A proposed 150-site tourist park on the Sunshine Coast has received state government approval following a ministerial call-in that removed the decision from local council control, marking a significant development outcome for the region’s outdoor tourism sector.
The Coochin Creek Tourist Park was approved after Queensland Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie exercised call-in powers, overriding Sunshine Coast Council’s authority to assess the application.
The decision grants the minister final determination rights that cannot be appealed. The approval follows a planning and assessment process that, according to the developer, has taken approximately five years.
The project, proposed by the Comiskey Group, is planned for 43 hectares of former strawberry farming land at the end of Roys Road.
Plans include 75 cabins and 75 campsites, alongside shared recreational facilities such as a pool, water park, tennis court, mini golf, and a jumping pillow. The development is positioned as a short-term visitor accommodation offering rather than a residential or ownership-based park.
Alongside the tourist park proposal, the Comiskey Group has also submitted a separate application for a nearby festival site, known as Coochin Fields, which could host up to six events per year. That proposal remains under consideration by the minister.
The tourist park approval attracted opposition from local community groups, which formed a coalition to challenge the development. The State Assessment and Referral Agency also raised concerns during the assessment process, stating it was “of the view there is not an overriding need in the public interest for the proposed development”.
Despite those concerns, the project has received support from tourism and business organisations. Visit Sunshine Coast welcomed the approval, while Minister Bleijie said the decision aligned with the state government’s broader planning and tourism objectives.
“The Crisafulli Government is taking decisive action to restore confidence and unlock economic opportunities across the region,” he told Sunshine Coast News.
“Queensland’s tourism future depended on projects like this and Coochin Creek will proceed with strong safeguards in place to protect the environment and ensure visitor safety, while supporting jobs and tourism growth.
“Unlocking ecotourism across Queensland will create future jobs, support local communities, and unlock new opportunities for operators.
“This decision was made after a rigorous process that considered expert advice and community input.
“The conditions we’ve imposed will ensure the project respects the unique environmental values of the area while delivering huge economic benefits for the Sunshine Coast region.”
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the approval aligned with the state’s long-term tourism policy framework.
“This decision reflects our landmark Destination 2045 strategy to support the tourism industry and deliver a better lifestyle to Queenslanders through a stronger economy,” he said.
“We want to see more low-impact and high-quality ecotourism opportunities, and we will continue to work with the private sector and community to ensure Queensland is the number one destination in Australia.”
Local MP Kendall Morton said the project could contribute to regional tourism growth, while Comiskey Group director David Comiskey said the company was preparing to move into construction following the approval.
“While we have drawn on our experience building, owning and operating the popular Sandstone Point Holiday Resort, Coochin Creek Tourist Park will be a unique destination in its own right, thoughtfully designed for its natural setting,” he said.
For outdoor hospitality business owners, the decision highlights the increasing role of state-level intervention in tourism planning approvals, as well as the growing emphasis on ecotourism positioning, mixed accommodation formats, and amenity-led design.