Minister signals rare intervention in Coochin Creek development
By Sonia Isaacs
QUEENSLAND’s Planning Minister is considering a rare ministerial intervention that could override Sunshine Coast Council to approve a contentious tourism development adjacent to internationally recognised wetlands.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, has issued a proposed ‘call-in’ notice for a development application lodged by Coochin Creek Property Pty Ltd — a company linked to the high-profile Comiskey family.
The call-in process, now under way, temporarily halts Sunshine Coast Council’s assessment of the proposal while the state determines whether to assume full control of the decision-making process.
If enacted, the minister would become the final decision-maker, with no further right of appeal through the Planning and Environment Court.
The application is seeking to expand an existing permit for its Coochin Creek site on Roys Road, increasing capacity to 150 tourist accommodation sites and includes new recreational facilities and operational works.
The 43-hectare site borders the Ramsar-listed Pumicestone Passage and lies within protected zones under the ShapingSEQ 2023 regional plan, including the Moreton Bay–Sunshine Coast Northern Inter-Urban Break and the Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area.
A spokesperson for Minister Bleijie said the proposed call-in reflects the need for closer scrutiny of the development’s implications for state interests.
“The proposed call-in notice has been issued to seek further detail on the potential development impacts relating to Queensland Government state interests,” the spokesperson said.
“Through this process, the Queensland Government will review the additional information provided by the proponent and community stakeholders received from public consultation.”
Ministerial call-ins are reserved for projects considered to have significant economic or environmental consequences.
Their use is infrequent and typically triggered only when a development may affect broader state planning priorities.
Sunshine Coast Council has strongly opposed the proposal, citing concerns about scale and environmental impacts, including noise, lighting, waste and water quality, and warning of risks to the adjacent sensitive ecological zones.
By contrast, the developer argues the expansion will meet rising tourism demand and contribute to the regional economy, given the site’s proximity to key destinations including Moreton Bay Marine Park and Bribie Island National Park.
“We welcome the Minister’s consideration of the proposed call-in for Coochin Creek Holiday Resort and look forward to engaging in the process in the coming months,” Coochin Creek Property director, Rob Comiskey, said.
The Comiskey Group owns and operates several high-profile hospitality venues across Queensland, including Sandstone Point Hotel, The Doonan, and Eatons Hill Tavern.
Supporting material submitted with the application argues the land is not critical for agricultural use and the proposal aligns with regional tourism strategies.
The public has until May 23 to lodge submissions on whether the proposal justifies state intervention and whether ministerial powers should be exercised.
The proposed call-in was announced on April 22, the same day the State Assessment and Referral Agency issued a separate ruling rejecting another Comiskey proposal — a 150-hectare outdoor events and music festival site at Coochin Fields, also on Roys Road.
sonia@gcnews.com.au
