Government appeal support “to protect our tourism needs”
By Sonia Isaacs
THE State Government has confirmed it is backing a luxury development proposal in Maleny that had been rejected by the Sunshine Coast Council, saying it was vital for the state’s long-term regional tourism plan.
A spokesperson for the Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Jarrod Bleijie told GC&M News the minister was backing the appellant Presidential Capital Pty Ltd through the Planning and Environment Court.
Presidential and its director, Geoffrey Thomas, is seeking to construct a 38-unit luxury short-term accommodation facility on the site of Maleny Manor, located at 862 and 894 Landsborough–Maleny Road, Bald Knob.
Council voted to refuse the application in January, with seven councillors against and four in favour.
The refusal cited concerns including scenic impact, inappropriate urban scale for the rural zone, and significant earthworks.
Local Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston and Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick supported the project.
On March 5, Presidential appealed the decision to the P&E Court.
Records show that on April 15 Presidential’s lawyers asked Mr Bleijie to ‘call in’ the project but the request was ultimately not acted upon.
On April 28, Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, wrote to Mr Bleijie raising his concerns about the shortage of short-term accommodation in the Maleny region and describing the proposed development as being “aligned with the economic and tourism goals of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland”.
“I sincerely hope that we, as a State Government, will take an interest in this development and support the appeal process, playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth and delivering lasting benefit to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland,” Mr Powell wrote.
He further stated: “As we approach the 2032 Olympics, the spotlight on regional tourism will only intensify.
The hinterland will become a hotspot for both domestic and international visitors alike.”
The Government has since applied to join the court appeal as a party, aligning itself with Presidential and indicating broader state interest in the outcome of the case.
Speaking with GC&M News, a spokesperson for Mr Bleijie said: “The Crisafulli Government is working to boost accommodation and grow eco-tourism offerings across Queensland as part of our visionary 20-year tourism plan.
The State has not overridden the local council.
The State is seeking leave to appear in court to protect our tourism interests.”
The proposed development includes luxury short-term accommodation and associated infrastructure on the Maleny Manor property, which currently operates as a wedding venue.
According to Presidential, the resort would help meet increasing demand for high-end tourist accommodation in the hinterland region.
Mr Powell said the development would help address the current shortage of visitor accommodation and increase the average stay of “high-yield tourists,” thereby boosting the local economy across multiple sectors — including hospitality, retail, and transport.
He added that it would also “provide significant employment opportunities, strengthen Maleny’s ability to host larger-scale events, enhance international appeal, and support the diversification of tourism”.
Speaking with GC&M News, Mr Powell stressed the urgency of the issue.
“There’s no question we face a serious shortage of overnight accommodation in the hinterland,” he said.
He noted that local representatives were united in their support for the proposal.
“My understanding is that my local councillors supported the project and still do,” he said.
“I’m on a unity ticket with them.”
“The decision maker now is the Planning and Environment Court,” he said.
Cr Johnston, who represents the division, said he was surprised by the State’s involvement.
“I argued strongly in favour of the development at the Ordinary Meeting and was naturally disappointed it was narrowly defeated,” he said.
“However, I am surprised that the State has gotten involved in the P&E court appeal.”
The project has drawn objections from some local residents and business owners.
Jan Hawley, who owns Maleny Views Motel directly across the road from the proposed development site, said she was concerned about the impact of construction and the potential loss of scenic views.
“I was devastated to discover the State Government will now be backing the development,” she said.
Ms Hawley said her business may be affected by the 18-month construction period.
“We’ll have 18 months of [negative] reviews.
I’m not sure there’ll be much of a business left.”
She also said the development could alter the character of the area.
“People come to Maleny because they love it as it is.
It’s quaint, it’s beautiful.”
No hearing date has been set.