SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND

Great Sandy National Park

Proposed development project:
Cooloola Great Walk Ecotourism Project

The Cooloola section of Queensland’s Great Sandy National Park contains the world's oldest coastal dune formations (over 700,000 years) and is one of the most complete dune systems in the world. This ancient landscape holds a diverse range of ecosystems: wide, long beaches backed by coloured sand cliffs; wildflower-strewn heaths; scribbly gum and mangrove communities; shady woodlands; and tranquil lakes. The ecosystems have evolved to survive in low nutrient, acidic environments making them highly sensitive to any external influence or disturbance. Cooloola is rich in biodiversity, and is home to over 350 species of birds, and many rare and threatened species.

But the Cooloola Great Walk Ecotourism Project (CGWEP) plans to establish five new exclusive-use corporate ecotourism sites that will include hard-roofed, luxury ensuite lodges with additional glamping areas, along with developing new roads. The proposal would provide wealthy visitors and corporate clients with luxury holidays at the cost of destroying significant natural and aesthetic values.

- Five new exclusive-use corporate ecotourism sites.
- Two sites comprised of ten hard-roofed luxury ensuite cabins (sleeping up to 22 people).
- Three new glamping sites with communal dining lodges and recreation areas, helicopter access, services and amenities.
- Exclusive use of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services (QPWS) roads, and the development of new roads, for private corporate resort or events/conference use.

The Cooloola Great Walk Ecotourism Project is a collaborative model between the Queensland Government and the Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation. However, the government announced CABN, a cabin construction company, as their preferred tender for the development.

In May 2022, Intrepid Travel invested $7.85 million equity in CABN in order to expand Intrepid’s off-grid accommodation and tourism products. It is anticipated that while CABN will undertake construction of the developments, Intrepid Travel will hold exclusive rights to and deliver the tourism product.

The Cooloola Great Walk Ecotourism Project is a threat to the Great Sandy National Park’s most unique and ecologically sensitive spaces. It is the only place in the world where rainforest is found on sand,and Poona Lake is one of the only perched dune lakes in mainland Australia.The proposed development of private accommodation with dining and meeting spaces would significantly impact the area’s significant natural and aesthetic values in order toprovide wealthy visitors and corporate clients with luxury holidays in exclusive locations.

The proposal is highly controversial. Concerns raised by local communities and Environmental Non-Government Organisations (eNGOs) include:

•  A development application is still to be submitted confirming final sites. (The history of the development sites are available on the Department of Environment and Science website here.)
• Developments should be located outside the national park, ensuring the environment is protected in line with the cardinal principle.
  
• Developments located adjacent to the park may contribute directly to local businesses and services, leading to local income and employment opportunities.
• Mapping of the proposed development shows there is potential for some sections of QPWS road that are publicly accessible to be blocked off, resulting in the resort having private, exclusive use of the entire region.

Community groups and NGOs claim lack of consultation, a lack of government transparency and accountability, severe community opposition to the development of the resort complexes, and opaque site selection.

Although the project was approved by the Federal Government under the EPBC Act, it was withdrawn in May 2024 due to pressure from Traditional Owners, Conservation Councils of Queensland, ministers, advocates, and strong community opposition.