Murray Bridge water sport park gets the green light following court appeal

A water sports park planned for Murray Bridge will move from vision to reality after proponents took the local council to court to shore up the development’s approval.

Bridge Watersport Park has been approved, with attractions to look similar to these at Perth Wake Park. Picture: Supplied

Work will soon kick off on a planned water sports park at Murray Bridge, which has been touted as another major attraction cementing the town’s status on the tourist trail.

Bridge Watersport Park has received planning consent for its vision to create the state’s first water park alongside the bridge at Murray Bridge.

It followed the council’s development panel knocking back the plans late in 2020, then approving revised plans early this year. The company appealed the original decision in the Environment, Resources and Development Court, which has granted planning consent.

It will feature a lake on the waterfront, to be used as a cable ski park, where riders are towed around on cables linked to towers.

Another lake would be used as an “aqua park”, with a floating playground, and could also host other water sports.

Bridge Watersport Park has been approved. Picture: Supplied

Bridge Watersport Park has been approved, with attractions to look similar to these at Perth Wake Park. Picture: Supplied

Murray Bridge mayor Brenton Lewis at the council chambers. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Murray Bridge Mayor Brenton Lewis said the project would mean “a hell of a lot for tourism” in his town.

“Now, with the advent of the Bridgeport Hotel, Monarto Zoo building accommodation on site and their investment in Wild Africa, the motorsport park at Tailem Bend, all of a sudden, we’re getting a series of worthwhile accommodation places and tourism and event opportunities,” he said.

The Bridgeport Hotel recently completed a $45m, six-storey, redevelopment, and Monarto Zoo is planning a $40m accommodation project, known as Wild Africa with resort and glamping facilities, and $16.8m visitor centre.

“The water sport park is the next gem. It’s something I think people will bring their kids for, young people and middle-aged people – I just think it will be fantastic,” Mr Lewis said.

The council’s development panel originally knocked back the plans because it did not meet “a series of objectives” in the local development plan.

An artist's impression of a new water sport park planned for Murray Bridge. Picture: Supplied

Bridge Watersport Park has been approved, with attractions to look similar to these at Perth Wake Park. Picture: Supplied

At the time, Mr Lewis said rules governing development along the Murray River flood plain were outdated, draconian, and “an absolute caveat” on development in the area.

Bridge Watersports Park owner Adam Bruce said changes to the plans included further flood prevention works, and alterations to operating hours, landscaping, crowd management and connectivity with the river.

Up to 20 people will find work during the project’s construction with another 4-5 full-time staff employed long term and up to 20 seasonal employees.

“There is enormous support around the project in general, however local wakeboarders are probably the most excited to finally have a cable park in their home state,” Mr Lewis said.

“It will open up the opportunity for anyone to try wakeboarding/waterskiing and kneeboarding.

“Tow sports have a huge following here already and are only hindered by lack of opportunity and cost (and) Bridge Watersport Park will eliminate both of these barriers.”

Meanwhile, a separate business, LANDN Pty Ltd, is also hoping to build a water sports park at Mannum, featuring a range of attractions and activities including flyboarding, water slides, rapids, zorb balls, a flow rider (wave generator), zip lines, cable skiing, wakeboarding and an inflatable obstacle course.

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