A coalition of Sunshine Coast community groups says Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie’s takeover of the assessment of two large development proposals on Coochin Creek, off Pumicestone Passage, raises questions about due process.
The Comiskey Group has proposed a 43 hectare, 150 site tourist park and a multi-event site called Coochin Fields with up to 35,000 people attending an event per day: both at Coochin Creek.
Both projects adjoin areas of high ecological and conservation value including Pumicestone Passage which is part of a designated wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
The Comiskey Group is known for large scale projects including the Eatons Hill, Sandstone Point and Dakabin Hotels, The Doonan and Imperial Hotels at Eumundi and the proposed Aura Hotel.
Artist’s impression of Coochin Fields. IMAGE: Comiskey Group
The tourist park plan. IMAGE: Cusp Comiskey Group
The Coochin Creek proposals were being assessed by Sunshine Coast Council and the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) when the Minister issued Call-In notices in April and May.
Call-In notices make the Minister the assessment manager and allow him to undertake assessment or reassessment of the application against any identified state interest or on planning merit.
Queensland Government Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie
According to the Queensland Government’s planning department, Ministerial Call-Ins are to be used only in exceptional circumstances, to protect ‘economic and environmental state interests’.
Community concern
Chair of OSCAR, a peak body representing Sunshine Coast residents and other community organisations, Melva Hobson, questioned the Ministerial Call-Ins.
‘These proposed Call-Ins are a concerning and unprecedented use of powers that undermine the integrity of Queensland’s planning and environmental frameworks,’ Ms Hobson said.
“SARA has already found the festival application non-compliant with state interests, while council identified significant planning conflicts and issues in both proposals.’
Sunshine Coast Environment Council spokeswoman Narelle McCarthy said: ‘These proposed call-in actions unnecessarily escalate the risks to the sensitive environments and ecological values of the Pumicestone Passage and catchment, including inter-urban break green-belt.’
SCEC spokeswoman Narelle McCarthy
Wildlife Preservation Society Sunshine Coast secretary Jude Crighton said the developer had failed to refer the applications under federal environmental law, despite likely significant impacts on matters of national significance.
The coalition of community groups is seeking meetings with Minister Bleijie and Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell, to discuss the Ministers visiting the sites to get a better appreciation of the area and its values.
Developer says it consulted community
Comiskey Group Director Rob Comiskey said Coochin Fields would revert to a nature reserve between events.
‘The proposed festival site was designed to create atmosphere and bring vibrancy to the expansive grass space,’ Mr Comiskey said.
‘We consulted with local residents and environmental groups, taking into account environmental impact. When not activated, the outdoor space will look like a nature reserve; only coming alive for a few festivals and events a year,’ said Mr Comiskey.
A spokesperson for Minister Bleijie told Sunshine Coast News there were significant matters related to the proposal that required consideration.
‘The proposed Call-In notice has been issued to seek further detail on the potential development impacts relating to Queensland Government state interests, notably tourism,’ the spokesperson said.
‘Through this process, the Queensland Government will review the additional information provided by the proponent and community stakeholders received from public consultation.’
PHOTO at top of story of Pumicestone Passage section where the developments are proposed supplied by Sunshine Coast Environment Council. Coochin Creek is the narrow strip of water entering Pumicestone Passage from the right of the photo.
