Developer lodges formal response to advance Coochin Fields mega event site plan
By Sonia Isaacs
THE Comiskey Group says its proposed Coochin Creek festival and events venue could generate over $95m in visitor expenditure and 277,000 visitor nights annually in its response to an information request from the state government.
The request by Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie follows his decision to call-in the project after the Sunshine Coast Council questioned its viability.
If successful the venue would hold up to eight events annually, hosting up to 35,000 patrons a day.
The developer’s November 5 submission outlined how the project would deliver strong economic and community benefits while protecting the sensitive Northern Inter-Urban Break (NIUB), the environmental buffer separating Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
According to the submission, the venue could contribute $95.1 million in visitor expenditure and attract 277,000 visitor nights annually.
In its submission, Coochin Creek Property Pty Ltd argued the project aligned with Queensland’s Tourism 2045 Strategy, supporting the goal of doubling tourism spend and developing a $4bn annual event calendar.
The Comiskey Group stated the $35 million project could generate $71.3 million annually in Gross Regional Product and create 682 full-time equivalent jobs for the Sunshine Coast economy. The group says the site could deliver a “Coachella-style” experience and become a cornerstone of Queensland’s tourism industry. The proposal, known as Coochin Fields, aims to transform a 150-hectare rural property at 1641 Roys Road, Coochin Creek, into a world-class outdoor venue able to host up to six large-scale music festivals and exhibitions each year.
Mr Bleijie, who “called in” the project in July, described the proposal as a “major tourism and economic opportunity” for the region but noted that “significant social and environmental matters” would need careful consideration before any approval.
To address environmental concerns, the developers propose a low-frequency, high-quality operation, replacing existing turf and strawberry farming that they claim posed runoff risks to the nearby Ramsar-listed Pumicestone Passage.
The developers said its plan included extensive revegetation, landscaping, and creation of ecological corridors, resulting in a net gain of native habitat.
The site would remain largely undeveloped and operate as open space or nature reserve for more than 330 days a year.
Strict operating controls are proposed, including a 9am–10pm event curfew, inward-facing stages, and directional sound technology to minimise noise impacts.
Temporary mobile water and wastewater facilities would be brought onsite for events to avoid the need for permanent utilities.
Despite these assurances, community and environmental groups continue to oppose the project, citing conflicts with NIUB protections, potential biodiversity impacts, fire risks, and traffic concerns.
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