The Queensland Government has formally approved the Comiskey Group’s Coochin Fields development on the Sunshine Coast despite strong community petitioning that gathered over 6,700 signatures. The approval was announced on February 13 and includes 110 conditions focusing on environmental protections, infrastructure upgrades, and road improvements.
The project aims to transform roughly 61 hectares of land—previously a turf farm and former strawberry farm—into a major festival, music, and events hub. Developers intend for the site to attract up to 70,000 visitors annually and generate around 800 jobs, with an estimated $70 million economic impact for the region.
Officials also noted that the venue has potential to support visitor demand during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, reinforcing the Sunshine Coast’s expanding role in hosting major events.