Surf ranch to replace Hyatt Coolum resort: developer

The man behind a $1.1 billion surf ranch and residential development says it can ultimately replace the now-defunct but once-popular Hyatt Coolum resort.

World Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield surfing in a Longboard Expression Session during the 2018 Surf Ranch Pro in Lemoore, CA, USA.

The man behind a $1.1 billion surf ranch and residential development says it can ultimately replace the now-defunct but once-popular Hyatt Coolum resort. 

World Surf League Australia boss Andrew Stark said the project could bring a unique and competitive edge for domestic and international tourism and provide a much-needed economic stimulus.

The 510ha site, west of the Sunshine Motorway, is complemented by a 5 to 6-star eco-resort, a second 3 to 4-star resort, a farm-to-plate food and beverage experience, environmental centre, retail village, school, a community and sports centre, an outdoor entertainment venue and a residential development.

The proposal is still being assessed by the State Development Department, which is now being overseen by new Tourism Minister Kate Jones.

It has been the subject of scrutiny by community and environmental groups as the project is being developed on flood-prone former cane land.

Mr Stark hosed down the concerns and said one of Australia's leading flooding consultants Professor Trevor Johnson had been employed for expert safety precautions.

"I don't think we would have gone this far and invested the amount of resources we have on this project without credible information that it can be done safely and in a way that mitigates flooding issues," Mr Stark said.

 

Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth riding one of the Surf Ranch waves in California.

 

He compared the overall project to the now-defunct Hyatt Coolum resort, which in its heyday was a major source of employment for the region.

"The Hyatt Coolum was a fantastic facility, and this would be a replacement," he said.

"Once the wave pool is up, we will have a sustainable business model that will run as its own business.

"More broadly, we know there is a significant market north of the Maroochy River for residential development."

Mr Stark said the construction phase for the wave pool would take about 18 months and that he hoped it would be finished by mid-2022.

Hutchinson Construction chief executive Scott Hutchinson said the project would create 10,000 jobs over the 10-year period.

Mr Hutchinson said the local economy was "crying out" for a project of this scale.

"We are facing a construction cliff - we are at risk of no new projects being approved or delivered on the Sunshine Coast, which will have significant impact on the region," he said.

"Local jobs are at risk, and the uncertainty created by the pandemic means we do not know how long it will take for things to return to the way they were.

"We have a serious proposition on the table that will bring large-scale investment, economic opportunities and job creation."

Mr Stark added: "It will be an enormous boost. Given the crisis created by coronavirus, it will be a monumental stimulator."

 

Kelly Slater and Hollywood heartthrob Chris Hemsworth testing out the Californian surf ranch.

 

Mr Stark hit back at criticism that the community was not consulted about the project.

He pointed to a KPMG consultation survey between September and November last year where stakeholders were provided information about the development.

A total of 500 random residents were sent an online survey.

Of those surveyed, 73 per cent responded in favour of the project.

In other consultation, 50 key stakeholders were allowed one-on-one meetings.

More than a dozen letters of support were received, with one against.

Head to surfranchsunshinecoast.com.au for more information.

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