A change to Christmas booking arrangements at council-managed holiday parks has sparked a petition from long-term holidaymakers, who say the new policy limits choice and disrupts long-standing traditions.
But Sunshine Coast Council says the approach aligns with industry standards and is designed to enhance the visitor experience and improve operations during the busiest time of year.
An email has been sent to users of Sunshine Coast Holiday Parks saying that, under the new arrangements, arrivals and departures will move from Saturdays to Mondays due to the structure of the 2026-27 public holidays.
The changes will be introduced from December 12 for the 2026-27 festive period, with the arrangements to possibly extend to 2027-28.
A petition opposing the changes has been launched, arguing the new policy unfairly limits holiday start dates and dictates the duration of stays.
It was created by Celeste Jones, who has been a long-time regular at Coolum Park Holiday Park.
“The proposal of set holiday blocks removes loyal patrons’ choice and disrupts family leave dates, small business operations and regulars who have faithfully prepaid the fees for a Coolum holiday over many years,” her petition states.
“As we understand it, the ability to choose your own start date is a reasonable expectation and standard practice in holiday accommodation. We feel that we are being told when we can holiday and are being forced to holiday elsewhere and not at our treasured Sunshine Coast destination.”
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The council runs the Coolum Beach, Mudjimba Beach, Cotton Tree, Maroochydore Beach, Mooloolaba Beach and Dicky Beach holiday parks.
A council spokesperson said the changes were intended to ensure a better experience for all guests.
“Booking blocks during the Christmas peak period are a consistent policy across Sunshine Coast Holiday Parks, not just Coolum Beach,” they said.
“This approach aligns with industry standards and helps to improve visitors’ experience and streamline park operations during the busiest time of year.
“The move to Monday arrivals and departures for the 2026-27 Christmas period reflects feedback from guests and operational needs, particularly around public holidays.
“Proposed booking blocks for 2027-28 are still under review and guests will be updated once a decision is made.
“Guests have been advised of the potential changes in advance to allow for planning. Park guests with specific needs or circumstances that do not align with the proposed booking blocks are encouraged to contact park management directly to discuss possible options.”
Ms Jones said she started the petition because of the confusion around the confirmed changes for 2026-27 and the proposed changes for 2027-28.
“The wording of the email referred to the changes as a proposal as well as a decision, which caused uncertainty and discouraged any engagement from park patrons regarding the policy and the proposal. We felt we had no other option but to formally petition the council,” she told Sunshine Coast News.
“We’ve been coming to Coolum for Christmas since 2009. We know other petition supporters have been holidaying here at Christmas for more than 30 years.
“Under the new blocks I won’t be able to take three weeks any longer, and being told which dates to start my leave is simply not possible. My sister is a small business operator and she cannot take leave before Christmas Day, which will exclude her and split family units. If we can’t take three weeks and are forced to take four weeks, someone will inevitably miss out.”
The email to park users says all current bookings have been amended in line with the new policy.
“This decision was not made lightly and is a necessary operational adjustment due to the structure of the calendar across the following years,” it said.
“We understand that change can be challenging and we ask that you work with us as we implement these updates. Please note that abusive behaviour toward our staff will not be tolerated and may affect future booking opportunities.”
Related story: Holiday park regulars ‘lose’ annual bookings
The petition, which was created on January 5, had more than 150 verified signatures at the time of publication and had attracted a slew of comments.
“We work until close of business Christmas Eve, usually we set up the weekend before. This change means we cannot set up until the night of the 24th. Additionally we will have to leave on the Sunday to be back at work on the Monday. This will affect many people who have to work through the Christmas period and disadvantages those workers. It unfairly discriminates against workers in industries and roles that are required over the Christmas period,” one said.
Another petitioner wrote: “Many people hire vans now via Camplify. Van owners are just mum and dad businesses who bring and then collect vans on their weekend. Moving to a Monday to Monday booking week will not work for van providers or holiday families. Also we come to Coolum every year in our work ‘shutdown’ period. Moving outside these dates as has been suggested with Monday to Monday bookings will no longer be possible unless we cut short our holiday. Please keep Saturday to Saturday bookings.”
Another comment said: “Not happy with dates for Christmas as they have changed dates to check in and out on a Monday. This is not going to work as I need to all go back to work. We lose out as we have to pay for this and lose a night. We would have to leave the Sunday. So many other holidaymakers agree. They should not be able to tell us when our holidays are.”
Ms Jones said she wanted the council to keep the status quo.
“There is already an efficient system in place that allows individuals to book for the dates they want, for the period they want, whilst knowing there is a minimum two weeks,” she said.
View the change.org petition here.
