Sunshine Coast Archives - Buderim Today

New Festival Site Approved for Coochin Creek Near Caloundra

A 150-hectare outdoor music festival and exhibition site at Coochin Creek, located approximately 25 minutes south of Buderim via the Bruce Highway, has received approval to host year-round events for up to 35,000 attendees, marking the Sunshine Coast’s first large-scale dedicated music venue.

The Coochin Fields site is expected to support more than 680 jobs and generate over $70 million in annual economic activity for the Sunshine Coast region. Developers the Comiskey Group plan to bring 250,000 visitor nights per year to the area, with 70,000 visitors and approximately $100 million in expenditure to the region.

Director David Comiskey said the development would be a major drawcard for the state, with 61 hectares of the site remaining undeveloped and tens of thousands of trees to be planted to create comfortable spaces for events. The site will host festivals and exhibitions throughout the year rather than seasonal events only.

Music Industry Welcomes New Venue

QMusic Chief Executive Officer Kris Stewart said the approval represents a huge step forward for the Queensland music industry, which has long called for more large-scale dedicated music venues. Having this kind of investment in a festival and music venue will benefit both Queensland audiences and artists.

Coochin Creek festival site — Photo Credit: Comiskey Group

The site fills a gap in the Sunshine Coast’s entertainment infrastructure, providing a purpose-built facility for major acts and events that previously had limited options in the region. Stewart noted that as Queensland faces the 2032 Olympics, the state needs platforms for the music industry to succeed and venues that can host world-class entertainment.

Environmental Safeguards and Community Concerns

The approval includes 100 conditions following extensive consultation, with requirements for wildlife-friendly fencing, stormwater management and operational plans to prevent neighboring national park and state forest from being affected. The site previously operated as a turf farm and strawberry farm.

However, environmental groups including the Sunshine Coast Environment Council have expressed concerns about the decision. Narelle McCarthy from the organization described it as ignoring environmental and safety risks, with 7,000 signatures collected against the development and a separate 150-site tourist park also approved at Coochin Creek.

Ten community groups petitioned against the application citing concerns over bushfire risk and environmental damage to the area bordering Pumicestone Passage, part of the Ramsar-listed Moreton Bay Marine Park. McCarthy said the conditions may not be strong enough to ensure no impacts on the significant environmental value of the area.

Local Music Community Divided

Sunshine Coast singer-songwriter Emma Bosworth questioned whether the development prioritizes tourism over sustainability, noting that Woodfordia and the Big Pineapple have already hosted festivals in the area. She emphasized concerns about losing special natural places to urban sprawl and questioned whether First Nations people were consulted and if legislation exists regarding programming of local songwriters at festivals.

The festival site approval follows the separate approval of a 150-site tourist park at Coochin Creek, which is expected to boost accommodation supply for visitors attending events and exploring the Sunshine Coast. The combined developments aim to position the region as a destination for world-class events and increase tourism infrastructure in the area.

Located six kilometres east of the Bruce Highway (Exit 179), south of Caloundra, the site sits an easy 30km drive for Buderim locals. Authorities have mandated traffic management plans to ensure major event days do not bottleneck the highway commute for Sunshine Coast residents.

Published 17-February-2026.

Sunshine Coast Woman Dies in Tragic Japan Ski Lift Accident

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A young Sunshine Coast woman has died following a tragic ski lift accident at a Japanese resort, with her family travelling to be by her side during her final moments.

Ella Day Brooke, 22, was critically injured on Friday morning at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in the Hakuba Valley when her backpack became entangled in a chairlift as she attempted to disembark.

According to statements from Nagano Omachi Police and resort operator Tsugaike Gondola Lift Company, the waist buckle of Ms Brooke’s backpack became caught on the lift chair around 9:15am. Because the chest strap of her backpack remained fastened, the pack could not detach from her body, causing her to be dragged along the snow before being suspended in mid-air as the lift continued moving.

A lift attendant immediately pressed the emergency stop button and first aid was administered at the scene. Ms Brooke went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital by ambulance, but tragically died on Sunday morning with her parents, Deanne and Warren Day, at her side.

In a statement released through Australian media, the family confirmed they were with their daughter when she passed peacefully. They expressed gratitude to the friends who stayed with Ms Brooke until they arrived in Japan, as well as to staff at Omachi General Hospital.

The family described Ms Brooke as an experienced and advanced snowboarder who had been participating in winter sports since she was 11 years old and was in her fourth extended snow season in Japan. She had recently completed a three-day avalanche safety course and had used that training to help rescue four people in dangerous situations in the weeks prior to the accident.

Tragically, it was an avalanche rescue backpack that Ms Brooke was wearing for safety that became caught in the lift mechanism.

Tsugaike Gondola Lift Company CEO Tsuneo Kubo released a formal statement expressing the company’s deepest condolences to the bereaved family and confirmed that operations of the Tsuga No. 2 Pair Lift have been suspended indefinitely while investigations continue.

The resort, which features 18 lifts servicing approximately 18 kilometres of trails, is a popular destination for international skiers and snowboarders during the northern hemisphere winter.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to Ms Brooke’s family and extended deepest condolences.

The incident has cast a shadow over what has become peak season for Australian snow sports enthusiasts in Japan. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, more than one million Australians and New Zealanders visited Japan in 2025, representing a 15 per cent increase on the previous year, with many drawn by the country’s renowned powder snow, favourable exchange rates and cultural appeal.

Ms Brooke’s death is the latest in a series of incidents involving Australian tourists at Japanese ski resorts this season. Earlier in January, a 17-year-old Australian died while skiing in Niseko, and another Australian man in his 20s died during a ski trip in Hokkaido just days after Ms Brooke’s accident.

While ski-related fatalities in Japan remain statistically rare, with research indicating an average of 10 to 14 deaths annually across the country’s resorts, the recent incidents have prompted renewed calls for visitors to familiarise themselves with safety protocols and remain within designated resort boundaries.

Published 2-February-2026

Sunshine Coast Residents Among Australia Day Honours Recipients

Photo Credit: Pexels

Sunshine Coast residents are among a small group of Australians recognised this year, with a former Wallabies coach, a heritage architect and a long-serving surf lifesaver named in the national Australia Day Honours, highlighting the region’s impact well beyond its coastline.

Sporting leadership with lasting reach

Former Wallabies coach John Connolly, who now lives on the Sunshine Coast, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his long service to rugby union as a coach and mentor.

His career has spanned elite professional teams and grassroots development, with a strong focus on guiding players and staff over decades in the game. According to the official Australia Day Honours list published by the Governor-General of Australia, the recognition reflects sustained contribution rather than short-term success.

Protecting heritage through design

Sunshine Coast-based architect David Gole was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, recognised for his contribution to architecture and heritage conservation.

Gole is known for specialist work in the assessment and protection of historically significant buildings, combining professional practice with education. His role as an adjunct professor at The University of Queensland reflects a broader commitment to passing on conservation skills to future architects. His involvement in major heritage projects and leadership within conservation-focused practices.

A lifetime on patrol

Surf lifesaver John Ellis Western was honoured for his service to lifesaving, with national surf organisations recognising his long-standing commitment to community safety.

Surf Life Saving Australia has highlighted members whose work has strengthened training, patrol standards, and volunteer support over many years. Western’s recognition places the Sunshine Coast within a national picture of coastal communities shaped by volunteer service and public safety leadership.

National honours, local impact

The Australia Day Honours list includes Australians from all states and territories and recognises service across community life, professional fields and public safety. While the awards are national, the contributions of Connolly, Gole and Western reflect work carried out largely at a local and regional level, reinforcing the Sunshine Coast’s role in shaping leaders whose influence extends well beyond the region.

The 2026 Australia Day Honours were announced on January 26, with recipients formally recognised across the country for service in their respective fields.

Published 27-Jan-2026

Buderim Community Warned After Two E-Bike Deaths Linked To Illegal High-Powered Models

Photo Credit: Lusien Hurg/Facebook

A safety warning in Buderim has intensified community concern after authorities linked two recent deaths to illegal high powered e-bikes and a growing number of risky devices used by young riders.

Rising Concern After Local Tragedies

In late October, 8 year old Zeke Hondow died after a head on crash with a 15 year old rider on a bike path at Mountain Creek near Buderim. Police said the older boy’s e-bike did not meet public use standards and reached speeds far beyond legal limits.

Two days later, a separate crash on the Gold Coast claimed the life of another 15 year old whose electric dirt bike reached about ninety five kilometres per hour. Both incidents raised questions about how many young riders use powerful bikes that fall outside current rules.

Government Response Focused On Safety

Queensland’s Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg spoke in Buderim and urged parents to think carefully before buying expensive e-bikes or e-scooters that do not meet legal requirements. He said police already face challenges enforcing current laws because many riders ignore them, and he stressed the need for clearer rules that officers can enforce.

*Photo Credit:* *Brent Mickelberg MP*/Facebook

He also pointed to a parliamentary inquiry into e mobility safety, which is due to deliver findings by March 2026. He said the state will not rush new regulations before the inquiry reports and added that enforcement of existing laws will continue through summer.

Legal Action Following Mountain Creek Crash

Police charged the 15 year old involved in the Mountain Creek crash with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, unlicensed driving and operating an unregistered and uninsured vehicle. Detectives said this is the first known case where the dangerous operation charge has been applied to an e mobility device.

Investigators noted that Zeke was riding a far less powerful bike under supervision and confirmed that the older teen’s device did not comply with legal public use limits. They also pointed to rising injury numbers among young riders on the Sunshine Coast.

Schools And Agencies Introduce New Measures

Several Sunshine Coast schools have decided to ban e-bikes and e-scooters next year because of ongoing safety concerns. The Queensland Police Service launched Operation X ray Surety to check bikes for compliance with motor wattage and speed cut out rules.

The Office of Fair Trading also advised suppliers to follow their legal obligations and sell only devices that meet Australian standards. Local cycling groups supported these steps and encouraged families across the region to stay informed about the rules for public use.

Published 19-November-2025

Man Hospitalised After Bitten By Snake in Bed at Cooloolabin Home

Photo Credit: Peter Woodard

A man in his 70s has been transported to Nambour Hospital after being bitten by a snake whilst in bed at his Cooloolabin home near Yandina.

Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics responded to the incident and transported the patient under lights and sirens after he sustained a bite to the arm.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed it was a snake bite, however details about the species involved were not available.

The incident occurred during a period of heightened snake activity on the Sunshine Coast, with local snake catchers reporting numerous callouts to remove eastern brown snakes from properties over the past week.

Snake safety experts remind residents that eastern brown snakes are commonly found near homes and sheds where they hunt for rats, mice and lizards.

According to the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, eastern browns are fast-moving, sun-loving reptiles that can strike with extreme speed and typically grow to around 1.5 metres in length, though some reach 2.4 metres.

The department notes that it is illegal to keep or kill snakes in Queensland, and residents who encounter snakes on their property should contact licensed snake catchers for safe removal.

Published 28-October-2025

Maleny at the Centre of Push to Ban Platypus Death Traps

Photo Credit: Bianca De Marchi/Australian Museum

In Maleny, local conservation advocates are renewing calls for Queensland to ban the use of enclosed yabby traps blamed for drowning platypuses and other native wildlife in nearby creeks.

Growing Concern in Maleny

Maleny residents and wildlife advocates are urging action against opera house traps — collapsible nets designed for catching yabbies but known to trap and drown air-breathing species such as platypuses, turtles, rakali, and waterbirds. The traps remain legal in Queensland, despite being banned or restricted in every other Australian state and territory.

Threat to Obi Obi Creek Wildlife

Obi Obi Creek, a key platypus habitat in Maleny, continues to face risks from discarded or unattended traps. Platypuses are a familiar sight in the area and an important part of Maleny’s natural identity. Conservation guides have reported retrieving these traps from the creek, describing them as major hazards to aquatic wildlife.

Maleny platypus conservation campaign — *Photo Credit: Dr Tamielle Brunt*/Australian Museum

How the Traps Cause Harm

When platypuses dive underwater to hunt for yabbies, they rely on their bills’ electroreceptors to detect prey. The movements from bait or trapped crustaceans inside the nets attract them. Once inside, they cannot reach the surface to breathe and eventually drown. In some cases, the carcasses lure more yabbies — and more platypuses — repeating the fatal cycle.

Findings from National Studies

Research published in Australian Mammalogy in 2025 examined more than 400 recorded platypus deaths since 1989, identifying enclosed nets and crustacean traps as a leading cause. Other risks included predation, fishing gear entanglement, vehicle strikes, and extreme weather. The study concluded that the use of such traps should be banned wherever platypuses are present.

Bans in Other States

Victoria banned opera house traps in 2019 following multiple platypus deaths in Labertouche Creek. New South Wales introduced a full ban on 30 April 2021, replacing them with open-top, eco-friendly nets that allow non-target species to escape. These safer alternatives are now required across all NSW waters, including border regions.

Queensland Review and Delays

In Queensland, a consultation report released in March 2025 by the Freshwater Working Group found 65 per cent of participants supported a total ban, with a further 30 per cent favouring a phase-out by mid-2025. That timeline has since passed, and no new date for implementation has been announced. Conservation experts say the ongoing delay prolongs the threat to native species.

opera house traps — Photo Credit: Danny Casey/Australian Museum

Underreported Deaths and Public Awareness

Wildlife Queensland has noted that the full scale of platypus deaths from traps is unknown because incidents often go unreported. Many fishers are reluctant to admit when other animals drown in their nets. The platypus remains listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List, with a 2020 national assessment recommending it be upgraded to threatened status due to population declines in all states.

Protecting Maleny’s Creeks

For Maleny’s residents, the issue is both environmental and local. The platypus is an enduring symbol of the region’s creeks and tourism identity. Advocates continue to push for Queensland to follow other states in banning opera house traps, aiming to protect Maleny’s waterways and preserve the area’s unique wildlife for future generations.

Published 12-Oct-2025

Movement as Medicine: How a Buderim Dance Class is Supporting People with Parkinson’s

Photo Credit: Dance for Parkinson’s Australia/ Facebook

For residents in Buderim looking for a creative and joyful way to improve balance, flexibility, and social connection while living with Parkinson’s Disease, a new community dance programme is offering a free introductory class.

More Than Just a Dance Class

This special event is more than just a simple dance lesson; it is a research-supported approach to enhancing well-being for individuals living with Parkinson’s. The programme, an affiliate of an internationally recognised initiative from New York, is specifically designed to address the challenges of the condition.

According to Dance for Parkinson’s Australia, the classes focus on developing artistry and grace while helping with practical concerns like balance, coordination, flexibility, and walking gait. The sessions also aim to combat the effects of social isolation and depression that can accompany the disease.

The upcoming free “taster” class is being held as part of Queensland Seniors Month celebrations, thanks to a grant that supports community activities for older residents. The focus is on creating an enjoyable and stimulating experience where the joy of dancing takes centre stage.

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A Chance to Connect and Celebrate

The event is built around the Seniors Month themes of “Connect and Celebrate.” It provides a welcoming and inclusive space for people with Parkinson’s, along with their partners, carers, and friends. Organisers state that the teaching artists create a fun environment, integrating a range of musical styles to inspire movement.

After the class, participants are invited to stay for a cup of tea and refreshments. This offers a chance to socialise, meet the teaching artists, and connect with others in the local Parkinson’s community in a safe and supportive setting.

Event Information

The free class will take place on Monday, 27 October 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Buderim War Memorial Hall. While the event is free of charge, organisers recommend booking to help manage numbers.

Published Date 09-October-2025

Buderim Engineer Honoured with National Aviation Safety Scholarship

A Buderim aircraft engineer has been named one of only three people across Australia to receive a national scholarship from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, recognising his long-standing contribution to aircraft maintenance and safety.

Recognition for Experience and Commitment

Announced in September 2025, the CASA Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Scholarship awarded Buderim resident Jacob Mani, who works with Jetstar Airways, a grant of up to $5,000 to support his licensing and training.

The program helps skilled engineers across the country gain the qualifications required to become licensed aircraft maintenance engineers.

A Career Built on Technical Precision

With nearly two decades of experience in aircraft maintenance, Mani has worked on a range of aircraft including Lockheed C130 Hercules, Chinook helicopters, and commercial Airbus and Boeing jets. His work has spanned both military and civil aviation, giving him a detailed understanding of the systems that keep aircraft airworthy.

He said he finds the most satisfaction in troubleshooting issues that require new learning and hands-on problem-solving to ensure each aircraft is repaired correctly and safely.

Queensland’s Strong Showing in National Awards

CASA Chief Executive Officer Pip Spence said recipients like Mani show genuine passion for their careers and a strong dedication to maintaining aviation safety standards in Australia.

Alongside Mani, Brisbane engineer Aaron Pollard from Alliance Airlines also received a CASA scholarship. He completed his aircraft maintenance apprenticeship in under two years, showing strong dedication and skill.

Supporting Aviation’s Safety Backbone

The annual CASA scholarship program is designed to strengthen Australia’s aviation maintenance workforce. It recognises professionals who display initiative, technical skill, and a commitment to safety. Mani’s award follows a competitive selection process that drew more than 70 applicants from across the country.

Both join Perth’s Hudson Dagge as 2025 awardees, reflecting Queensland’s strength in aviation training. Mani’s success highlights Buderim’s contribution to Australia’s aviation safety and the value of supporting technical careers.

Published 3-October-2025

Buderim Leads Unitywater’s List Of Wastewater Blockages

Buderim has recorded more wastewater blockages than any other suburb across Unitywater’s service region, topping the list with 237 incidents in the past financial year.

A Growing Concern For Residents

Buderim has outpaced Caboolture, Nambour and Redcliffe for wastewater blockages, according to Unitywater’s figures released on 18 August 2025. The region saw 4,395 blockages across Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa, with Buderim alone making up nearly 6 per cent.

Unitywater linked the problem to everyday habits, from flushing wipes and nappies to pouring fats and oils down the sink. These actions harden in pipes, causing clogs that can back up into homes or spill onto streets.

Why Buderim Is On Top Of The List

According to Unitywater, the high number of blockages in Buderim reflects the impact of population density and household behaviour. The suburb’s ranking was well ahead of other hotspots, including Caboolture with 134 blockages and Redcliffe with 92.

The utility said the cost of responding to these incidents is significant. Each callout requires staff to clear the pipes, manage overflows, and protect nearby creeks and natural areas from contamination. For Buderim residents, the figures highlight how local actions can have direct consequences for both household plumbing and the wider environment.

Steps Being Taken To Address The Problem

Unitywater is stepping up efforts to stop blockages, from new treatments at pump stations to community education. One method uses magnesium hydroxide liquid, better known as a heartburn remedy, to cut odours and stop fats hardening in pipes.

The utility is also pushing the “three Ps” rule, asking households to only flush pee, poo and toilet paper. Locals are urged to make small changes like keeping bins in bathrooms, scraping plates before washing, and storing used cooking oil in jars.

A Community Issue With Shared Responsibility

Unitywater is urging Buderim residents to take action, saying blockages are a community issue as much as a utility one. Simple changes at home can prevent sewage backing up into bathrooms or spilling onto streets.

The advice is straightforward, stop flushing wipes and rethink how fats and scraps are handled in the kitchen. With Buderim recording the most blockages in the region, the warning carries extra weight.

Published 19-August-2025

Belle Property Expands to Buderim, Tapping into Strong Sunshine Coast Market

Photo Credit: Belle Property

Signalling strong confidence in the Sunshine Coast’s property market, national real estate powerhouse Belle Property has established a new presence in Buderim, led by a team of seasoned local experts.

A Local Team with a National Edge

The new Belle Property Buderim is being guided by a team already well-known in the community for its integrity and personalised approach. Principal Tanya Mungomery is a 25-year resident of Buderim with more than 15 years of industry experience. She is joined by Leasing and Tenancy Manager Ebony McCulloch, who contributes nearly a decade of expertise in property management.

This established local team will now operate with the backing of Belle Property, a full-service agency with over 200 offices across Australia known for its premium marketing and impressive digital reach.

This partnership provides the Buderim team access to a national and international network of clients and agents, while allowing them to continue their focus on tailored, high-impact campaigns. It represents a move to blend their strong community reputation with the resources of one of the country’s leading lifestyle real estate brands, which prides itself on servicing select markets from simple studios to multi-million-dollar homes.

A Vision for Buderim’s Future

According to Mungomery, the decision to join the Belle Property network is about enhancing what her team can offer clients, not changing its core identity. She expressed that clients will receive the same honest, local advice, now supported by a prestige brand.

Mungomery’s vision for the agency extends beyond property transactions, aiming to enrich the area’s future while honouring its past. This people-first mindset aligns with the shared values of honesty, respect, and professionalism that unite all Belle Property agents nationwide.

Confidence in the Sunshine Coast Market

The launch comes at a time of steady growth in the Sunshine Coast property market, which is fuelled by high buyer demand. Buderim remains one of the region’s most sought-after suburbs, valued for its unique hinterland feel just minutes from the coast. Its vibrant village atmosphere, proximity to top schools, and natural attractions like the Buderim Forest Waterfall make it a prime location for families, professionals, and retirees.

Belle Property’s Head of State for Queensland, David Holmes, commented on the new venture, stating that Mungomery’s team is a perfect fit for the brand due to their professionalism and strong local presence. This move signals significant confidence from the national group in both the local team and the enduring appeal of the Buderim lifestyle. Belle Property Buderim is now actively serving the community from its office at the Buderim Mall on Burnett Street.

Published Date 04-August-2025