World Surf League ‘could walk away’ from surf ranch

One of the developers behind a surf ranch and residential project proposed for Coolum could walk away from the Coast and build elsewhere if a timely decision is not made.

World Surf League CEO Andrew Stark has called for the State Government to make a decision on whether or not land he wants to develop will become a Priority Development Area. Picture: Patrick Woods

One of the developers behind a surf ranch and residential project proposed for Coolum could walk away from the Coast and build elsewhere if a timely decision is not made.

It has been more than 12 months since the proposal was lodged with the State Government and its developers say they've grown frustrated with the lack of a decision.

World Surf League and Consolidated Property Group want to build a Kelly Slater-style surf ranch at Coolum West, along with 1500 residential properties, an eco-resort and other facilities.

The controversial $1.1 billion development has been met with concerns from community and environmental groups over flooding and local catchment issues.

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The Queensland Government is yet to make a decision on an application for the 510ha site to become a Priority Development Area.

A government spokesman said the decision was still in its due diligence phase.

World Surf League CEO Andrew Stark called for decision to be a top priority now that the Queensland election had been finalised.

"We have been in the same position for a long time now, obviously that was put on hold through the election, but now it is finalised we hope to get some clarity," Mr Stark said.

"We remain confident but we are waiting for the government (to make a decision).

"There's only so much time and appetite, we aren't going to hang around waiting for years."

Mr Stark said being granted approval would allow World Surf League and Consolidated Property Group the chance to start further community consultation.

He said he was looking forward to speaking to new Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchcliffe after a "positive" relationship with former minister Kate Jones.

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Consolidated Property Group CEO Don O'Rorke said he feared World Surf League could look to develop elsewhere if a decision was not made soon.

"WSL won't hang in forever, there are a lot of places around the country that would like it," Mr O'Rorke said.

"The government needs to step up and make a decision.

"It has been in front of them for more than a year and no answer."

A State Government spokesman said the proposal was "significant" and required "ongoing discussions with all parties".

"The government is currently in a due diligence process to better understand the impacts and potential benefits of the development," he said.

"The project in question is still under consideration.

"A project of this size, if progressed, would undergo thorough community consultation."

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