Skyline Attractions’ ferris wheel rejected by Sunshine Coast Council

Australia’s largest roaming ferris wheel has scrapped the Sunshine Coast from its schedule this year after having multiple applications knocked back.

The Skyline Attractions’ ferris wheel applied to come to the Sunshine Coast for the winter school holidays but was knocked back by the council. Picture: Skyline Attractions

A giant ferris wheel which usually attracts thousands of customers will not return to the Sunshine Coast this year after having multiple applications rejected.

Skyline Attractions had hoped to return to the region this year but Sunshine Coast Council rejected its permit applications for Caloundra, Cotton Tree and Mooloolaba.

The popular roaming tourist attraction usually travels to regional areas from Darwin to Torquay and has previously visited Caloundra and Coolum.

The wheel features 9000 lights and takes people 35 metres into the air, offering 360 degree views.

Parent company Xtraordinary Events’ chief executive Jane Jones said the company had proposed to council a three-year rotation with different sites.

“We started the process back in January because we had earmarked Cotton Tree, we thought that would be a good site,” Ms Jones said.

“We identified that the car park (in Caloundra) is an issue because when we set up we are taking away a number of car parks and so we did put it to them that we could put the wheel in the park next door.

“The vibe I got from them was unsure whether they are going to want us back.”

Skyline Attractions has previously brought its travelling ferris wheel to Bulcock Beach at Caloundra.

Ms Jones said the experience with the council was different to the other times Skyline Attractions had sought approval.

“The frustrating thing for us is when we first came to Caloundra the economic development team we worked with were super proactive and they actually came to us, but now I feel it is a complete reverse, I feel like we are not really welcome there anymore,” Ms Jones said.

A council spokesperson said the wheel was proposed to move through a three-year circuit involving Cotton Tree, Caloundra and Coolum, however Cotton Tree and Coolum were not found to be acceptable this year.

“Given the increased visitation to Bulcock Beach and Happy Valley since the Bribie Island breakthrough, the return of the ferris wheel to Bulcock Beach car park for five months was not supported due to the impact that this would place on an already highly used car park,” they said.

“Further discussions were held to identify alternative locations such as Kings Beach, a hinterland site, or private property. Unfortunately, the alternative sites were not accepted by the business.

“The applicant did propose an alternative option within Happy Valley Park, however due to being a highly used parkland by both Sunshine Coast residents and visitors to the region, this was not supported as Council is committed to protecting community land for the use of our community.”