The public notification period for a proposed expansion to a nature-based tourist park is drawing to a close.
Feedback on plans for Kookaburra Park at Cambroon is open until May 8, before the local council assesses submissions and determines the application.
The proposal is for 42 camping sites, three cabins, a cafe and a wedding venue.
A report by Danya Cook Town Planning, on behalf of Kookaburra Park Property Pty Ltd, which is directed by Adam and Emma Dickson, says the application seeks to formalise and expand upon existing use of the site at 2951 Maleny Kenilworth Road.
An updated management plan says the business’ mission statement is “to create our favourite place in the world that becomes our guests’ favourite place in the world”.
“Kookaburra Park is a place for families to have good old-fashioned fun in the fresh Mary Valley air with plenty of space and room to run around … to interact with nature and the rescue animals, swim in a river, learn about ways to reduce our impact on the earth, how to start a campfire (and) walk to the top of a valley and appreciate the view.
“The proposed plan has clear community, social, economic and environmental benefits.”
The facility was established in the 1960s and was previously called Cambroon Caravan Park. It has had multiple owners. The Dicksons purchased the site in 2019 and revamped it, and long-term residents were moved on.
The management plan says the park historically operated with 36 sites plus up to 6 cabins, though currently licensed for 12 sites, with a mix of powered sites, unpowered camping, and cabins.
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“This development application seeks to expand the use from 12 sites to 40 sites, one existing cabin and two proposed cabins with the remainder a mix of powered/unpowered sites, one existing toilet block and one proposed new toilet block, and a complete new wastewater treatment plant.”
The proposal also involves the establishment of a coffee shop, “servicing the local area and tourism route”, with goods mainly sourced locally.
The planned wedding venue has been dubbed ‘The Barn’ and could cater for a capacity of 150 people.
“We adore that we can share our favourite place in the world with couples who choose to celebrate this milestone here on the property,” the management plan says.
“The Barn is in the middle of the property, away from neighbours. Hedges were planted years ago after consultation with a screening specialist … (for) sound buffering.”
“The proposed new coffee shop and wedding function space are to be established in existing buildings.
“No earthworks or clearing of native trees is required for any part of this development application.”
The management plan provided possible attendance figures.
“This proposed development anticipates a realistic average of 120 people onsite when open, with a maximum number of 250 to factor in public holiday peak times, day visitors and a growing need for staff to operate as the scope of the park increases.”
The report states that about 45 acres of the property has been left as private nature reserve “to promote environment awareness and appreciation”. There are also walking trails, a rescued animals feeding program, a recycling program and revegetation plans including plant a tree days.
Sunshine Coast News has reached out to Kookaburra Park for further comments.
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.
