General News
11 November, 2026
Eco-campground approved
A ‘LOW-IMPACT’ 74-person tourist campground on an ecologically sensitive 204-hectare coastal property in South Mission Beach has been given the go-ahead by Cassowary Coast Regional Council.
Council approved a development permit for the eco-campground at its ordinary monthly meeting last week.
Lodged by Planning Plus on behalf of Sunshine Group Australia Pty Ltd, the application sought a ‘material change of use’ for a tourist park across two parcels located at 49 Jackey Jackey Street. Situated in council’s environmental management and conservation zone, the site also sits within the state ‘regional landscape and rural production’ area of the FNQ Regional Plan.
Although the land was previously subject to a 2006 preliminary approval for a larger resort development – which remains current until January 2028 – the applicant opted to apply under current planning scheme provisions for a scaled-back, nature-based option.
Councillors voted to support the planning officers’ recommendation for approval, subject to 39 detailed conditions designed to safeguard surrounding wetland ecosystems and native fauna.
Sunshine Group Australia chief operating officer Teagan Hill said the group was delighted to secure approval and aimed to welcome its first campers by April 2027.
“Mission Beach is a truly special place and our aim is to create a welcoming space where travellers can experience the region’s incredible natural beauty, while also providing opportunities for local recreational groups and community events,” Ms Hill told The Observer.
“This is just the beginning and we’re looking forward to getting feedback from local residents, community groups and event organisers on how we can best support the needs of the local community,” she said.
Under the approved plans, camping facilities will be confined to a cleared southern section of the property near the coastline, catering to tents, camper trailers, caravans, and 4WD recreational vehicles.
The northern precinct currently contains an existing dwelling, caretaker accommodation, shed, and former aquaculture infrastructure.
To minimise ground disturbance, structural additions are limited to a basic camp kitchen and ablution amenities.
Energy for the off-grid setup will be provided by solar power and battery storage, supported by a 6000-litre non-potable water system.
Extraction of local groundwater is explicitly prohibited.
Under the conditions of approval, effluent must be treated on-site, with any excess untreated wastewater collected in sealed holding tanks for regular off-site pump-out by licensed contractors.
Occupancy has been capped at 37 campsites and a maximum of 74 guests at any single time – a limit established to align with state transport network referral thresholds. Stays are limited to a maximum of seven consecutive nights in any 21-day period, with operations conditional on a live-in caretaker remaining on site during all overnight stays.
Read More: Mission Beach