Surf’s up: Plans revealed for Coast’s $30m wave pool
A property developer is behind a multimillion dollar proposal to bring wave pool technology used for the Japan 2021 Olympics to the Sunshine Coast.
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A multimillion dollar wave park planned for the Sunshine Coast has been pitched as a major tourist attraction and the solution to having perfect surf all year.
A development application has been lodged for an American Wave Technology surf park at the Moby Vic's Bruce Highway service station at Glass House Mountains.
Property developer and Town Real Estate director Craig Morrison is behind the estimated $30 million project, earmarked for a 13.4ha parcel of the land owned by Jocelyn Walker and son Drew.
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The technology is to be used in Japan for a wave pool for the 2021 Olympics, but has never been used in Australia.
It is best known for the Waco park in Texas and is described as the most versatile wave pool technology, with operators able to control the shape and size of waves.
Operators can offer left or right breaks for beginners right through to advanced surfers, with the ability to cater waves for barrels or airs.
The pool would be 315m long and 92m wide - about 100m longer than Japan's Olympic wave pool.
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The proposal includes a "holistic" surfing experience, with a wave park, wellness centre for yoga and meditation, paddock to plate food and beverage and ocean and marine protection education.
"The proposal represents regionally significant tourism generation investment and employment opportunity and represents a unique facility for the Sunshine Coast that would enhance the region's tourism brand and reputation," the application said.
"The Surf Park would be a significant addition to the sport and recreation infrastructure available on the Sunshine Coast and has the capability to host major sporting events."
Project Urban lodged the two-pronged application for Surf Park Australia's material change of use for the tourist facility and to reconfigure a lot.
The material change of use is impact assessable and reconfigurement of a lot code assessable.
The application will also be referred to the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Representatives of the proposal met with the council twice before the proposal was lodged.
The first meeting, on November 9, was on-site with divisional councillor Rick Baberowski, Alex Lever-Shaw from the council's economic development team and planning assessment co-ordinator Stephen Whitby.
"As a result of the meeting the Surf Park project was designated as a Priority Project within the Sunshine Coast Council's Major Projects Investment Incentive Scheme," the application said.
A pre-lodgement meeting followed on December 16 with council and UnityWater.
The project would require an onsite effluent treatment system.
Water supply is proposed to be provided from a spring fed dam on the site with "top-up" supply from the existing private water main.
In 1999 the site was approved for a theme park, however the project never eventuated.
The rural zoned land was classified as a Tourist Attractions and Services Area under the former Caloundra City Plan.
It is the second surf park proposed for the region, with World Surf League and Consolidated Property wanting to build another wave pool at Coolum.
The $1.1 billion project, on a 510ha site, would include a luxury eco-lodge, event and training facilities, tourism accommodation, retail, dining, a school, public waterways and a residential development of up to 1500 homes, along with the wave pool.
It would feature Kelly Slater's wave pool technology and requires State Government approval.
If approved, the Glass House Mountains surf park would operate 6am to 9pm seven days a week.
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