The Crisafulli Government has approved a 150-site tourist park at Coochin Creek near Caloundra, which adjoins Pumicestone Passage, an area of international importance under the RAMSAR convention.
The approved development requires 0.6 hectares of vegetation to be cleared and 3.3 hectares to be revegetated.
Plan for the tourist park site at Coochin Creek
The government says the approval follows a ‘comprehensive assessment balancing economic development and practical environmentalism’.
Sunshine Coast Council and the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) and a coalition of conservation and residents’ groups recommended against the development due to the risk of harm to the wetlands.
Sunshine Coast Environment Council’s (SCEC) Narelle McCarthy, is urging the state government to consider the SARA findings.
Sunshine Coast Environment Council’s Narelle McCarthy
Ms McCarthy told ABC Sunshine Coast that approving the tourist park was an ‘absolutely flawed and concerning decision’.
‘The site is basically an extension of the wetland. It’s very low lying. That triggers an environmental risk to the wetlands,’ Ms McCarthy said.
Secretary of Wildlife Preservation Society Sunshine Coast, 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 state government used an exceptional ‘Call In’ power making the minister the assessment manager and giving him the power to override local government processes and approve the project.
The decision cannot be appealed in the Land and Environment Court.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the decision reflected the government’s commitment to unlock new ecotourism opportunities through responsible planning.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie
‘Queensland’s tourism future depends 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.
‘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,’ Minister Bleijie said.
Comiskey Group Director David Comiskey said the company was pleased to be moving into the construction phase of the project.
‘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,’ Mr Comiskey said.
‘The project will create local jobs, attract new visitors to the region and deliver a high-quality, family-friendly eco-tourism experience that showcases the Sunshine Coast.’
PHOTO at top of story shows Coochin Creek as a narrow strip of water entering Pumicestone Passage from the top right of the photo. SUPPLIED by Sunshine Coast Environment Council.
