By Sonia Isaacs
COOCHIN Creek residents recently gathered on Roys Road to raise escalating concerns about two major development proposals, a 150-site tourist park and the 155-hectare Coochin Fields festival and events precinct as pressure mounts ahead of key state planning decisions.
The meeting, held with regional community and environmental groups, came as public submissions close on December 8 for the festival site, which would host up to 35,000 people a day. Residents cited traffic congestion, flood and bushfire evacuation risks, noise, wildlife impacts and cumulative pressure on the Ramsar-listed Pumicestone Passage. Meanwhile, project proponent the Comiskey Group has launched an email campaign urging locals to send letters of support to the Deputy Premier, highlighting jobs, tourism spend and environmental rehabilitation. Both proposals sit with Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie, who has call-in powers to decide their future.
