Tourism park plan in Australia sparks controversy — ABC News Australia
In the town of Kin Kin in the inland part of Australia’s Noosa region, a plan to establish a tourism park opposite the local hotel has raised concerns among some residents. Businessman David Ezrin plans to create a tourism park with 25 camping sites, without cabins or villas, on his own property. As ABC News Australia reports, Noosa Council approved Ezrin’s company’s request for a future application to be considered under the previous planning scheme rather than the current one.
No formal application yet
Noosa Council said it had not yet received a formal application for the tourism park. However, under the rules of the previous scheme, the project will be subject to a code assessment because of the size of the site, the absence of cabins or villas, and the limit of 25 camping sites.
Mandatory public consultation is not required for projects undergoing a code assessment. This did not prevent some residents from expressing their concerns on social media. Under Ezrin’s plan, the park is to feature trees, shade and interconnected dams.
The site is located opposite the Kin Kin Hotel. Ezrin and his business partner Matthew Flynn restored the hotel for nearly two years; poker machines were removed from it during the work. The building was constructed in 1914.
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Concerns over changes in the town
Local coffee farmer Peter Ginner said he was concerned by Ezrin’s purchase of several commercial properties on the town’s main street. In Ginner’s view, such changes could affect the character of Kin Kin. Ezrin confirmed that he owns several commercial properties, but said that The Depot does not belong to him.
Three years ago, Ezrin also bought the Black Ant cafe and shop, which was the only other place in town where food could be bought. In May 2024, the establishment announced it was closing for extensive renovations and has not yet reopened to visitors. According to Ezrin, the leased premises are now used for workshops and baking products sold at the hotel.
Ezrin said that if the tourism park is approved by the council, he plans to open the hotel seven days a week and relaunch the shop. Kin Kin Hotel currently operates from Thursday to Sunday.
