Planning Minister’s move sparks backlash over potential Ramsar site risk
By Sonia Isaacs
ENVIRONMENTAL groups have slammed Queensland Planning Minister, Jarrod Bleijie, over a proposed intervention in a contentious tourism development at Coochin Creek near the Ramsar-listed Pumicestone Passage on the Sunshine Coast.
Mr Bleijie, who is also the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, has issued a proposed call-in notice for a development by Coochin Creek Property Pty Ltd, a company linked to the prominent Comiskey family.
Critics say the government’s move bypasses local planning processes and threatens ecological values in one of southeast Queensland’s most sensitive environments.
“This proposed call-in by the Planning Minister is an extraordinary intervention in the planning process and clearly not in the public interest,” Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC) Advocacy and Engagement Manager, Narelle McCarthy said.
“Multiple extensions have already been granted to the proponent to respond to a comprehensive information request from Council, and the Minister’s own agency, SARA, had agreed to extend the timeline to mid-June.
“There is no justification for this objectionable precedent.”
Ms McCarthy argued that the proposed intervention could erode public confidence in the planning system and “undermine the ability of local government to undertake proper assessment.”
The developer is seeking to increase the number of sites from 100 to 150 on the 43-hectare property, which borders internationally recognised Ramsar wetlands and was formerly used for strawberry farming and turf production along Coochin Creek.
Council has flagged that the proposal appears to shift the site’s focus from nature-based tourism to urban-style recreation—potentially undermining the basis of original approvals and posing environmental risks.
The land falls within zones protected under the ShapingSEQ 2023 regional plan, including the Northern Inter-Urban Break and the Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area.
Queensland Conservation Council Director, Dave Copeman, said the organisation is “very concerned” and supports SCEC’s opposition.
“Ministerial call-ins should not be used to fast-track development in areas identified for protection under the SEQ regional plan, no matter how prominent or well-connected the proponent is,” he said.
“The Pumicestone Passage is too precious an environment to be recklessly endangered.”
Call-in documents acknowledge the proposal “is of a scale and intensity that may have the potential to adversely impact on ecologically important areas adjacent to the site”.
Take Action for Pumicestone Passage (TAPP) President, Ken Mewburn OAM, said the site was “poorly located, disconnected from other tourist destinations, and accessed by a marginal road probably unsuitable for the increased traffic”.
“This development risks offering limited economic benefit to the broader region while increasing environmental pressure on the Passage,” Mr Mewburn said.
“If a call-in proceeds, it could relieve the proponent of important council requirements and further erode safeguards for the Passage and its environs.”
In contrast, Caloundra MP Kendall Morton, has thrown her full support behind the development.
“This development is a great opportunity for our region,” Ms Morton said.
“We’re lacking in short-term and holiday accommodation, and this investment brings jobs, visitors, and vitality to the area.”
She said its past agricultural use involved pesticide runoff, while the proposed transformation would “enhance the area’s sustainability and liveability”.
“We need these kinds of offerings in Caloundra to ensure we remain a vibrant, liveable region,” she said, adding all levels of government must work with developers to ensure the project is the “right fit” for the community.
Public submissions on the proposed ministerial call-in are open until May 23 at www.planning.qld.gov.au/planning-framework/development-assessment/ministerial-call-ins