Nestled in the scenic hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, the Kenilworth Showgrounds have long served as a beloved but unofficial camping destination. Recent developments, however, have set the stage for its transformation into an officially sanctioned tourist park, following the discovery by local authorities that the site was operating without the necessary permits.
In April 2022, the Sunshine Coast Council issued a Show Cause notice to the operators of the Kenilworth Showgrounds for using the premises as a commercial caravan park without authorization.
This action prompted the Kenilworth Showground Society to submit a formal application to the council, seeking to legitimize and expand the site into a 181-site tourist park. The proposed configuration includes 148 powered sites and 33 unpowered sites, along with state-of-the-art amenities buildings.
The application, lodged on April 4, was necessitated after council officials became aware of the unauthorized camping activities, as reported by the Sunshine Coast News.
A council spokesperson emphasized the collaborative efforts with the show society to address compliance issues, citing a complex site history that required extensive technical assessments, including a detailed flood model, to ensure environmental and regulatory adherence.
Currently zoned for Sport and Recreation, the site spans nine hectares at the intersection of Maleny Kenilworth Road and Charles Street, with the Mary River forming its eastern boundary.
The Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme defines a tourist park as premises providing short-term holiday accommodation in structures like caravans, tents, and self-contained cabins, and may include facilities such as a manager’s residence, kiosk, and recreational amenities.
A report from Murray and Associates, a planning consultancy firm, highlights the expected benefits of the expansion. It suggests that the development would not only enhance the economic viability of local businesses by increasing visitor traffic but also allow guests to engage more deeply with the Kenilworth area’s rich cultural and recreational offerings.
“Expansion of the tourist park will improve the economic viability of local producers/businesses by providing increased foot traffic to market stalls and nearby shops,” the report states.
Community-owned facilities at the showgrounds currently include a range of recreational amenities such as a cricket oval, rodeo arena, and swimming pool. These are complemented by ample toilet and shower facilities, with the site boasting significant communal engagement in its operations and maintenance.
The development application for a Material Change of Use to establish a tourist park is undergoing a code assessment process. This assessment will determine the project’s compliance with local planning laws, which is crucial for moving forward with the proposed enhancements.
As the Kenilworth Showgrounds prepare for this significant transition, the local community looks forward to the potential social, economic, and environmental benefits that the upgraded facility will bring. The development aims to provide a structured and enhanced visitor experience while preserving the site’s natural beauty and communal spirit.
For more information on the development and to support the project, community members and interested parties are encouraged to participate in upcoming public consultations hosted by the Kenilworth Showground Society and Sunshine Coast Council.