A petition supporting controversial plans for a music festival site that could welcome 35,000 patrons a day has been launched.
It comes as more than two dozen Coochin Creek residents have gathered to meet with representatives from community and environmental organisations to raise serious concerns about the impacts of the Coochin Fields proposal, as well as plans for 150-site tourist park development nearby.
The public consultation period is now open for the Comiskey Group’s proposed festival site, which seeks to host a maximum of six events per year at the 150-hectare site off Roys Road.
The application, which was initially was submitted in October 2023, was “called in” by Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie in July, meaning he will determine the fate of the project instead of Sunshine Coast Council, and that his decision cannot be appealed.
The State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) has evaluated the plans and found “there is not an overriding need in the public interest for the proposed development”, which is near the Pumicestone Passage and within the Northern Inter-Urban Break.
But the online petition, which was created on November 12, argues approval of the proposal would address challenges like limited employment opportunities and a lack of diverse entertainment venues.
“This initiative promises to transform our community by creating new jobs, invigorating local businesses and boosting tourism, infusing our economy with much-needed vitality,” states the petition, which has surpassed 50 signatures.
“The proposed tourist park will not only provide fun and leisure facilities for families and tourists alike, but could also host big-name acts, drawing attention to our town and enhancing our cultural offerings. Moreover, by increasing the volume of tourists and visitors, local businesses will thrive, fostering a vibrant economic ecosystem that benefits everyone.
“However, amid the promise of growth and prosperity, negativity surrounds this development. Concerns have been voiced about potential environmental impacts and changes to the community landscape. It is crucial to address these concerns head-on, perhaps by implementing eco-friendly practices and ensuring that the development respects the natural beauty of our beloved region.
“With thoughtful planning and community engagement, the tourist park can set a benchmark for sustainable development.”
The residents, who met with the community coalition at Roys Road, spoke about their concerns over emergency access during floods and bushfires, traffic congestion on the single-lane rural road, noise impacts, risks to local wildlife and the cumulative pressure on the Ramsar-listed Pumicestone Passage.
A media release from the coalition – which has its own online petition with more than 5500 signatures – said long-term residents provided first-hand stories of past flooding, historic waterflow patterns and the limitations of the area’s single, narrow evacuation corridor.
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Coochin Creek resident Shannan Roy said the turnout showed how deeply people cared about the area.
“I want to be clear – I work in earthmoving and I’m not anti-development. Progress is important, and we need to cater to a wide range of interests. But development must be responsible, and it must be in the right places. Coochin Creek is simply not the right place for these two proposals,” he said.
Sunshine Coast Environment Council advocacy and engagement manager Narelle McCarthy said the issue was at a “critical crossroads”.
“The Northern Inter-Urban Break and the Pumicestone Passage deliver enormous environmental, cultural, recreational, economic, social and tourism benefits. These must not be put at risk by developments that simply do not align with – and indeed threaten – the very values these areas exist to protect and preserve for everyone into the future,” she said.
“SCEC again calls on the Deputy Premier to refuse this application in the best interests of the region and good, sustainable planning.”
SARA’s response to the application raised concerns about the planned festival site, saying it did not consider the development necessary for the community.
“SARA does not believe there will be a significant adverse economic, social or environmental impact on the community if the proposed outdoor sport and recreation use is not developed,” it said in its response in September.
But the petition says the proposal could unlock the “immense potential this area holds”.
“South Caloundra deserves to flourish and be celebrated for all its potential. Let’s show our support for this dynamic change and embrace the exciting possibilities it brings,” it says.
“By signing this petition, you lend your voice to a future where our community can thrive with diverse opportunities while safeguarding the essence of what makes South Caloundra unique.”
A spokesperson for Mr Bleijie has previously told Sunshine Coast News that the call-in process ensured all relevant state interests – environmental, economic and community – were thoroughly evaluated before a final decision was made.
The public notification period on the Coochin Fields proposal opened on November 17 and closes on December 8. To make a submission click here.
