By Sonia Isaacs
OWNERS of 100 Acre Estate, Conondale are moving to formalise a small-scale nature-based tourism operation on their 40-hectare property at 150 Grigor Road.
John and Tenille Strano, through PSA Consulting, have lodged a development application for five existing campsites and three new self-contained one-bedroom cabins.
Each cabin includes a bedroom, living area, kitchen and bathroom, designed for an immersive bush experience.
The application follows a Sunshine Coast Council compliance investigation after the property was flagged in June 2025 for operating camping facilities without a Development Permit.
Council had warned a Show Cause Notice could be issued unless the owners lodged an application.
The proposal integrates tourism with ongoing cattle grazing, keeping the farm’s rural character intact. Visitors could enjoy surrounding bushland with low-impact activities such as bird watching, creek swimming, and nature walks.
Planning reports state the project is small-scale and low-impact. No native vegetation clearing is required, and the proposed cabins and campsites sit safely outside flood, bushfire, and high landslide hazard areas.
Because the property lacks town water and sewer, the cabins would rely on rainwater tanks and an on-site septic system, with stormwater managed via cut-off swales.
Consultants say the development meets all Planning Scheme benchmarks and is unlikely to cause significant impacts on surrounding rural and environmental values.
Council has noted a technical issue: combining a camping ground with three cabins makes the application impact-assessable rather than code-assessable.
The Stranos, with PSA Consulting, must update their application and pay the higher fee by January 27 2026, or it will be considered invalid.
If approved, the project would let visitors experience Conondale’s natural landscape while supporting the working farm, offering tourism that complements rather than replaces rural activity.