Ministerial call-in for Coochin Creek Tourist park open for public comment
By Sonia Isaacs
A PROPOSED 150-site “Eco Park” at Coochin Creek has entered the public consultation phase, with developer signage now visible at the planned site on 1807 Roys Road.
The project, which seeks to establish a large-scale tourist park, has drawn both government and environmental scrutiny amid growing concern over development pressure within South East Queensland’s protected Northern Inter-Urban Break (NIUB).
The developer recently lodged a detailed response to the State Planning Minister’s Information Request, seeking to progress an “Other Change to an Existing Approval.”
The submission, addressed to Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Jarrod Bleijie, follows the Minister’s decision to “call in” the application earlier this year – citing potential state interests such as economic, tourism and environmental impacts.
Under the ministerial call-in powers, the project will bypass the standard Sunshine Coast Council assessment process. Instead, Mr Bleijie will make the final determination on whether the proposal proceeds.
The intervention has sparked alarm among environmental advocates, who argue the development could undermine longstanding protections for the NIUB, a key green corridor separating the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay urban footprints.
Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) CEO Dave Copeman warned that unchecked development risks fragmenting vital habitat for threatened species, including koalas.
“Our priority is getting planning right,” Mr Copeman said. “We know we have too little remaining forest to sustain key wildlife. If development continues unchecked, the unique biodiversity and natural character of the region are at risk.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell MP, said the LNP was committed to protecting the NIUB.
“By definition, the Northern Inter-Urban Break is a green space designed to preserve opportunities for agriculture, forestry, tourism and outdoor recreation,” he said.
“Its core values include water, biodiversity, amenity, culture, prosperity and community – and I remain committed to ensuring those values are upheld.”
Mr Copeman also said the QCC was also concerned by the possibility of weakened safeguards within the South East Queensland Regional Plan (SEQRP).
“If protections for the Inter-Urban Break are diluted, it will become increasingly difficult to maintain a healthy ecosystem,” he said. “We’re calling on leaders to ensure the environment comes first.”
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie confirmed the Crisafulli Government would be reviewing the SEQRP as part of a broader planning overhaul.
“The Crisafulli Government is developing new regional plans which cover every corner of the state, in conjunction with infrastructure plans that protect the lifestyle of our communities and appropriately cater for growth,” Mr Bleijie said.
“The Northern Inter-Urban Break within ShapingSEQ 2023 will be considered as part of the updated South East Queensland Regional Plan.”
Biodiversity Council co-chief councillor Professor Hugh Possingham, from the University of Queensland, said preserving natural corridors through responsible land use planning was essential to maintaining ecological resilience.
RMIT sustainability expert Professor Sarah Bekessy echoed that sentiment, warning that urban sprawl carries long-term environmental and social costs. “Expanding into greenfield areas pushes wildlife closer to extinction,” she said.
Submissions must be made in writing by November 17, 2025.