Final days for public submission on Coochin Creek tourist development
By Sonia Isaacs
A COALITION of 10 community organisations is urging Sunshine Coast residents to make submissions before the November 17 deadline for the controversial Coochin Creek Tourist Park development.
The narrow consultation window follows a Ministerial Call-In by Deputy Premier and Planning Minister, Jarrod Bleijie, which bypassed usual local council assessment processes.
The Comiskey Group application put forward by Coochin Creek Property Pty Ltd, proposes a 150-site “Eco Park” at 1807 Roys Road, Coochin Creek.
Coalition spokespersons warn this is the community’s one and only opportunity to influence the decision, which cannot be appealed once made.
“Every submission counts and it helps determine whether planning decisions serve the public interest or private developers,” a spokesperson said.
Residents can access templates through coalition websites and social media pages.
Community concerns are wide-ranging. They include potential impacts on water quality and biodiversity in the Ramsar-listed Pumicestone Passage, threats to the Northern Inter-Urban Break (NIUB), inadequate fire safety and traffic infrastructure, and non-compliance with Queensland Planning Regulation 2017 and ShapingSEQ 2023.
Melva Hobson PSM, President of OSCAR Inc., said State Referal and Assessment Agency’s (SARA)prior assessment and recommended refusal of the project highlights “there is no overriding public need” for a development on this sensitive site.
Ms Hobson also cited fire risks along the 10km pine plantation stretch on Roys Road, classed as “High Potential Bushfire Intensity.”
Narelle McCarthy from Sunshine Coast Environment Council added that the applicant’s information response fails to address key environmental concerns, and that large-scale tourism developments threaten the natural character of the area.
“The region’s tourism appeal lies in preserving the natural amenity and integrity of our green belt and the Pumicestone Passage,” Ms McCarthy said
Other community leaders echoed these warnings. Claire Brown of Wildlife Queensland raised concern over threats to migratory shorebirds, while Elisa Weiser of the Caloundra Residents Association highlighted that SARA found no significant adverse economic or social impact if the development does not proceed.
Dylan Daley of the Northern Inter Urban Break Integrity Association warned approval would set a precedent for carving up the region’s green belt.
Local residents and advocacy groups, including Take Action for Pumicestone Passage and Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association, are calling on the Minister to respect expert advice and refuse the proposal, citing risks to water quality, wildlife, traffic safety, and local amenity.
Shannan Roy, a lifelong resident of Coochin Creek, said the Big4-style tourist park would irreversibly damage the peaceful rural area and damage the Ramsar-listed Pumicestone Passage.”
As someone whose family built Roys Road and farmed this land for generations, I can say with certainty this is the wrong place for this kind of development,” he said.
With the consultation period closing soon, the community is urged to formalise objections and safeguard the environment.
Submission informationis available via the Ministerial call-in page www.planning.qld.gov.au/planning-framework/development-assessment/ministerial-call-ins
The Comiskey Group were approached for comment.
sonia@gcnews.com.au
