Surfing theme park idea revived for Gold Coast

THE Gold Coast is set to ride an economic wave as interest is renewed in plans to build a surfing theme park in the city.

When the natural beach breaks aren't firing the Gold Coast could have a wave pool under the rev...

THE Gold Coast is set to ride an economic wave as interest is renewed in plans to build a surfing theme park in the city.

It is understood developers have pitched to the Gold Coast City Council plans to build a giant artificial wave-generating pool west of the M1 as part of a theme parkattraction.

The project has the support of surf industry bosses and Mayor Tom Tate but it won't come cheap - the pool alone is likely to cost upward of $10 million.

Cr Tate said the project had merit.

"We are keen to attract more theme parks to the Gold Coast - among those under discussion is a 'surf world'," he said.

"From my discussion with developers, I understand it would have a circular wave pool, where surfing could be taught safely and would give younger grommets a place to come and learn their craft while reducing surf congestion.

"It could be done inland and perhaps it could also feature a surf museum."

A similar project was proposed by pro-surfer Kelly Slater in 2012 as part of the proposed Madison Estate at Pimpama but it was shelved last year.

Gold Coast Surf Industry Task Force boss John Nielsen said it was inevitable a pool would be built on the Gold Coast.

"They are a reality and are up and working in Europe but any local project would depend on financial investment," he said.

"Eventually there will come a time when an event could be held at night under lights but ultimately I think world champions and professionals would prefer to stick it out in the ocean."

The Gold Coast is not the only location investigating the concept, with Ipswich, the Sunshine Coast and even Gladstone understood to be keen on creating their own wave pool.

Gold Coast tourism boss Martin Winter said he supported the idea.

"The Gold Coast, along with locations in Hawaii is regarded as the world capital of surfing, so to have a theme park here to augment the other attractions we have already would be a great idea," he said.

"A world class surfing museum would also seem to be the logical choice for the Gold Coast, as no other destination has one - we could get the jump on all of our would-be competitors for the title of surf capital of the world."