Manly’s Little Penguins could stop proposed water park
Plans are being drawn up for a giant inflatable water obstacle course in Manly Cove. However, Manly’s tiniest inhabitants could stand in its way.
Plans are being drawn up for a giant inflatable water obstacle course in Manly Cove.
However, Manly’s tiniest inhabitants could stand in its way.
Northern Beaches Council has knocked back Splash Waterpark’s initial application as consideration was not given to our resident little penguins.
The company wants to build the giant obstacle course just metres off West Esplanade.
The floating water park will include slides, trampolines, climbing walls and more.
The company lodged the application last month stating it would boost tourism and have a positive impact on health.
However, council planning bosses have rejected the initial application, stating that key documents were missing.
A council spokesman said the application had been rejected but not refused.
He added one of the missing documents, the Marine Ecology Report, was required to address the impacts of the development on the seabed and in particular the seagrass which is vital to the little penguins.
He said the application also needs to state what infrastructure was needed on land and where people pay and get life vests.
Tammy Kelly, from Splash Waterpark, said the company would reapply with the necessary documents.
“Environmental concerns are our number one priority,” she said. “We work very closely with our own marine biologist and we will be working with the council to see if there are any risk factors or issues.”
Along with her husband, they have run water obstacle courses in Australia and Japan, including at Coffs Harbour and Nelson Bay.
She said the Manly site would be seasonal rather than permanent and available for all aged six and above.
“We have all ages. In Japan we have one woman who is 88 who has been every season since we opened.
“The great thing is it can be set up and packed away very easily.”
Ms Kelly said she was due to meet council planners later this month before submitting the required documentation.
Manly is home to the only remaining breeding colony on the NSW mainland with approximately 60—70 breeding pairs living in secluded coves.
The abundance of seagrass ensures clean, healthy water and is brimming with anchovies, pilchards, squid and krill which the penguins feed on.
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