Community Concerns Mount as Planning Minister Overrides Local Processes

Community groups across the Sunshine Coast are further alarmed with the Confirmation Notice issued on 21 July 2025 by Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie which progresses objectionable intervention into local planning processes

Community groups across the Sunshine Coast are further alarmed with the Confirmation Notice issued on 21 July 2025 by Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie which progresses objectionable intervention into local planning processes. The notice gives effect to a Material Change of Use (MCU) application for large-scale outdoor music festivals and exhibition events at 1641 Roys Road, Coochin Creek, just metres from the Ramsar-listed Pumicestone Passage and within the protected Northern Inter-Urban Break (NIUB).

Despite previous findings by the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) deeming the proposal non-compliant—and a comprehensive assessment by Sunshine Coast Council still underway—the Minister has chosen to override established planning processes.
Local residents, environmental groups, and planning advocates argue that this decision not only undermines public trust but also disregards core state planning principles designed to safeguard ecologically sensitive areas.

“NIUB values ignored, community well-being at risk,” says NIUBIAI

Dylan Daley, President of the Northern Inter-Urban Break Integrity Association (NIUBIAI), criticised the decision to proceed despite multiple state-level triggers.

“The State itself has acknowledged the importance of protecting the hydrological and ecological functions of the Pumicestone Passage, yet this decision disregards its own regional plan. The applicant has not demonstrated how the core environmental values of the NIUB will be upheld, especially with up to 35,000 people attending events multiple times per year. The peaceful amenity of this rural community will be lost — possibly forever.”

CRA: “This is not public benefit — this is private profit”

The Caloundra Residents Association condemned the Ministerial override as a direct threat to the region’s long-term liveability and planning integrity.

“This is ecologically sensitive land adjoining a Ramsar site. There is no clear public or economic justification for bypassing local assessment to fast-track a private entertainment precinct. Caloundra’s residents should not be expected to sacrifice our greenbelt and waterway protections so a developer can profit. Planning should serve the public interest — not override it.”

OSCAR Inc: “The Minister’s actions undermine the very purpose of Queensland’s planning system”

Melva Hobson PSM, President of the Organisation Sunshine Coast Association of Residents (OSCAR Inc.), raised grave concerns about the implications of the Minister’s intervention.

“The Planning Act 2016 was designed to provide a transparent, accountable framework that balances environmental protection, economic progress, and community wellbeing. These call-ins appear to prioritise short-term tourism interests while ignoring the broader and more fundamental purpose of the Act: achieving ecological sustainability through integrated and balanced planning.
Overriding established processes removes third-party appeal rights — including those of councils and communities — and silences the voices of those most affected. This sets a dangerous precedent and centralises decision-making, shifting long-term responsibility for environmental, financial, and social impacts to the State. OSCAR urges a full reconsideration in the interest of public accountability, community wellbeing, and the long-term integrity of planning in Queensland.”

SCEC: “This location is fundamentally incompatible with high conservation values”

Narelle McCarthy, Advocacy and Engagement Manager at the Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC), expressed serious concerns about the state’s decision to override conventional planning protections.

“These unwarranted call-ins — meant to be reserved for legitimate, exceptional circumstances — significantly increase risks to the sensitive and ecologically important environments of the Pumicestone Passage and its catchment, including the regionally significant Northern Inter-Urban Break. There is no justification for such intensive uses in this location. It is fundamentally incompatible with the area’s irreplaceable high conservation values and amenity.”

TAPP: “This is a failure of environmental duty — not just planning.”

Ken Mewburn OAM, President of Take Action for Pumicestone Passage (TAPP), expressed deep concern over the implications of the Minister’s decision:

“This site drains directly into Coochin Creek and the Ramsar-listed Pumicestone Passage — one of the most ecologically significant wetlands in Australia. This is not just a local planning issue. It is a matter of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act. The Minister’s decision ignores the cumulative impacts of pollution, noise, and mass gatherings in a fragile floodplain catchment. We have seen no credible assessment of how these events will affect water quality or hydrological flows. If this development proceeds, the Passage will be left to bear the cost.”

Take Action

The community is encouraged to:

• Sign the petition at Change.org: https://chng.it/rr979gpSkR

Available for comment

Ken Mewburn OAM, Take Action for Pumicestone Passage (TAPP): 0409 322 628

Narelle McCarthy, Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC): 0424 465 487

Melva Hobson PSM, Organisation Sunshine Coast Association of Residents (OSCAR):  0433 214 320

Sue Diserens, Northern Inter-Urban Break Integrity Association (NIUBIA): 0423 522 521

This aerial image, with existing private residences obscured, shows the proximity of the site proposed to support up to 40,000 people for extended periods mulitple times a year, to Coochin Creek - a vital tributary of the Pumicestone Passage and the surrounding natural environment