By Sonia Isaacs
THE Federal Government is being urged to reject a proposed 35,000-capacity festival venue at Coochin Fields on the Pumicestone Passage, despite the project receiving state approval last week.
The Queensland Government approved the Comiskey Group’s Coochin Fields development following a controversial ministerial call-in by Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie late last year.
While the approval includes environmental conditions, community and conservation groups say the project poses unacceptable risks to the Ramsar-listed wetlands and surrounding habitat.
Take Action for Pumicestone Passage (TAPP Inc.) has criticised the decision, warning the site threatens the internationally recognised values of the Passage and adjacent wetlands.
The proposed venue, capable of hosting up to 35,000 people per day, sits within the Northern Inter-Urban Break (NIUB), a long-standing greenbelt intended to safeguard wildlife habitat, maintain regional separation and protect the landscape character of the area.
“While the state has approved this project, federal environmental law still requires assessment under the EPBC Act,” TAPP president Renay Wells said.
“We will call on Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt to ensure the proposal is properly referred and assessed before any works commence.”
The Sunshine Coast Environment Council echoed those concerns, pointing to potential impacts on migratory shorebirds, threatened species and other nationally significant environmental values.
Spokesperson Narelle McCarthy said state-imposed conditions did not fully address light, noise, traffic or sanitation impacts, leaving questions about how safeguards would operate in practice.
Community opposition has been significant, with more than 7,000 residents signing petitions and hundreds of submissions raising concerns about bushfire risk, flooding, traffic congestion and public safety.
Environmental advocates have also criticised recent amendments to the Planning Regulation 2017 and the reinstatement of developer political donations, arguing they weaken long-standing protections for the NIUB.
Supporters, including Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton, say the festival represents an opportunity for the region.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our community,” Ms Morton said. “We’ve had to travel to Brisbane or other locations for large-scale events, but now we can enjoy them here. It also brings visitors to the region, which supports local businesses and jobs.”
The Comiskey Group has described Coochin Fields as a major investment in the Sunshine Coast’s events infrastructure and tourism sector.
Plans include temporary stages, facilities and on-site services designed to accommodate large crowds, with proponents highlighting potential economic benefits for hospitality and local operators.
Sunshine Coast Council clarified it retains key responsibilities despite the state approval.
In a statement, a council spokesperson said the Minister’s conditions require a range of reports and management documents to be prepared and submitted to council, including plans relating to bushfire, lighting, construction and noise.
The spokesperson said the developer would be responsible for all costs associated with any required upgrades to Roys Road East and associated local road infrastructure.
Council would monitor compliance for matters within its jurisdiction through inspections and audits during construction, as well as ongoing oversight where responsibility has been assigned under the Ministerial decision.
While state approval has been granted, opponents maintain federal assessment under the EPBC Act remains essential.
They say this step is essential to fully consider the potential effects on wetlands, migratory species, and other matters of national environmental significance.
