Surf park approved at Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast

Construction could start as early as next year after approval was granted for a young Sunshine Coast businessman’s major wave pool project.

A young Sunshine Coast businessman’s wave pool project at Glass House Mountains has taken a huge step forward after gaining council approval.

Sunshine Coast property developer and Surf Parks Australia CEO Craig Morrison is behind the estimated $30m surf park.

It would be built on a 13ha block of former pineapple farm land owned by Jocelyn Walker and her son Drew, adjacent to Moby Vic’s Bruce Hwy service centre.

The approval comes 12 months after plans were initially revealed.

The development has received plenty of interest with 958 submissions lodged on the application, with the majority in support.

The park would offer one-hour sessions with 50 surfers in the water at a time.

The proposal includes the wave park, a 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.

Mr Morrison said the development would support up to 100 construction jobs with work potentially starting as early as next year.

He said it would also provide future employment opportunities for tourism professionals.

It would use American Wave Machine technology which is also used at the Waco park in Texas and is described as the “most versatile” wave pool technology.

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.

Mr Morrison has been involved in property developments throughout the Sunshine Coast including Beach Life at Alexandra Headland with Cube Developments as well as Picasso at Mooloolaba and a 29-block project at Mount Coolum.

The young businessman also partnered with Good Bean Franchising CEO Shane Hepburn to open Pavilion Mooloolaba earlier this year.

Deputy mayor Rick Baberowski said the project could be the first new major tourism offering on the Sunshine Coast in decades.

“Once completed, this surf park will attract a new range of visitors to our region, visitors who would most likely extend their length of stay and generate a substantial economic benefit,” he said.

Craig Morrison is behind the Glass House Mountains wave pool.

“These sorts of development are a significant sign of further confidence in the future of our region, which all helps to deliver new facilities and services to meet the needs of our communities.”

The council approval for Mr Morrison’s project came with 81 conditions, including that it would operate between 6am and 9pm Monday to Sunday.

The approval covered reconfiguring the lot and the establishment of a tourist attraction (surf park).

Other permits will be required before construction starts.

Owners would also need a temporary event permit for special events.

The project would be accessed via Johnston Rd.

It is the second surf park to gain Sunshine Coast Council approval with the first being Sanad Capital’s Endless Surf at Glenview.

Meanwhile the state government is continuing its consideration for World Surf League and Consolidated Properties’ surf park at Coolum Beach.

Construction also started this month on Sydney’s first surf park touted to be the size of the SCG.

The $50m Urbnsurf project is being built at west Sydney and is expected to open in early 2023.