- Crisafulli Government approves major outdoor music festival and exhibition site boosting Sunshine Coast's tourism future.
- Decision follows approval of 150-site Tourist Park delivering more holiday options and jobs for the Sunshine Coast region.
- Project marks another milestone in reversing a decade of decline in Queensland's visitor economy under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government has approved the development of a new outdoor music festival and exhibition event site at Coochin Creek near Caloundra, signalling a major step forward in the government's plan to revive Queensland tourism after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Coochin Fields site will host events year-round catering for up to 35,000 festival goers, with 61 hectares of the 150-hectare site remaining untouched.
The project is expected to support more than 680 jobs and generate more than $70 million in annual economic activity for the Sunshine Coast.
Its approval supports the delivery of Queensland's Destination 2045 tourism strategy, which sets out to foster a pathway for homegrown events across the State, and partner with the private sector on large-scale projects like event venues.
Today's announcement follows the Crisafulli Government's approval of a 150-site tourist park, also at Coochin Creek, which will boost accommodation supply and inject confidence back into a region that has been held back by underinvestment in tourism infrastructure under Labor.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said the Crisafulli Government was serious about rebuilding Queensland's tourism sector and opening the door to new tourism investment after a decade of decline under Labor.
"During their decade of decline, Labor's restrictive planning laws strangled investment and drove investment away, but the Crisafulli Government is taking decisive action to restore confidence and unlock economic opportunities across the region," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Coochin Fields is exactly the type of opportunity the Crisafulli Government is determined to support as we rebuild and grow the state's tourism industry.
"A major play and stay venue like this that can host big acts in the region is something the cultural, musical and tourism industry had been crying out for during Labor's decade of decline.
"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.
"This decision aligns with Queensland's Destination 2045 tourism strategy, which aims to diversify the state's tourism offering and position Queensland as a leading destination for world-class events.
"We are backing projects like Coochin Fields because they help reposition Queensland as a destination where the tourism industry has confidence to grow."
Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said the Coochin Fields development marked a turning point for tourism on the Sunshine Coast.
"For more than a decade, tourism on the Sunshine Coast was left to languish under Labor, with missed opportunities and stalled progress holding back local jobs and investment," Ms Morton said.
"This project will breathe new life into the region, attracting visitors, supporting small businesses, and delivering the vibrant tourism hub our community deserves."
QMusic Chief Executive Officer Kris Stewart welcomed today's announcement as a huge step forward for the Queensland music industry.
"We have been calling for more large-scale dedicated music venues for a long time and Coochin Fields will be a tremendous new asset to the music industry," Mr Stewart said.
"Having this kind of investment in a festival and music venue will be a boon both for Queensland audiences and artists."
The development includes extensive environmental safeguards, such as wildlife-friendly fencing, stormwater management measures, and operational plans to prevent impacts on the adjoining national park and state forest areas.
