use beyond emergency purposes, and a risk to matters of national environmental significance.
“The practical effect of the changes will further increase pressure on crucial ecosystems and significantly impact the peaceful amenity of the area,” the coalition stated.
“The coalition stresses that even small changes to conditions will have significant cumulative impacts on the sensitive coastal and wetland environments of this location – particularly when combined with the Comiskey’s associated mega music festival and exhibition development nearby.”
The coalition stated that environmental, safety, traffic and operational concerns already existed after the tourist park was initially approved, and that there had been objections from members of the community and the Sunshine Coast Council as the ‘affected entity’.
The coalition, which includes 10 local groups, stated that it was “alarmed” that the approved changes were “not supported by updated assessments or cumulative impact analysis” and said the ministerial call-in process “provides no opportunity for community input or objection.”
The collective also called for a federal assessment, including the referral of both projects under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act for independent assessment.
A coalition spokesperson said there are planning integrity issues.
“This is not just about one development.”
“It raises broader questions about how major development applications are being assessed and how fundamental approval conditions are enforced – particularly when those conditions are subsequently changed at the request of the developer to the planning minister.
“Communities should have confidence that essential safety and critical environmental safeguards, especially in areas of national significance, are robust, transparent and upheld over time.”
Mr Bleijie said the tourist park will be a boon for the state.
“The Crisafulli Government is unlocking ecotourism across Queensland to create future jobs, support local communities, and unlock new opportunities for operators,” he said.
“Queensland’s tourism future depended on projects like this.”
Mr Bleijie said the project will have relatively minimal impact on its natural surrounds.
“Coochin Creek will proceed with strong safeguards in place to protect the environment and ensure visitor safety, while supporting jobs and tourism growth,” he said.
“This decision was made after a rigorous process that considered expert advice and community input.”
The approval included 95 conditions.
Sunshine Coast News has contacted the council and The Comiskey Group for comment.
The council objected to several changes, as an ‘Affected Entity’ in March, including the removal of the cap on attendance numbers and the allowance of helicopter use other than for emergencies.
Coochin Creek Property Pty Ltd, which is linked to the Comiskey Group, stated via its ‘minor change’ application that the initial cap of 600 overnight guests was not necessary because numbers are already restricted by the limit of 75 cabins and 75 campsites.
“Limiting the number of approved sites offers a clear, measurable and enforceable control, whereas attempting to estimate or monitor the number of persons occupying the site introduces unnecessary complexity and uncertainty,” it stated.
Comiskey Group director David Comiskey spruiked the development after it was approved earlier this year.
“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.”
The project has also been backed by Visit Sunshine Coast and the Sunshine Coast Business Council.
