By Sonia Isaacs
Coochin Creek Property Pty Ltd, a company linked to the high-profile Comiskey family has defended its proposed 150-site “Eco Park” at 1807 Roys Road, Coochin Creek, submitting a comprehensive response to a State Minister’s Information Request on October 8. The submission, addressed to Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, seeks to advance an application for an “Other Change to an Existing Approval” to establish a Tourist Park featuring 75 cabins and 75 camp sites.
The Comiskey Group, known for large-scale entertainment and hospitality projects such as Eatons Hill Hotel and Sandstone Point Hotel, is behind the proposal through its associated company, Coochin Creek Property Pty Ltd.
The response, prepared by Murray & Associates (QLD) Pty Ltd, addresses major planning concerns raised by the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA), particularly the site’s location within the Northern Inter-Urban Break (NIUB), a protected green belt designed to preserve open space between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane’s northern urban growth front.
The developer argues the proposed Eco Park aligns with the intent of the NIUB by maintaining a non-urban character while enhancing the area’s environmental values through extensive revegetation, landscaping, and the removal of contaminants from its previous use as an intensive strawberry farm. The proposal is framed as a low-impact, nature-based tourism venture that supports regional tourism and economic development.
Although outside a designated tourism focus area, the applicant says the site’s proximity to the Pumicestone Passage National Park provides “unique locational attributes” justifying the project. Economic modelling forecasts over $34 million in new visitor expenditure annually, attracting 20,350 additional visitors each year, while creating 94 local jobs during construction and 164 ongoing operational roles.
To mitigate environmental concerns — particularly regarding the adjacent Pumicestone Passage and National Park — the developer proposes confining the built footprint to already disturbed land, maintaining at least 50-metre setbacks from the passage. Strict operational controls include prohibiting dogs and other domestic animals, and limiting water-based recreation to low-impact, non-motorised activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding, using existing jetty and ramp facilities.
In response to concerns about density within the Rural Zone, the submission emphasises the park’s low intensity, with one site per 1300 square metres of developable land — substantially lower than standard tourist park densities.
However, environmental and community groups remain strongly opposed. Northern Inter Urban Break Integrity Association Inc. (NIUBIAI) spokesperson Sue Diserens said the proposal conflicts with the region’s planning protections.
“In August 2025, the State Government’s own independent planning assessment agency concluded there are no unique features of the proposed Big4-style Tourist Park, nor any compelling public interest grounds that justify its location within the Northern Inter-Urban Break,” Ms Diserens said.
“Green belts exist for a reason, and this one is no exception. The area adjacent to the Pumicestone Passage is ecologically unique and internationally recognised for its environmental value. Its protection depends on the continued enforcement of Queensland’s planning laws.”
Ms Diserens said the association would review the developer’s response and make a formal submission to the Planning Minister when public consultation opens.
Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC) spokesperson Narelle McCarthy said her organisation also remains cautious. “We’ll be taking a close look at the documents that have been provided as part of the information response,” she said. “We continue to maintain concerns about the location and the use.”
The developer’s submission includes 14 supporting technical reports covering hydrology, effluent disposal, and bushfire management. With the information response now lodged, the project will move into the public notification stage of the application process.
