Central Coast wave park: Council says no appropriate site could be found

Central Coast Council has failed to identify a single site for a Kelly Slater-style wave park despite promising to develop a ‘shortlist’ of locations.

Council has come up trumps in its search for a wave park location. Picture: Mark Ralston

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Central Coast Council has wiped out in its search for a local council-owned site to build a wave park.

After voting to shortlist a number of sites for a major tourist attraction last year, council has come back without a single appropriate location.

In a report back to councillors, staff stated “initial investigations undertaken by council staff have not been able to identify any appropriate locations”.

“Council staff will explore the option of an Expression of Interest to current industry and qualified parties both private and public to determine market and investment interest,” the report stated.

The idea of a wave park on the coast has been circulating for several years and is included within the council’s Tourism Opportunity Plan, currently on exhibition.

Drone image of the former Old Sydney Town site, which developer Tony Denny expressed interest in for a wave park. Picture: @switchy3 / Mitchell Hubbard

Last year, developer Tony Denny revealed a vision for the Old Sydney Town site which included a smaller version of the historic theme park with a wave park next door.

Mr Denny was part of a syndicate negotiating to buy the 120 hectare site, and invited council to join in however council refused and the site was bought by World Culture Tourism Village.

Councillor Bruce McLachlan has been advocating for a wave park in the region, however said “council was never going to be the builder of a wave park”.

“It was always going to private enterprise, but at least council now recognise the regional opportunity should a private operator acquire a site,” he said.

Cr Bruce McLachlan

Cr McLachlan said Melbourne developers Urbansurf, who are currently building Australia’s first surf park in Melbourne, had previously offered to present to the former Wyong Shire Council however the opportunity was passed up.

“The coast lost (the) advantage,” he said.

“Now at least the new tourism plan recognises the economic possibility.”

Cr Jilly Pilon also expressed support for a wave park last year, indicating another company

Pico Pty Ltd had previously contacted councillors regarding a water theme park, looking at land at The Entrance and Mingara.

“When this company came to meet with us, their next stop was Newcastle,” she said.

“We missed out on Supercars, we seem to miss out on everything to do with tourism.”

Surf legend Kelly Slater unveiled his “secret” wave pool in central California late in 2015 and ignited the interest of the surfing community worldwide.

A council spokeswoman said “initial investigations did not find suitable sites for comparable facilities”.

“Council currently has a Tourism Opportunity Plan on public exhibition and should this opportunity be included in the final plan’s implementation council we will be doing further investigations.”

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