The developer of a large-scale tourist park project in Diddillibah has submitted a formal request to the Sunshine Coast Council to extend the approval timeline for the development by an additional three years, citing a range of setbacks that have delayed progress.
Marooch Holdings Pty Ltd is seeking to extend both the currency period and the sunset clause of its development permit for the Maroochy River Resort on David Low Way, moving the completion deadline from December 19, 2025, to December 19, 2028.
The development, which spans 32.68 hectares near the Waterfront Hotel, was first approved in June 2014. Since then, the project has received multiple extensions, with the latest set to expire at the end of 2025.
The proposed resort includes a total of 286 sites, featuring 123 two-bedroom units, 10 two-bedroom long-term duplex units (20 in total), 92 one-bedroom short-term cabins, and 51 short-term glamping tents, alongside associated infrastructure and amenities.
According to a letter submitted to council by Project Urban director Mick Sheppard on behalf of the developer, a series of unforeseen events has significantly disrupted the project’s timeline.
“Although significant progress has been made on site, the program of works has been adversely affected by a number of significant events,” the letter states.
These events include the site entering receivership in late 2022, ongoing extreme weather conditions, the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on labour and supply chains, and the death of the company director in December 2023.
“This project was one that the director saw could create an affordable housing solution for south-eastern Queensland,” the letter continues.
“Indeed, his projects were more than just business ventures – they were a heartfelt mission to address the critical shortage of affordable housing, specifically on the Sunshine Coast and the NSW Northern Rivers and provide assistance to those in need.”
To date, the developer has invested approximately $15 million into the site, according to a report by Sunshine Coast News.
Progress includes initial vegetation clearing, topsoil stripping, and the installation of a base layer of rock for fill material, with around 340,000 tonnes of rock and soil imported—representing roughly 85 percent of the approved earthworks.
An additional $5 million is expected to be spent completing wick drains and bulk earthworks.
Looking ahead, stage one of the development is projected to complete its earthworks by July 2027, with civil works to begin immediately after.
External infrastructure works are expected by October 2027 at a cost of $12 million, civil works by February 2028 costing $14 million, and building construction by December 2028 with a projected cost of $60 million.
Marooch Holdings regained full control of the site at the end of 2024 and has committed to advancing the project with urgency. The application states that the resort could provide economic benefits during and after construction.
Forecasted impacts include $300 million in total construction-related expenditure, 80 full-time equivalent jobs annually during construction, an ongoing annual household expenditure of $1.5 million into the local economy, and up to 15 permanent on-site jobs.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality and glamping sectors, this development signals potential shifts in regional market dynamics, especially in terms of competition, supply of short-term accommodations, and long-term stays.
Those looking to expand or refine their operations may benefit from monitoring how this project progresses and how its eventual completion could influence guest expectations, regional pricing structures, and visitor flows across the Sunshine Coast.