Proposed development approval likened to ‘Death by a thousand cuts’
By Sonia Isaacs
LOCAL environmental advocates are voicing concerns regarding the proposal to develop the Coochin Fields site for large-scale festival events, warning of potentially “devastating impacts for one of the Sunshine Coast’s most ecologically sensitive areas”.
Earlier this month, Queensland Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie called in the 150-hectare proposed development, making himself the final decision-maker if it’s approved, with no further appeals to the Planning and Environment Court.
In its preliminary assessment, Council noted that the proposed site, located within the Regional Inter-Urban Break (IUB), lies near the internationally recognised Pumicestone Passage wetland, borders critical wildlife habitats, flood-prone areas and bushfire-risk zones, raising serious concerns among conservationists and community groups.
Northern Inter-Urban Break Integrity Association president, Dylan Daley, warned that approving the development could set a dangerous precedent for future encroachments into protected environmental zones. He argued the development threatens the long-protected IUB—green space deliberately preserved to prevent urban sprawl between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
“This is death by a thousand cuts,” Mr Daley said. “Once you allow something like this through, it opens the door to further encroachments and erodes the integrity of the planning system.”
His primary concern centres on the integrity of the IUB, a preserved green space established by local councils and previous state governments.
Mr Daley pointed to multiple critical issues with the proposed development. “The site is fundamentally unsuitable,” he argued, highlighting significant safety and environmental challenges.
He said the remote location presents emergency evacuation concerns, particularly given the area’s bushfire risks and flood-prone landscape.
Mr Daley said the proposed site currently lacks critical infrastructure, with no public transport and limited road access. “How can 35,000 people safely evacuate in an emergency?” Mr Daley questioned.
He noted the existing road infrastructure is particularly problematic, with only a partial dual carriageway and significant road degradation.
Moreover, Mr Daley challenged the economic justification for the project. He noted the struggling music festival industry post-COVID, with major events like Splendour and Stereo Falls already cancelling. “This isn’t critical state infrastructure,” he argued, suggesting alternative venues that already exist.
He highlighted several existing festival sites that could accommodate such an event more safely and responsibly, such as the Big Pineapple site, Woodfordia, or Sirromet Winery.
Of particular concern, he said, was the potential future use of the land if the development proceeds. Mr Daley warned that rezoning the site could pave the way for it to be repurposed should the festival proposal fail, effectively circumventing existing planning safeguards.
“The planning legislation exists for good reasons,” Mr Daley said, describing the ministerial call-in of the project as concerning, with doubts raised about the motivation driving the proposal.
The Regional Inter-Urban Break (IUB) is a key element in Council’s planning scheme. In an official statement, Council reiterated its position: “Council continues to advocate for the protection of the whole of the Regional IUB from development that is incompatible with its values. Any further erosion of the IUB will significantly undermine its integrity as a regional greenspace and its inherent environmental, cultural and economic values.”
The Comiskey Group was approached for comment.
