By Sonia Isaacs
Queensland Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie has officially called in the controversial Coochin Creek Tourist Park development, assuming state control over the application and halting Sunshine Coast Council’s assessment process.
The proposed development at 1807 Roys Road, Coochin Creek, seeks a change to an existing 2023 approval, expanding from a nature-based camping facility to a larger tourist park with 150 sites—75 cabins, 75 campsites—and ancillary recreational facilities on the 43-hectare site, formerly used for strawberry farming.
The application, lodged by Coochin Creek Property Pty Ltd—a company linked to the Comiskey family—was properly made on October 25 2024. A proposed call-in notice was issued on April 22, with Minister Bleijie inviting public submissions on whether the project involved state interests. He received 21 representations by the May 23 deadline, raising a range of views from ecological protection to regional economic benefit.
On June 11, Mr Bleijie exercised his powers under section 91 of the Planning Act 2016, confirming that the project likely involves both economic and environmental state interests.
In his statement, Mr Bleijie cited Queensland’s recently released Destination 2045 tourism strategy, highlighting tourism’s $37.6 billion contribution to Gross State Product and support for over 65,000 businesses. “Tourism is of strategic importance to the State,” he said, noting the potential job creation and visitor spend the project could bring.
However, environmental concerns remain prominent. The site borders the Ramsar-listed Pumicestone Passage and lies within protected areas under the ShapingSEQ 2023 regional plan, including the Northern Inter-Urban Break. Conservation groups and some residents argue the project risks undermining environmental protections for the sensitive wetland corridor.
“The call-in process will provide me an opportunity to undertake a comprehensive assessment and ensure all matters relevant to the proposed development are fully considered,” Mr Bleijie said.
Should the state ultimately approve the project, the minister would act as the final decision-maker. No further appeals would be available through the Planning and Environment Court.