Council refuses tourism project, says focus is on industrial growth
By Sonia Isaacs and Mitch Gaynor
BEERWAH is on track to expand its industrial footprint if council planners have their way, following a decision to reject a major tourist park proposal along Steve Irwin Way.
The decision has now set the stage for a court battle with tourism operator Beerwah Pines appealing to the Planning and Environment Court.
The Sunshine Coast Regional Council refused the venture to establish a tourist and campground on a 17.63-hectare site at 1286 Steve Irwin Way, arguing the land should be preserved for future industrial use.
The developer’s proposal, lodged in December 2023, sought to establish a tourist park with 11 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom cabins, camping sites, a pool, barbecues and playground areas.
However, council ruled last month that the development conflicted with the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme’s long term vision for Beerwah.
According to the council, the site forms part of the Beerwah “Further Investigation Area” – a strategic area identifi ed for potential employment and industrial expansion.
Council stated that allowing a tourist park would “consume and prematurely erode” future industrial capacity and diminish the region’s supply of “employment land outcomes”. Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick said the council understood the need to support tourism ventures, but said the site was not suitable.
“Beerwah has always been earmarked for industrial growth, but that doesn’t mean we can’t also support local enterprise and tourism,” Cr Broderick said.
“The site in question lacked safe, walkable access to the town centre.
“For tourism to succeed, visitors need to move easily between attractions, shops and cafés.”
The decision follows the rejection of a proposed Coles supermarket site on the intersection of SIW and Roys Rd, which is now home to industrial lots.
The ruling comes as the State Government becomes more involved in supporting local tourism developments, with Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie calling in two local projects at Coochin Creek: Coochin Fields and an adjacent tourist park, while also backing the Maleny Manor accommodation development.
In Beerwah, the controversial 2023 closure of the showgrounds for camping was met with concern about the lack of available camping facilities for tourists and the impact on the now struggling Simpson Street retail strip.
The Beerwah Pines refusal notice reiterates a long-held council belief that Beerwah must maintain a long-term supply of industrial land to meet regional employment demands and support future infrastructure needs.
Additional grounds for refusal included concerns about flooding, with the proposal involving cabins and walkways within a mapped fl oodplain, and inconsistency with the area’s designation as Good Quality Agricultural Land.
Beerwah Pines maintains that its proposal represents a suitable and appropriate use of the land, and would support local tourism and accommodation options near one of the region’s busiest visitor routes.
Local agri-business operator, Ann Ross, director of Hive Haven, says council’s decision to reject the Beerwah tourist park proposal – combined with the ongoing closure of the town’s campground could have far-reaching consequences for local tourism.
While acknowledging Beerwah’s long-term designation as an industrial hub, Ms Ross said she was disappointed by the decision.
“You can see the benefit of having accommodation close to local attractions – it brings people into the area and supports small business,” she said.
“I’d like to see the return on investment of an industrial area compared with promoting agri-tourism. Without accommodation, especially near the zoo, we’re discouraging visitors from staying longer.”
Cr Broderick said council was committed to a balanced approach to Beerwah’s future.
“Beerwah has always been designated as the business hub of Glass House Country, and that needs to include a balanced approach to both our retail business and our industrial land.” Cr Broderick said.
“Industrial allows us employment, our kids having jobs and being able to manufacture the things that we need right here on the Sunshine Coast, but it can also coexist with creative, community-oriented uses in appropriate areas.”
Cr Broderick said she remained dedicated to fi nding practical ways to support local tourism and business.
“We’re exploring trial camping options at community sports grounds and backing plans like the Seven Peaks Trail, which highlight our local produce and hospitality.”
While some express concerns about the potential erosion of the town’s rural appeal, Cr Broderick said it was critical to have ongoing detailed planning.
“Careful planning will allow Beerwah to thrive economically without losing the country qualities our community values,” Cr Broderick said.