New Sunshine Coast festival site win music to tourism industry ears
A major outdoor music festival and exhibition site given the green light on the Sunshine Coast is expected to generate many millions of dollars for the local tourism industry. A move welcomed by the music industry.
A new outdoor music site has won approval in the Sunshine Coast with expectations it will drive jobs and generate tens of millions of dollars.
The State Government announced on Friday it has given plans for a new outdoor music festival and exhibition event site at Coochin Creek near Caloundra the site the go ahead.
QMusic Chief Executive Officer Kris Stewart said today’s announcement was a huge step forward for the Queensland music industry, with the government claiming it would lead to more than 680 jobs and more than $70 million in annual economic activity.
“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,” Stewart, from the music industry development association, said.
“Having this kind of investment in a festival and music venue will be a boon both for Queensland audiences and artists.”
A government release claimed the development had environmental safeguards like wildlife-friendly fencing, stormwater management measures, and operational plans to prevent impacts on the adjoining national park and state forest areas.
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.
It also followed approval of a 150-site tourist park, also at Coochin Creek, that was expected to boost accommodation supply and inject confidence in the region.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said government wanted to rebuild Queensland’s tourism sector and open the door to new tourism investment.
Stay informed, daily
“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,” he said.
“A major play and stay venue like this that can host big acts in the 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. “
