Sunshine Coast Archives - Buderim Today

Comiskey Group Breaks Ground on Aura Hotel, the Sunshine Coast’s Biggest Entertainment Venue

The Comiskey Group has officially broken ground on Aura Hotel within the Stockland Aura community near Caloundra, launching construction on a $68 million venue set to become the Sunshine Coast’s largest entertainment destination when it opens in late 2027.

The ceremonial sod turning took place within the Stockland Aura masterplanned community, one of Australia’s largest, signalling the project’s move into full construction following early earthworks. Spanning three levels, the venue will feature six bars, indoor and alfresco dining, a gaming room and multiple function spaces, backed by what the Comiskey Group describes as the biggest band room on the Sunshine Coast, with capacity for up to 2,500 guests.

For a region that has long punched above its weight as a live music destination, Aura Hotel represents a step change in scale and ambition. The Comiskey Group already operates Sandstone Point Hotel, Eatons Hill Hotel, Dakabin Hotel and Samford Hotel across south-east Queensland, and is separately developing five-star hotels at North Lakes and Sandstone Point. Aura Hotel is the group’s first major hospitality venue to begin construction on the coast.

Why This Project Is Landing at Aura

The decision to plant a flagship venue inside Australia’s largest masterplanned community was no accident. Stockland Aura already houses more than 10,000 residents, with plans for up to 20,000 new homes and 20,000 on-site jobs on completion. Plans for the future city centre include a regional shopping centre, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, a university campus and a transit centre, positioning the area as one of Queensland’s most significant urban growth corridors.

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Comiskey Group Director Rob Comiskey said breaking ground marks a milestone years in the making. “Breaking ground on Aura Hotel is a huge milestone for us and something we’ve been working towards for a long time,” he said. “With the biggest band room on the Sunshine Coast, capable of hosting up to 2,500 guests, we’re delivering a venue that will bring world-class live music to the region in a way that hasn’t been done before. This will be the largest venue on the Sunshine Coast and one of the largest in Australia.”

Comiskey pointed to the group’s track record of attracting major international acts to its existing venues as a signal of what Sunshine Coast audiences can expect. “We’ve hosted artists from Prince to Post Malone across our venues, and Aura Hotel will continue that, bringing major acts closer to home,” he said.

What the Venue Will Look Like

Aura Hotel will anchor the Aura City Centre precinct, backing onto a future five-hectare South Bank-style parkland. The Mediterranean-inspired design emphasises layered textures and indoor-outdoor flow, with the aim of creating an impression from the moment patrons arrive.

“We’ve put a lot of thought into how this venue looks and feels from the moment you arrive,” Comiskey said. “It’s designed to have real impact, from the façade through to every space inside, while still being welcoming, versatile and built for the whole community.”

The project is expected to generate approximately 150 local jobs, and Stockland Aura Project Director Josh Sondergeld said the development strengthens the broader vision for the precinct. “Following the start of construction on the Town Centre, this milestone reinforces Aura as a thriving destination, connecting residents through shared spaces, experiences and amenities, while also attracting visitors to the region,” he said. “Positioned alongside the future Aura Parklands and connected to surrounding neighbourhoods by extensive walking and cycling pathways, the hotel will play a key role in activating the 100-hectare Aura City Centre.”

A Growing Footprint on the Sunshine Coast

Aura Hotel is not the Comiskey Group’s only Sunshine Coast investment. Just 10 minutes from the Aura site, the group is also developing Coochin Fields, a 155-hectare outdoor festival site approved earlier this year, adding to what is shaping up as a significant entertainment corridor between Caloundra and the broader Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Together, the two projects signal the group’s confidence in the region’s capacity to support large-scale, premium live music and hospitality experiences. For Sunshine Coast residents who have historically had to travel to Brisbane to catch major touring acts, that shift is a meaningful one.

Aura Hotel is scheduled to open in late 2027. For more information about the Comiskey Group and its upcoming projects, visit comiskey.com.au.

Published 10-April-2026

Petition To Ban Nudists At Coolum Beach Sparks Community Divide

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A petition calling for a ban on nudists at Third Bay in Coolum Beach has triggered a clear divide among locals, with concerns over safety, legality, and personal choice driving ongoing debate.

Petition Targets Long-Known Coolum Beach Spot

The push to remove nudists from Third Bay has brought renewed attention to a location long associated with nude bathing, despite laws prohibiting the practice.

The petition, recently shared within the community, aims to stop what has become a continued presence of nudists at the beach. Early support appears limited, though the issue has prompted strong discussion online.

Coolum Beach nudists — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Community Views Split Over Use Of Coolum Beach

Reactions to the petition show a divided response among locals. Some residents raise concerns about safety and suitability, particularly pointing to families and children who also visit the beach.

Others have highlighted incidents that raised discomfort, reinforcing concerns about how the area is being used. At the same time, some within the community argue that nudity itself is not harmful and should be tolerated in a secluded setting.

Alternative views suggest that those uncomfortable with the situation can choose other nearby beaches, while others propose the idea of a designated clothing-optional area.

nudist beach — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Legal Status Remains Unchanged

Under existing laws, public nudity is not permitted, and individuals may face fines for wilful exposure. Beach patrols are conducted regularly, with enforcement occurring at times, although the practice has continued over the years.

There are no officially recognised nude beaches in Queensland. Attempts in other areas to establish clothing-optional locations have not succeeded, leaving places like Third Bay without any formal status.

Ongoing Debate At Coolum Beach

The situation at Coolum Beach continues to centre on differing expectations around how the beach is used. The petition has brought renewed focus to the issue, but its outcome remains uncertain.

For now, Third Bay remains a point of discussion within the community, with opinions on both sides continuing to shape the conversation.

Published 10-Apr-2026

Mount Tibrogargan Tragedy As Woman Found Dead In Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Photo Credit: Pexels

A woman has been found dead on Mount Tibrogargan in the Sunshine Coast hinterland after calls for help were heard from the mountain, prompting an emergency response in the region.

Calls For Help On Mount Tibrogargan

The incident unfolded on Mount Tibrogargan, within the Glass House Mountains, where a person hiking in the area reported hearing a woman calling out for help. Emergency services were alerted at approximately 8:40 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, leading to a ground search at the base of the mountain.

Search efforts were carried out on foot across the terrain. After several hours, responders located the woman at about 10:30 a.m., where she was confirmed deceased.

Police indicated the woman was suspected to have been walking alone at the time of the incident. It is believed she may have fallen, although the circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation.

Mount Tibrogargan death — *Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

Steep Terrain On Mount Tibrogargan

Mount Tibrogargan rises to 364 metres and forms part of the Glass House Mountains National Park, north of Brisbane. The mountain features both a lower walking circuit of about four kilometres and a more demanding summit route.

The upper sections of the climb include steep inclines reaching up to 60 degrees, along with areas identified as high-risk for rockfall. These conditions contribute to the technical difficulty of the ascent.

The site is a well-known destination for hikers and bushwalkers, attracting visitors from across Australia and overseas.

Recent Fatal Incidents In The Glass House Mountains

The discovery follows a separate fatal incident at nearby Mount Beerwah, where two 18-year-olds died after falling from the summit track weeks earlier. One died at the scene, while the other was taken to hospital in a critical condition and later died from injuries.

Both Mount Beerwah and Mount Tibrogargan are known for hazardous summit routes, particularly in sections involving steep climbs and unstable terrain.

Coroner’s Report To Determine Cause

A report will be prepared for the coroner to determine the cause of death. Further details, including the woman’s identity and age, have not been released.

The incident highlights the challenging conditions present on popular hiking routes within the Glass House Mountains, where steep gradients and natural hazards can pose significant risks.

Published 4-Apr-2026

New Festival Site Approved for Coochin Creek Near Caloundra

Comiskey Group

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

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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