Sanad Capital Pty Ltd appeal against Surf Parks Australia development dismissed

The developer behind one of the Sunshine Coast’s surf parks says it could be open in 2025 as a bitter legal dispute between rival projects finally comes to an end.

The Sunshine Coast could soon be home to two new water parks, after a long-standing court battle ended and one developer revealed hopes of being open to the public as early as 2025. Pictured: Sanad Capital Pty Ltd director Bradley Sutherland (top left) and Surf Parks Australia chief executive Craig Morrison (bottom left)

The Sunshine Coast could soon be home to two new surf parks after a longstanding court battle between rival developers ended.

Sanad Capital Pty Ltd, which is developing a water park with a surf pool and resort on Steve Irwin Way at Glenview, had its appeal against the Sunshine Coast Council and rival developers Surf Parks Australia dismissed in the Planning and Environment Court on June 15, 2023.

The appeal against council’s approval of Surf Parks Australia’s project at the Glass House Mountains was launched in January, 2022, and argued it was not commercially viable to have two surf parks within 20km.

Developer and real estate agent Craig Morrison is progressing plans for a surf park at a large block on the Bruce Highway at the Sunshine Coast.

The Glass House Mountains’ project would feature a 315m-long wave pool with beach viewing areas, a separate swimming pool, a restaurant, food and bar areas as well as a gift shop, plans state.

Meanwhile Sanad Capital’s development will feature a wave pool as well as an adventure waterpark and a 160-villa resort.

The court judgement stated both parties were to bear their own legal costs.

A council spokesman declined to comment as it does not discuss specific legal matters.

Sanad Capital director Bradley Sutherland and Surf Parks Australia chief executive Craig Morrison did not comment on the outcome of the appeal.

Both projects have since progressed, with Mr Morrison confirming geotechnical investigations and drilling was to start at the Glass House Mountains site from September 4.

Sanad Capital was approved for operational works on August 23, allowing groundwork to begin on the $350m project.

Mr Sutherland said it felt “great” to be one step closer.

“All the hard work the team leaders at Adams and Sparkes, Blackburne Jackson, Westera has put in over the years with all our approvals with State and Council are outstanding,” he said.

“I’m super excited – as are my kids.”

Mr Sutherland said the Glenview project included a 290-metre long PerfectSwell pool.

Sanad Capital Pty Ltd's Actventure water park and resort at Glenview. The project is estimated to cost $350m. Photo: Supplied

Australia would be the fifth country to use the technology, which Sanad Capital is the exclusive owners and rights holders for, he said.

The Glenview development is expected to be open by 2025 or 2026, Mr Sutherland said, subject to overseas supplies and material which has been ordered and are in manufacturing stages.