A proposal to establish a tourist park in the small Queensland hinterland town of Kin Kin has sparked debate among local residents, with concerns about the potential impact on the character of the community alongside arguments that additional tourism could support local businesses.

The proposal involves land opposite the historic Kin Kin Hotel in the Noosa hinterland. Hotel owner and entrepreneur David Ezrine is planning to develop a tourist park on the property, which currently includes farmland and a vegetable garden used by the hotel's restaurant. The proposal would include up to 25 camping sites and no cabins or villas. (abc.net.au)

The Kin Kin Hotel is one of the most prominent buildings in the village. The century-old hotel was restored after years of deterioration, with the renovation taking almost two years. The hotel now operates as a dining and hospitality venue and includes The Woodshed, a degustation restaurant that recently received a Best Destination Dining award at the 2026 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards. (abc.net.au)

Ezrine says the proposed tourist park would complement the hotel by providing visitors with somewhere to stay while exploring Kin Kin and the surrounding Noosa hinterland. He described the planned site as a place where visitors could stay among trees and landscaped areas while being close to the hotel.

Noosa Council recently approved a request from Ezrine's company for the proposed development to be assessed under the council's superseded planning scheme. According to the council, the proposal would be code-assessable under that scheme because of the size of the land, the proposed number of camping sites and the absence of cabins or villas. A code-assessable development does not require the same public consultation process as some other planning applications.

The planning process has nevertheless generated discussion among people living in Kin Kin. Some residents have expressed concerns about how additional tourism and development could affect the village's existing character. Local coffee farmer Peter Hinner said he was concerned about changes to the community and the number of properties acquired by the hotel owner.

Ezrine has rejected the suggestion that he controls the town, saying he owns only a small number of commercial properties. He has also invited residents who have concerns about the tourist park to discuss the proposal directly rather than relying on social media conversations.

The debate comes as the Kin Kin Hotel continues to play a larger role in the local economy. The business works with local farmers and artists, while its restaurant uses locally produced food. Ezrine has said that, subject to council approval, he hopes to eventually open the pub seven days a week and reopen a general store in the village.

The proposed tourist park has not yet received final development approval. The next stage will depend on the planning process and any requirements imposed by Noosa Council.

For Kin Kin residents, the proposal represents a discussion about how the small hinterland community should develop as tourism grows across the Noosa region. Supporters point to potential economic activity and visitor accommodation, while critics remain concerned about the effect of further development on the town's established identity.