Plans lodged for Fields of dreams

The Comiskey Group’s $35 million event and festival site, Coochin Fields, is attracting significant interest, before construction has even started.

It comes as the family firm, based in the City of Moreton Bay, reveals details of its development application (DA) for the 150ha site at Caloundra.

First illustrations, before Sunshine Coast Council for approval, show a massive multi-purpose roof structure, which the DA lists as being 80m x 65m.

An administration building, camping admin/store and two general storage sheds are also in the application.

The site, covering 22 football fields, could host “world class music, “Coachella-style” events and lifestyle exhibitions, such as camping and caravanning shows.

If given the green light, Coochin Fields will be one of the biggest such venues in Australia able to “host some of the world’s biggest talent”.

A report, estimated it would generate about $60m expenditure in the Sunshine Coast region per year, with 180,000 additional overnight visits.

Coochin Fields is also estimated to create 550 full-time equivalent jobs to the region.

With much of the infrastructure being “temporary”, when not in use, Coochin Fields will look “more like natural parklands”.

Director Rob Comiskey says capacity will be around 35,000, construction will take about a year and the first events are likely in 2025.

Mr Comiskey says a number of organisations are interested in using the venue, which will host national and international acts.

“The proposed festival site was designed to create atmosphere and bring vibrancy to the expansive grass space,” he says.

“For major festivals, you can expect unique art installations and activations to enhance the experience had at Coochin Fields.

“We have consulted with both local residents and environmental groups, taking into account environmental impact.

“When not activated, the outdoor space will look like a nature reserve; only coming alive for a few festivals and events a year.

“If approved, Coochin Fields will be a landmark entertainment destination and a game-changer for the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Comiskey says.