News
18 November, 2025
Elimbah set for infinity and beyond
ELIMBAH’S days as a quiet agricultural community are numbered, with developers behind a proposed $2.6 billion “entertainment city” declaring the suburb’s low-intensity rural positioning “no longer applicable”.
w Marina Gomide
ELIMBAH’S days as a quiet agricultural community are numbered, with developers behind a proposed $2.6 billion “entertainment city” declaring the suburb’s low-intensity rural positioning “no longer applicable”.
RHC City’s proposed “Infinity Planet” on 68 hectares of macadamia farmland is the flagship bid set to reshape 1500 hectares within the designated Elimbah SEQ Development Area.
A development application for the proposed project spells out the developer’s plans for a tourism and entertainment city, including a theme park, 900 hotel rooms, retail, recreation and business within a “single cohesive environment” at 235–245 Bartholomew Road, Elimbah.
According to the application, Infinity Planet would have capacity to accommodate around 2 per cent of all future commercial accommodation across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast by the 2032 Olympic Games.
The theme park aspect of the development is projected to attract up to 1.2m visitors annually, while the retail components are expected to attract approximately 1.8m visitors per year.
Developers also expect the project will generate substantial employment opportunities, including approximately 1,075 direct full-time and 1,324 indirect positions during construction, and over 4,670 direct and 1,440 indirect ongoing operational roles across tourism, hospitality, technology, and associated sectors.
“Infinity Planet will reposition the Moreton Bay Region as a leader in sustainable tourism and innovation, delivering a landmark destination that drives enduring economic, social, and cultural value for Queensland,” RHC City said in the DA.
“It will form part of the State’s long-term tourism and infrastructure legacy, contributing to the vision and investment momentum of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic era.”
In its Town Planning report the developers state that “provisions seeking to preserve rural production values and restrict urban development are no longer applicable”.
“The land is no longer suitable for agricultural activity given it’s strategically positioned for activation as a consequence of its regional accessibility, infrastructure availability, and proximity to major transport networks,” the report continued.
“Importantly, the broader Elimbah locality is characterised by substantial landholdings under developer control that are expected to transition to residential and mixed-use outcomes consistent with Next Generation Neighbourhood principles.
“Within this context, Infinity Planet provides a logical and complementary land use anchor, introducing a regionally significant tourism and innovation destination that will both support and benefit from the surrounding urban growth pattern.”
Proposed precincts
The developers are proposing to amend “the Strategic Framework to reclassify the site from Rural and Coast and Riverlands to Special Area, recognising its regional tourism and innovation role”.
It also wants council to apply a “Major Tourism Zone and associated Elimbah North Major Tourism Area Code to establish two coordinated precincts – Tourism and Entertainment and Business and Innovation”.
The two key precincts would be supported by integrated open space, transport, and environmental systems.
The Tourism and Entertainment Precinct (Precinct 1) would include:
- A large-scale tourist attraction including themed experiences, performance spaces, and family-oriented leisure activities;
- A theatre and function facility hosting conferences, cultural events, and entertainment, short-term accommodation and resort-style lodging;
- A tourist park catering to eco-lodges, ‘glamping’ and experiential stays to capture the drive and regional visitor market;
- Public realm activation through landscaped plazas, a waterpark similar to Southbank, and pedestrian promenades designed to encourage day and overnight visitation.
The Business and Innovation Precinct (Precinct 2) would feature:
- Office and research facilities supporting creative industries, artificial intelligence technology, and tourism innovation;
- Space for research and technology industry partnerships;
- Integrated parking and transport facilities supporting workforce access and visitor circulation.
“The site occupies a strategic location adjoining the Bruce Highway, approximately 60 kilometres north of Brisbane and 40 kilometres south of the Sunshine Coast,” RHC City said.
“This location provides direct highway exposure and connectivity to major tourism markets across South East Queensland.
“The project has, over the past two to three years, progressed from an initial concept to a comprehensive development proposal, supported by extensive engagement with all levels of government.”
Council’s response
A spokesperson for Moreton Bay Council said “it’s no surprise” an “iconic” destination project such as this has chosen Moreton Bay to locate.
“Our City’s enviable lifestyle, progressive approach, rapid population growth and central SEQ location opens up a wealth of opportunities for investment,” they said.
“We look forward to hearing how the project progresses, and welcome any employment, recreational and economic benefits that eventuate for City of Moreton Bay.”
The council is also in the early stages of a long-term plan “to guide future growth” in Elimbah and is presently gathering feedback.
This ‘early consultation’ is open for public submissions until November 28 with a report due back in early 2026. More detailed community feedback will follow, the council stated.
Division 12 councillor, Tony Latter, said RHC’s development could mean “great opportunities” for locals, but acknowledged it also raised questions about infrastructure, transport, and community impact.
“The applicant will need to clearly outline their vision and make their case to the community,” he said in a statement.
“Council’s role is very different. We assess the proposal against the planning scheme, the relevant legislation, and the broader needs of both current and future residents.
“That assessment has to be thorough, balanced and based on evidence.”
While acknowledging this DA is for a “massive proposal”, Mr Latter emphasised, being a councillor, he cannot take a position on the project before all information is available
“Showing bias or forming a view too early could compromise the process and leave any decision open to challenge in court,” he said.
“That wouldn’t serve the community well.
“The economic potential is significant, but so are the possible impacts on the local area, infrastructure and environment.
“This won’t be an easy assessment, and it’s important that every step is handled properly, transparently, and in line with the rules set out for projects of this scale.
To view the DA visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Building-Development/DA-Tracker/11324819
