Read: Buderim Retirement Village Joins Food Waste Recycling Trial

The event runs from 10 to 12 July 2026 and is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors. For Buderim residents, Nambour Showgrounds is just a 15-minute drive north-west along the range, making it one of Queensland’s most accessible major gardening events. Around 65 per cent of attendees travel from outside the Sunshine Coast region, highlighting the show’s statewide appeal.

The 2026 program spans seven hectares and includes more than 55 nurseries selling 60,000 plants each day, a Giant Kitchen Garden, a Plant Clinic for one-on-one advice, hands-on workshops and a packed schedule of talks and demonstrations. It is the kind of event where visitors can easily spend a full day exploring, which is why two-day and three-day passes remain popular.

Tammy Huynh makes her Queensland debut

The headline addition to the 2026 speaker programme is Tammy Huynh, who joins the show for the first time. A presenter on ABC’s Gardening Australia, author of The Plant Book and 2021 Horticulturist of the Year, Huynh brings a focus on indoor plant care that reflects how much gardening culture has shifted in recent years toward balcony gardens, apartment growing and houseplant collections.

“One of the things I love most about gardening events is the opportunity to connect with other plant enthusiasts, share knowledge and learn something new,” Huynh said ahead of her Queensland debut. “My sessions will explore indoor plant care, common problems and some of the biggest myths surrounding houseplants, with plenty of practical tips to help people grow with confidence.”

Her sessions sit alongside returning horticultural heavyweights Graham Ross AM, Sophie Thomson, Jerry Coleby-Williams and Phil Dudman, who between them represent decades of practical growing knowledge. New speaker Robert “The Mountain Man” Wilson also joins the programme, bringing his perspective on legacy horticulture to the lineup.

From the vegie patch to the chef’s stage

The Cooks Garden Stage adds a food angle that makes the show genuinely useful for home growers who want to know what to actually do with what they harvest. Head Chef Mal Meiers from ēthos at Alsahwa Estate appears alongside Kenji Hiroto from SOKA, crowd favourite Matt Golinski, and Robert Cauilan, Executive Chef at Aussie World and the Banana Bender Pub, whose cooking draws on Filipino flavours applied to modern Australian cuisine.

“Whether you’re interested in rare, unusual and ornamental plants, new plant releases, growing your own food at home, creating a more sustainable garden or simply learning from some of the best minds in horticulture, there is something in the program for every gardener,” said Colin Fruk, Chief Executive Officer of Greenlife Industry QLD.

A rooster crow and 60,000 plants

Beyond the speaker stages and the nurseries, the show runs a Plant Clinic where visitors can bring their gardening problems directly to experts, workshops for those who want to get their hands in the soil, and the returning Rooster Crowing Competition as part of the Poultry Spectacular.

Adults and children both compete, and it has become one of the more genuinely unexpected highlights of the weekend.

The economic reach of the Queensland Garden Show is considerable. Over more than four decades, the event has injected over $200 million into the local economy, with a visitor base that extends well beyond the Sunshine Coast into Brisbane, regional Queensland and interstate.

Tickets and getting there

The Queensland Garden Show runs Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July 2026 at Nambour Showgrounds. Gates open at 8am and close at 4pm each day.

Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adult entry – $26.50 (online) / $29 (gate price)
• Pensioner concession – $23.50 (online) / $25 (gate price)
• Locals entry – $21.20 (online) / $22.50 (gate)
• Children 15 years and under – Free
• Groups of 10 or more – $20 each
• Two-day weekend pass (Saturday and Sunday) – $45
• Three-day pass – $65
• Parking: $10 per car

The showgrounds offer excellent disability access including on-site disabled parking, ground-level exhibits and accessible toilet facilities. Guide dogs are welcome.

Tickets are available online, where the full speaker programme and session times are also listed.

Read: Buderim Macadamias Set to Take Centre Stage at Brisbane 2032 Games

Published 25-June-2026

The post Queensland Garden Show Celebrates 42 Years with Biggest Names in Gardening appeared first on Buderim Today.

Read: Sunshine Coast Schoolboy Breaks National Records at Queensland Athletics Championships

A Home-Grown Legacy

Released on 30 April 2026, the Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games White Paper suggests that the upcoming Games offer a unique chance to support local growers and strengthen regional food systems. Professor Janet McColl-Kennedy, who led the research through the University of Queensland’s Business School, explained that the event is more than a simple catering task. 

Instead, it serves as a platform to present the world with nutritious and high-quality food that is unique to the region. The report highlights the historical and cultural importance of macadamia, which is the only Australian native plant to become a major international food crop. Originally known as “Kindal Kindal” by Indigenous Australians, these nuts have been a treasured delicacy in the region for thousands of generations. 

Boosting the Local Economy

The University of Queensland report aims to help local businesses benefit from the massive number of visitors expected for the Games. Research shows that during the Paris 2024 Games, more than 700,000 people attended events on a single day. By making local items like macadamias, Mooloolaba prawns, and Granite Belt olive oil the stars of the menu, the Games can create long-term value for the Sunshine Coast. 

Professor McColl-Kennedy noted that today’s consumers want to know exactly where their food comes from and prefer healthy options. She suggested that serving fresh, local ingredients can create memorable, personalised experiences for visitors, such as enjoying local seafood while watching a sunset.  

Supporting Innovation and Sustainability

The plan goes beyond just serving food; it focuses on solving modern challenges like worker shortages and rising costs. The report includes 57 recommendations for policymakers, including using new technology like artificial intelligence and digital tracking to reduce food waste. 

Read: Local Culinary Talent Peter Brown Takes Out Top State Prize

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry stated that making the right choices now will lead to a more resilient food industry that lasts well beyond 2032. The research also encourages working closely with Indigenous communities to grow native produce, ensuring the environmental and cultural heritage of the macadamia is preserved. By planning early, the organisers hope to build a system that supports farmers and provides fresh food for the community for decades to come.

Published Date 30-April-2026. Updated 19-June-2026.

The post Buderim Macadamias Set to Take Centre Stage at Brisbane 2032 Games appeared first on Buderim Today.

Read: Buderim Heavyweight Alex Shaw Targets World Cup After European Success

The pilot program, led by the Council of Mayors (SEQ) and funded by the Queensland Government, will test a range of food recycling solutions across South East Queensland over the next two-and-a-half years.  

One of the first participating sites is IRT The Palms Retirement Village in Buderim, where food scraps collected from residents will be processed using technologies designed to turn waste into useful resources such as compost, mulch and renewable energy. Based on the media release provided by the Council of Mayors (SEQ).  

The broader trial will also include holiday accommodation in Noosa, residential towers on the Gold Coast and future projects in Brisbane. Organisers say more than 530 tonnes of food waste could be diverted from landfill during the program.  

Researchers from Central Queensland University will work alongside participating councils to assess which recycling methods are most effective in high-density living environments. Technologies being tested include food dehydrators, anaerobic digestion systems and on-site composting solutions.  

The initiative comes as South East Queensland continues to grow rapidly, with population forecasts predicting the region will be home to around six million people by 2046. According to the Council of Mayors, organic waste currently makes up more than one-third of household general waste.  

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said reducing landfill remained a priority for the region and that community participation would play an important role in the trial’s success. According to the media release, the project is intended to identify practical ways for residents to reduce food waste and support a more circular approach to waste management.  

Read: Sunshine Coast Businesses Urged to Gear Up for 2032 Olympics Procurement Opportunities

If successful, the findings could help shape future food waste recycling programs for apartments, retirement communities and other multi-unit developments across South East Queensland.  

Published 11-June-2026

The post Buderim Retirement Village Joins Food Waste Recycling Trial appeared first on Buderim Today.

Read: First Sunshine Coast AI Data Centre Takes Shape in Maroochydore CBD

The Queensland Government, Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, Sunshine Coast Council, and key delivery partners held a dedicated procurement opportunities event on Tuesday, 28 April, bringing together small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from across the region. The session covered how Games-related goods and services will be sourced, how local businesses can build the capability needed to compete, and what practical steps operators should take now.

The timing is significant. Venue design and construction is set to commence between 2025 and 2028, with temporary infrastructure procurement and operational planning running from 2026 through to 2031 — meaning Sunshine Coast businesses are entering what could be a critical window for early engagement.

The region has a sizeable stake in the Games infrastructure pipeline. Plans include an upgrade to Sunshine Coast Stadium at Bokarina, increasing its permanent seating capacity from 1,046 to 10,680, as well as a new Athlete Village and arena to be built within the Maroochydore City Centre. The Mountain Bike Centre is also earmarked for upgrades, and the transport corridor known as The Wave — connecting Birtinya through to the Sunshine Coast Airport via Maroochydore — is part of the broader infrastructure commitment to the region.

The overall procurement picture is substantial. Around $2.5 billion in contracts and approximately 500 supplier opportunities are available for businesses seeking to contribute to the Games. The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are projected to deliver an estimated $8.1 billion in economic benefits to Queensland. Importantly for local operators, past major events such as the Paris 2024 Games and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games saw more than 80 per cent of contracts awarded to SMEs — a signal that smaller businesses are well-placed to compete if they prepare early.

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), which is tasked with delivering 17 new and upgraded venues for Brisbane 2032, has indicated it will operate in alignment with the Queensland Government’s Procurement Policy, which prioritises local businesses and supports SMEs.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the Games infrastructure program was designed to create jobs and support local industry, with tradespeople, contractors, suppliers and service providers all expected to benefit. Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander emphasised that the aim was for Queenslanders to both host and deliver the event. Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the time to act was now, urging local operators to begin positioning themselves to tender across the range of goods and services the Games would require.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli described the event as a meaningful milestone, noting that connecting local businesses to procurement pathways early was a priority for Council. She said the focus was on ensuring Sunshine Coast businesses understood what was coming and felt confident stepping forward for Games-related work.

Read: Local Culinary Talent Peter Brown Takes Out Top State Prize

Businesses can register for the Brisbane 2032 Supplier Portal to access procurement opportunities, receive alerts for new expressions of interest, and showcase their capabilities to Games buyers. Further information is available through the Queensland Government’s Delivering 2032 website at www.delivering2032.com.au and through Sunshine Coast Council’s Level Up business programs portal.

Published 28-April-2026

The post Sunshine Coast Businesses Urged to Gear Up for 2032 Olympics Procurement Opportunities appeared first on Buderim Today.

Read: Local Culinary Talent Peter Brown Takes Out Top State Prize

The $200 million facility, known as SC2, is being built by data centre operator NextDC at 10 South Sea Islander Way in the Maroochydore CBD. It is designed as a five-storey structure with a capacity of 6 megawatts, on a 3,710 square metre plot. The site sits alongside NextDC’s existing SC1 centre, which has been operational since 2021 and already serves as host to the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Network cable landing station.

Council has described SC2 as an “AI factory” — purpose-built infrastructure aimed at expanding digital capability across sectors including aerospace, geospatial intelligence and biomedical research. For locals watching the Maroochydore CBD rapidly evolve from a former golf course site into a full-scale urban centre, the development marks another striking chapter in the area’s transformation.

Water-wise by design

One of the most talked-about aspects of SC2 is its approach to cooling — a critical issue given how much water traditional AI data centres consume. According to an Environmental and Energy Study Institute article cited in reporting on the project, a large AI facility can use up to nearly 19 million litres of water per day, while even a medium-sized centre may consume the equivalent of what roughly 1,000 households use in a year.

SC2 will take a markedly different path. NextDC CEO Craig Scroggie has explained that the new centre will use closed-loop, liquid direct-to-chip cooling, where water is sealed within the system, circulates directly over computer chips to draw away heat, and is then recirculated rather than lost to evaporation. Any water top-ups required will draw from recycled sources rather than the region’s drinking water supply — a significant departure from conventional data centre practice.

NextDC’s SC1 centre has already earned recognition as one of the most water-efficient data facilities in the country, thanks to its use of rainwater-fed cooling towers and high-efficiency chillers. Scroggie has indicated that the AI workloads SC2 is designed to handle demand a more advanced approach still, and that the sealed system will result in minimal ongoing water consumption.

Jobs and opportunity

Beyond the physical infrastructure, SC2 is expected to generate lasting employment on the Sunshine Coast once operational. Scroggie has pointed to direct roles for engineers, technicians and operations staff, as well as broader knock-on opportunities for cloud providers, network operators, cybersecurity businesses, software firms and start-ups drawn to the region by the availability of world-class digital infrastructure.

NextDC has committed $200 million to expand its digital footprint in Queensland with SC2, and the CEO has said the facility will help local and national organisations make the most of AI and further strengthen the Sunshine Coast’s standing as a key hub for Australia’s digital economy.

A rapidly changing neighbourhood

The SC2 site is not the only thing reshaping this stretch of Maroochydore. The surrounding CBD precinct is in the midst of a broader transformation, with an $82.9 million state government funding commitment aimed at unlocking the development of more than 1,800 apartments in the eastern precinct of the Maroochydore City Centre, as part of the $142.7 million project to support ongoing CBD development.

Read: Sunshine Coast Schoolboy Breaks National Records at Queensland Athletics Championships

That kind of residential growth — alongside commercial towers, hospitality venues and transport planning — means SC2 is being built into a neighbourhood that will look considerably different again by the time it opens its doors.For a region that has quietly been positioning itself as a serious player in digital connectivity — with international submarine cables already landing at Maroochydore, and Google using the SC1 facility to support the Tabua trans-Pacific cable landing expected in 2026 — the arrival of a dedicated AI data centre feels less like a surprise and more like the next logical step.

Published 21-April-2026

The post First Sunshine Coast AI Data Centre Takes Shape in Maroochydore CBD appeared first on Buderim Today.

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

Record-Breaking Performance in Brisbane

At the Little Athletics Queensland State Championships, more than 2,000 athletes from 76 clubs competed, with 11-year-old Rylan Wooster producing one of the strongest results across the meet.

Competing just days before his 11th birthday, the Sunshine Coast runner set Australian records in the 1500 metres and 800 metres, and a Queensland record in the 400 metres. His performance across all three events placed him among the top achievers at the championships.

In the 1500m, he recorded a time of 4:35.76, taking 10 seconds off the previous national record. He followed with 2:15.29 in the 800m, improving the previous best by 1.23 seconds. In the 400m, he finished in 1:00.05, breaking the Queensland record by 1.59 seconds.

Building Momentum on the Sunshine Coast

Rylan’s development in athletics has accelerated in recent years, following earlier success in cross country. His transition into middle-distance running has seen steady progress through structured competition and regular training.

Based on the Sunshine Coast, he trains under experienced coaching guidance, with a focus on quality sessions. Observations from coaching staff highlight his ability to apply consistent effort and respond well to instruction during training and competition.

Regular participation in Little Athletics has also contributed to his growth, with weekly competition providing opportunities to refine performance and gain race experience.

Balancing Athletics and AFL Ambitions

Alongside his success on the track, Rylan remains active in Australian football through the Maroochy Roos Juniors Australian Football Club. His involvement across both sports reflects a continued interest in developing as a multi-sport athlete.

His long-term ambition includes pursuing AFL, which he continues to balance with his athletics commitments.

Support from his family has been a consistent factor, with his parents managing the schedules of three active children involved in sport.

Growing Interest in Junior Running

Rylan’s results come amid increasing participation in athletics, with junior competition continuing to attract strong numbers across Queensland. The championships also featured other record-breaking performances, reflecting a broader rise in junior competition standards.

Within this environment, performances such as Rylan’s highlight the level of talent emerging through grassroots athletics programs.

Continuing Development

Read: Petition To Ban Nudists At Coolum Beach Sparks Community Divide

The Sunshine Coast runner’s results at the state championships add to his early achievements in athletics. As he continues competing and training, he remains involved in both running and AFL, with further development expected through ongoing participation in both sports.

Published 5-Apr-2026

The post Sunshine Coast Schoolboy Breaks National Records at Queensland Athletics Championships appeared first on Buderim Today.

Read: New Festival Site Approved for Coochin Creek Near Caloundra

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.

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.

Read: Eco-Tourism Park for Coochin Creek Gets Green Light

Published 10-April-2026

The post Comiskey Group Breaks Ground on Aura Hotel, the Sunshine Coast’s Biggest Entertainment Venue appeared first on Buderim Today.

Read: Buderim Resale Result Shows Changing Trends In Over-50s Communities

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.

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.

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.

Read: Mount Tibrogargan Tragedy As Woman Found Dead In Sunshine Coast Hinterland

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

The post Petition To Ban Nudists At Coolum Beach Sparks Community Divide appeared first on Buderim Today.

Read: Buderim Resale Result Shows Changing Trends In Over-50s Communities

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.

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.

Read: Sunshine Plaza Welcomes Wave of New Stores as Sunshine Coast Growth Drives Retail Confidence

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

The post Mount Tibrogargan Tragedy As Woman Found Dead In Sunshine Coast Hinterland appeared first on Buderim Today.

Read: Eco-Tourism Park for Coochin Creek Gets Green Light

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.

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.

Read: Sunshine Coast Woman Dies in Tragic Japan Ski Lift Accident

Published 17-February-2026.

The post New Festival Site Approved for Coochin Creek Near Caloundra appeared first on Buderim Today.