Indonesian fisheries surveillance flight PK-THT has crashed in mountainous terrain in South Sulawesi after vanishing from radar during a domestic flight from Yogyakarta to Makassar, with all on board feared dead as large-scale search and recovery efforts continue. Indonesian authorities say wreckage from the ATR 42-500 turboprop, operated by Indonesia Air Transport on behalf of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, was found scattered across a remote peak in Maros Regency. Indonesian authorities have launched a major search and recovery operation after an Indonesia Air Transport ATR 42-500, registered PK-THT, disappeared from radar on Saturday while approaching Makassar in South Sulawesi with 11 people on board. The aircraft was operating a government fisheries surveillance mission between Yogyakarta and Makassar when contact was lost in poor weather over rugged mountain terrain. Officials from Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) report that the turboprop made its last radio contact at around 1:15–1:17pm local time, shortly after being cleared to approach Runway 21 at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport. Air traffic controllers then lost both radar and voice communication, triggering an immediate alert and the deployment of ground and aerial search teams to the Bantimurung and Leang-Leang mountain area in Maros Regency, north-east of Makassar. Wreckage Located In Remote Mountains After searching through the night and resuming operations before dawn, joint SAR teams involving the military, police and volunteers reported the first visual signs of debris on steep slopes in the Maros highlands. By mid-morning, rescuers confirmed they had located major sections of the fuselage and a wide debris field on a remote mountain peak, accessible only on foot and by helicopter. Basarnas officials and local commanders say at least one body has been recovered from a ravine below the main wreckage site, and that the condition of the aircraft remains indicates a high‑impact crash with little chance of survivors. Recovery teams are working in hazardous conditions, hampered by fog, sheer cliffs and dense forest, and say it could take days to retrieve all victims and secure the flight’s black boxes. Victims And Mission Details Authorities state that 10 to 11 people were on board, including the flight crew and officials from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries travelling on an aerial monitoring mission over Indonesian waters. Local media report that three ministry personnel were among those on the flight, which had been converted from a standard passenger layout into an airborne surveillance platform in 2025. Indonesia Air Transport, which operated the aircraft under a government contract, has not yet released a full passenger and crew manifest pending notification of families. The ATR 42-500 involved first entered service in 2001 and was transferred into fisheries surveillance duty in 2025, according to independent aviation records. Investigation And Safety Concerns Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that a formal investigation is under way to determine why the aircraft went silent mid‑air so close to its destination. Investigators will examine air traffic control data, weather conditions, maintenance history and, once recovered, flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the wreckage site. The crash adds to Indonesia’s troubled aviation safety record, with the country’s geography, ageing fleets and challenging weather repeatedly highlighted as risk factors in past accidents. Officials stress that all available resources remain focused on locating every victim and securing key evidence, while counselling and support are being offered to grieving families in Makassar and Yogyakarta.

Gold Coast Council has launched a new real-time water quality tool for 25 of the city’s most popular swimming spots, promising residents and tourists faster, clearer advice about when it is safe to get in the water – but also warning that heavy rain and pollution can still turn beaches and creeks unsafe at short notice.​ What the council is doing The City of Gold Coast now regularly monitors recreational water quality at 25 key locations, including open beaches, creeks, estuaries, lakes and swimming enclosures.​ Routine sampling is done on a rotating roster roughly every 18 days and after heavy rainfall, with samples taken where people actually swim, such as between the flags.​ Water samples are analysed for enterococci bacteria at the council’s NATA-accredited Scientific Services laboratory using Australian Standard methods, and the program is audited to ensure results are accurate and reliable.​ How the new prediction system works Because lab results take 24 to 48 hours, council has developed a prediction model that uses historical monitoring data, recent rainfall and pollution reports to estimate current water quality in near real time.​ An interactive online map shows each of the 25 sites with star ratings and colour codes, providing real-time water quality predictions that are updated every four hours throughout the day.​ The system classifies the likelihood of pollution as “unlikely”, “possible” or “likely”, and links its star rating approach to national guidelines from the National Health and Medical Research Council on safe recreational water.​ When the water is unsafe Council warns that heavy rainfall can wash pollutants like faecal matter, animal waste, garden chemicals and street runoff into creeks, rivers and the ocean, temporarily pushing bacterial levels above safe swimming thresholds.​ During and after extreme wet weather or flooding, contamination and debris can linger longer than usual, meaning water might look murky, carry floating waste or conceal hidden hazards even after bacteria readings improve.​ At times, specific sites may be closed due to sewage overflows, pollution incidents, safety risks or maintenance, with beach closure alerts issued separately through council channels and emergency notifications.​ Health risks and what is being tested Enterococci bacteria are used as an indicator of faecal contamination because they are found in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals; while they rarely cause illness directly, they signal the possible presence of more dangerous pathogens.​ Council also measures other water quality parameters, including pH, dissolved oxygen and salinity, and undertakes targeted algae monitoring when blooms are detected at sensitive sites like Lake Hugh Muntz.​ The monitoring program is aligned with NHMRC recreational water guidelines, which set out national frameworks for assessing microbial risks and helping local governments manage coastal, estuarine and freshwater swimming areas as safely as possible.​ What swimmers are advised to do Swimmers are encouraged to check the city’s online water quality map before heading to beaches and inland swim spots, and to pay close attention to any on-site warning signs, beach closure notices and lifeguard advice.​ Officials recommend avoiding swimming during and for a period after heavy rainfall, steering clear of stormwater outlets and visibly polluted or murky water, and taking extra care with young children, older people and those with existing health conditions. Swimmers are encouraged to check the city’s online water quality map before heading to beaches and inland swim spots, and to pay close attention to any on-site warning signs, beach closure notices and lifeguard advice.​ Officials recommend avoiding swimming during and for a period after heavy rainfall, steering clear of stormwater outlets and visibly polluted or murky water, and taking extra care with young children, older people and those with existing health conditions. The council stresses that its real-time predictions are a guide, not a guarantee, urging people to use their own judgement and to report any suspected sewage spills or pollution to the relevant hotline so risks can be investigated quickly.

Brisbane Launches Funding Program to Support Future Olympic and ParalympicAthletes Brisbane City Council has announced a new program, "Brisbane Towards 32," to support athletes preparing for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The program starts with a $100,000 grant from the city, which will be matched by corporate donations through the Aussie Athlete Fund. This approach creates a pooled funding model to assist athletes. At least 18 athletes from Brisbane will receive grants of up to $10,000 each. The funding is intended to cover costs related to training, competition, equipment, coaching, and travel. The program is open to athletes from all sporting disciplines, with a focus on preparing individuals to represent Australia in 2032 and in future games. In addition to financial support, the initiative offers resources for professional development, such as networking and financial literacy training. The Aussie Athlete Fund, led by Natalie Cook, is a national organization aimed at reducing financial barriers for athletes. According to data from the Australian Sports Foundation, nearly half of Australia's top athletes earn below the poverty line, impacting their ability to participate in international competition. “The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are not just an opportunity to build a better Brisbane, they’re also a chance to invest in our homegrown sporting talent,” says Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. “The Brisbane Towards 32 program will take pressure off talented local athletes so they can focus on training hard competing at the highest level and chasing their dreams.” The Brisbane Towards 32 program is part of the Schrinner Councils broader strategy for the city in connection with the 2032 Games. The announcement included statements from Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Natalie Cook, who both emphasized the programs role in supporting athletes and the city’s preparations for the upcoming international event.

Australia’s January 2026 skilled migration round has delivered 344 invitations to skilled workers, with health professionals and engineers again emerging as the big winners under South Australia’s General Skilled Migration program. The data signals both strong demand across hospitals, regional clinics and infrastructure projects, and a clear message from South Australia that it will keep leaning on permanent and regional visas to plug skills gaps.​ Key numbers and visa breakdown A total of 344 invitations were issued in the first skilled migration round of 2026.​ 235 invitations went to the permanent Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), while 109 were for the regional Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).​ Across the 2025–26 program year so far, 931 invitations have been issued under South Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, representing just over half of last year’s total intake.​ Who is being invited? Health professionals received the highest number of invitations in January, securing 69 places in recognition of continuing pressures across public hospitals, aged care and regional health services.​ Design, engineering, science and transport professionals followed with 63 invitations, underscoring South Australia’s pipeline of infrastructure, defence and advanced manufacturing projects.​ ICT professionals, education professionals and construction and electrotechnology trades workers were also heavily represented, reflecting demand for digital skills, teachers and trades to support population growth and housing targets.​ Occupation groups at a glance ANZSCO group (sub-major) Jan 2026 invitations (190 + 491) 2025–26 total to date Key sectors indicated Health Professionals (25) 69 174 Hospitals, primary care, aged care Design, Engineering, Science & Transport Professionals (23) 63 162 Infrastructure, defence, R&D, transport ICT Professionals (26) 33 91 Cyber, software, systems, digital government Construction Trades Workers (33) 30 89 Housing, commercial builds, maintenance Electrotechnology & Telecommunications Trades (34) 21 62 Energy, telecommunications, renewables Education Professionals (24) 22 52 Schools, higher education, training Engineering, ICT & Science Technicians (31) 25 54 Technical support for engineering and labs Health & Welfare Support Workers (41) 14 45 Allied health, community support services Data: Skilled and Business Migration South Australia, January 2026 invitation round.​ What this means for skilled migrants South Australia’s Skilled and Business Migration unit has confirmed that invitation rounds will continue on a monthly basis, with the next round scheduled for early February 2026, giving applicants a rare degree of predictability.​ Prospective migrants targeting subclass 190 or 491 are being urged to keep their skills assessments, English-language test scores and Expressions of Interest up to date to respond quickly if invited, as nomination offers typically have strict acceptance deadlines.​ Agents expect continued focus on health, engineering, ICT, education and trades, with early signals that clean-hydrogen engineers and aged-care nurses could receive particular attention as budgets and workforce plans for 2026–27 are finalised.

An international team, co-led by Southern Cross University, Indonesia’s national researchand innovation agency (BRIN) and Griffith University, discovered and dated cave paintingsmade by our species on the island of Sulawesi at least 67,800 years ago. The paintings were dated using advanced uraniumseries analysis of mineral deposits around the pigment, giving a solid minimum age for the artwork. The cave shows evidence of artistic activity spanning tens of thousands of years, with art being produced there up until about 20,000 years ago. “It is now evident from our new phase of research that Sulawesi was home to one of the world’s richest and most longstanding artistic cultures, one with origins in the earliest history of human occupation of the island at least 67,800 years ago,” said Professor Maxime Aubert, an archaeologist and geochemist from the Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research (GCSCR), who co-led the study. Importantly, the findings help strengthen the idea that modern humans were present in this region long before 65,000 years ago and likely used these islands as stepping stones in their journey from mainland Asia into what became Sahul — the ancient landmass of Australia and New Guinea. The age and location of the art support theories about early human migration through Indonesia into Australia, especially by groups closely linked to the ancestors of Indigenous Australians. This remarkable discovery not only rewrites part of the story of human artistic expression but also offers a powerful glimpse into how our ancestors moved, adapted, and expressed themselves tens of thousands of years ago. Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau from the Geo archaeology and Archaeometry Research Group (GARG) at Southern Cross University, who co-led the research, said the discovery sheds light on the most likely course of humans’ ancient island-hopping journey from mainland Asia to Sahul via the northern route. “With the dating of this extremely ancient rock art in Sulawesi, we now have the oldest direct evidence for the presence of modern humans along this northern migration corridor into Sahul,” Professor Joannes-Boyau said.

Australia’s latest inflation figures have cooled more than expected, easing pressure on the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to deliver another interest rate hike in February, but price growth remains above the bank’s comfort zone and a move cannot yet be ruled out. Economists are split, with some arguing the softer numbers justify a pause while others say sticky underlying inflation still points to further tightening in 2026.​ Inflation cools, but not enough A total of 344 invitations were issued in the first skilled migration round of 2026.​ 235 invitations went to the permanent Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), while 109 were for the regional Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).​ Across the 2025–26 program year so far, 931 invitations have been issued under South Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, representing just over half of last year’s total intake.​ Who is being invited? The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports annual headline inflation at 3.4 per cent in November 2025, down from 3.8 per cent in October and below market expectations of 3.6 per cent.​ The RBA’s preferred underlying measure, the trimmed mean, eased only slightly from 3.3 per cent to 3.2 per cent over the year, remaining above the 2–3 per cent target band and highlighting that core price pressures are still elevated.​ What’s driving prices Housing continues to be a major driver, with annual housing inflation above 5 per cent and new dwelling prices up 2.8 per cent over the year to November, while rent growth has slowed modestly to around 4 per cent.​ Electricity prices rose 19.7 per cent over the year after state energy rebates rolled off in Queensland, but analysts and the RBA see this as a temporary policy-driven effect and are more focused on stickier components such as market services and construction costs.​ Queensland households in focus The end of electricity rebates in Queensland has translated into a sharp jump on household power bills, stretching budgets even as overall inflation eases nationally.​ For mortgage holders in Brisbane and across south-east Queensland, the softer inflation print raises hopes that the RBA may keep the cash rate on hold in the near term, offering some breathing space after an extended period of cost-of-living pressure.​ What it means for interest rates Financial market pricing and major-bank commentary suggest the probability of a February rate hike has fallen, with softer-than-expected inflation introducing downside risk to December-quarter forecasts that the RBA will examine before its first meeting of 2026.​ NAB economists, including Taylor Nugent, still warn that a 0.3 per cent monthly rise in the trimmed mean in November is consistent with around 0.8–0.9 per cent underlying inflation for the December quarter  “too hot for comfort” if the RBA judges that progress back to target is too slow.​ Divided economic views Some forecasters, including teams at Westpac and sections of the real-estate and retail industry, argue that the latest figures show inflation on a clear downward path, strengthening the case for the RBA to hold rates steady and avoid further strain on households and small businesses.​ Others, including NAB and several independent analysts, contend that resilient services inflation, a still-tight labour market and the risk of renewed price pressures mean further “recalibration” of policy potentially through one or two additional rate rises in 2026 remains firmly on the table.  

The Queensland Government announced a long-term power supply agreement between state-owned CleanCo and Windlab to support affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy in Queensland. The agreement is expected to bolster the renewable energy infrastructure in North West Queensland and is linked to the development of the CopperString transmission line project. Under the 10-year agreement, CleanCo will purchase 75 per cent of the wind energy generated by Kennedy Energy Park from mid-2028. The power will be delivered to the grid, further establishing Hughenden as a key energy hub. Located near Hughenden, the heart of the CopperString project, the 43MW wind farm is known for its consistently strong wind profile and dependable annual output. Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the agreement shows the government wants to give energy customers and developers a clear idea of what to expect. “Hughenden sits at the heart of our clean energy expansion. With CopperString connecting the North West Minerals province to the national grid, we’re building the transmission highways that allow renewable energy like this wind farm to flow where it’s needed most.” Windlab CEO John Martin said the partnership reinforces Kennedy Energy Park’s role in making renewable energy more accessible for Queensland. “Our agreement with CleanCo builds on our long history in the Flinders region and ensures Kennedy continues to contribute to Queensland’s clean energy future,” Mr Martin said. Kennedy Energy Park is a hybrid renewable facility comprising 12 wind turbines (43MW), over 55,000 solar panels (15MW), and 2MW of battery storage. It is designed to utilise both solar and wind resources to improve reliability and grid stability.

A new guided Highlights Tour at Queensland Museum Kurilpa is turning a casual visit into a deep dive into dinosaurs, First Nations histories and cutting-edge science and it is completely free to join. Queensland Museum Kurilpa at South Bank has added a free, bookable daily Highlights Tour to its program, inviting visitors to walk through the breadth of Queensland’s natural and cultural history with an expert guide. The one-hour tours are designed as a fast-track introduction to the museum’s major collections and exhibitions, making it easier for first-time visitors and regulars to get more out of a short visit.​ Located on the corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets in the Queensland Cultural Centre precinct, the museum remains free to enter, with the new tour sitting alongside existing paid experiences such as SparkLab and temporary exhibitions.​ What the Highlights Tour offers The Highlights Tour takes small groups through key galleries and objects, moving from prehistoric Queensland including remains of giant dinosaurs and other ancient life through to contemporary science and technology. Museum guides use selected specimens and artefacts to unpack how Queensland’s environment, industries and communities have changed over millions of years.​ Along the way, visitors are introduced to stories from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, whose cultures and connections to Country are a central focus of the museum’s First Nations work. The tour aims to highlight both long-standing collection items and newer displays, giving a sense of how the institution is reshaping its galleries around shared histories and collaboration with First Nations partners.​ Focus on First Nations stories Queensland Museum Kurilpa has publicly committed to elevating First Nations voices and to rethinking how Indigenous collections are presented, including through repatriation projects and new curatorial approaches. On the Highlights Tour, visitors hear about objects and displays that speak to thousands of years of knowledge, contemporary artistic practice and continuing efforts to tell “hidden histories” often left out of mainstream narratives.​ The institution’s First Nations team and advisory structures work with communities across Queensland on projects ranging from language and cultural revitalisation to the return of significant objects and ancestral remains, and these themes increasingly appear across the museum’s public spaces. For many visitors, the guided format offers a more respectful and informed way to engage with these sensitive and complex stories than walking through exhibitions alone.​ Session times, bookings and access The free Highlights Tours run every day, with weekday sessions scheduled from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm and weekend sessions from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Tours are promoted as suitable for visitors aged 12 and over, and participants are asked to meet their guide about 10 minutes before the start time at the Whale Mall on Level Two.​ Bookings are essential and can be made online via the Queensland Museum Kurilpa website or affiliated ticketing platforms, with places open until the tour start time if spots remain. While admission and the tour itself are free, organisers note that sessions may be cancelled at short notice in some circumstances, and that major construction works around South Bank can affect traffic and access.​ Why it matters for Brisbane audiences For Brisbane residents, the new Highlights Tour offers an affordable way for families, students and visitors to reconnect with a major cultural institution without the pressure of planning a full-day visit. By framing the experience around stories from dinosaurs to digital technology, and from First Nations resilience to modern innovation the museum is positioning Kurilpa as a gateway to understanding how Queensland’s past and present are linked.​ The initiative also adds to South Bank’s broader cultural calendar, sitting alongside seasonal exhibitions, festivals and events that draw locals and tourists into the precinct year-round. For communities across Brisbane, particularly young people and new arrivals, the free tour can function as an accessible introduction to the state’s scientific, social and multicultural history in one hour.

Whole towns in Victoria’s north-east are reeling after out‑of‑control bushfires, fanned by a brutal heatwave and “catastrophic” fire danger, destroyed homes, a school and community facilities in the tiny township of Ruffy and surrounding districts. Authorities warn conditions are set to worsen through Friday, with residents in high‑risk areas urged to leave early and treat today as one of the most dangerous fire days since the Black Summer season. Towns hit and homes lost Fire crews say the Longwood blaze in central Victoria has burned tens of thousands of hectares and pushed directly through the small community of Ruffy, about 100 kilometres north of Melbourne. Local Country Fire Authority (CFA) captain George Noye told national broadcasters the main street “looks like a bomb has gone off”, with “countless homes” feared destroyed and the local school and recreation ground among the buildings lost. Ruffy, a farming community of fewer than 200 people in the Strathbogie Ranges, is now relying on its surviving CFA shed as the main hub for emergency support and coordination. Authorities say catastrophic conditions mean any new fires are likely to be uncontrollable, with ember attacks, rapid spread and very limited opportunities for ground crews to safely contain the fronts. Road closures and travel warnings Victorian authorities are urging residents to avoid all non‑essential travel in fire‑affected regions as major roads are cut and conditions change quickly. Sections of the Hume Freeway between Violet Town and Seymour and parts of the Maroondah Highway between Yea and Maindample have been closed due to the Longwood fire, along with several local roads around Euroa and Ruffy. Near Walwa, stretches of the Murray Valley Highway and Murray River Road are restricted to emergency or local traffic only, with residents advised to use alternative crossings into New South Wales and to avoid the Jingellic crossing. Emergency managers stress that roads considered safe in the morning may become dangerous or blocked later in the day as wind changes push fire fronts in new directions. Heatwave across three states The Victorian disaster is unfolding against a broader heatwave stretching across South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, driving up bushfire risk over a wide area. Severe to extreme heatwave warnings are in place from inland South Australia through western and central Victoria into southern New South Wales, with Renmark forecast to hit 47 degrees and Canberra expected to reach the high 30s. Total fire bans have been declared for all of Victoria, fifteen districts in southern South Australia and several border districts in southern New South Wales, including the Southern Riverina and Monaro Alpine regions. Health authorities are reminding people that heatwaves kill more Australians than any other natural hazard, urging vulnerable residents to stay indoors, stay hydrated and check on neighbours, especially the elderly and very young. Warnings, resilience and copyright note Emergency leaders say the safest option for people in bushfire‑prone or heavily forested areas is to leave early and spend the day in a safer town or city, rather than waiting to see how conditions develop. Residents are being directed to monitor official channels including VicEmergency, ABC Emergency radio and state fire services for the latest warnings, evacuation advice and relief centre information. Community leaders in Ruffy and other affected towns describe residents as “incredibly resilient”, focusing first on survival and welfare checks while beginning to grasp the scale of the damage to homes, schools and local infrastructure.

The Crisafulli Government has approved a 150-site ecotourism-style tourist park at Coochin Creek on the Sunshine Coast, pitching it as a job-creating, low‑impact project aligned with its Destination 2045 tourism strategy. The decision has been strongly welcomed by tourism and business groups, but sharply criticised by environmental organisations and some community voices who argue the site is too sensitive and risky for this scale of development. Flood impact on graziers and towns The $35 million Coochin Creek Tourist Park, led by the Comiskey Group, will include 75 cabins and 75 camping or glamping sites on about 42–43 hectares of former farmland at the end of Roys Road, near Caloundra. Facilities are expected to include a pool, water play area, mini‑golf and family‑focused recreation, adding much‑needed accommodation capacity for the Sunshine Coast.   Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie approved the tourist park after “calling in” the development application, saying the project will boost tourism, create local jobs and “unlock economic opportunities” while operating under strict environmental and safety conditions. The government states the decision aligns with its Destination 2045 strategy, which aims to expand low‑impact, nature‑based tourism in regional Queensland through public–private partnerships. Support from tourism and business Visit Sunshine Coast has hailed the approval as a “huge win”, arguing that the park will deliver much‑needed new beds, strengthen the region’s reputation as an ecotourism destination and diversify local holiday options. The Sunshine Coast Business Council also backs the development, highlighting the Comiskey Group’s track record operating successful tourism venues and predicting strong flow‑on benefits to local operators.   The local LNP MP for Caloundra, Kendall Morton, has described the project as a “game‑changer” that will showcase the area’s natural assets and support jobs across multiple sectors, from hospitality to small business. Comiskey Group Director David Comiskey says the approval follows a five‑year assessment process and that the park is designed as a family‑friendly, low‑impact destination that leverages experience from the company’s Sandstone Point Holiday Resort. Environmental and community concerns The State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA), the Queensland government’s own specialist planning body, had previously recommended refusal, finding there was no overriding public need for the development and warning of significant environmental and bushfire risks at the sensitive Coochin Creek and Pumicestone Passage interface. A coalition of Sunshine Coast community groups and the Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC) argue the tourist park is incompatible with the Northern Inter‑Urban Break and could degrade wetlands, wildlife habitat and water quality.   SCEC’s Narelle McCarthy has labelled the approval “flawed and troubling”, warning that the site effectively extends into wetland and that conditions imposed are “fairly standard” and do not reflect the area’s sensitivity. Community groups also raise safety concerns, noting that evacuating up to 600 people along a single access road during a bushfire or other emergency could be difficult, despite the state’s assurances about fire management plans, firebreaks and road upgrades. Conditions and next steps The tourist park has been approved subject to 95 conditions covering environmental protection, vegetation management, bushfire mitigation, road works and visitor safety, including clearing about 0.6 hectares of vegetation and replanting around 3.3 hectares. The government says these requirements, along with ongoing monitoring, will ensure the project protects key environmental values while opening the area to more visitors.   A separate proposal by Comiskey Group for a nearby large‑scale music festival site, known as Coochin Fields and capable of hosting tens of thousands of people at several events each year, is still under consideration and remains strongly opposed by local environment and resident groups. Those groups have signalled they will continue campaigning against high‑impact development at Coochin Creek and are urging the state to heed its own expert advice on future decisions.