Surf Lakes boss explains how perfect CQ site was found

Amazing images of new wave pool

ON A ROLL: An artist's impression of the wave pool. Surf lakes utilises a mechanism located in the centre of the pool. This fires off a wave in a ring shape toward multiple waves located all around the pools edge, leading to the much higher wave count."

SURF Lakes CEO Aaron Trevis believes the private site for the new wave pool prototype construction announced publicly yesterday ticked all the boxes.

Mr Trevis said the group had been seeking the perfect site and had looked everywhere from Victoria to northern Queensland before selecting the position opposite Mt Jim Crow on Yeppoon Rd.

"We needed a site that was flat and had ample water available so we could get under way quickly," Mr Trevis said.

WAVE OF DIRT: Construction has begun at the site along Yeppoon Road. Picture: Allan Reinikka ROK101117aconstru

"We are very grateful that Capricorn Enterprise and Livingstone Shire Council were very easy to deal with.

"The added benefit of the site we chose was the weather is perfect for an all-year round community attraction.

"While the site will not be open to the public at this point, we do hope that down the track we will be in the position to operate commercially and fabulous weather all year would provide the perfect conditions. We would need further investment, approvals and modifications before we can consider any commercial operations.

"I do need to remind people that this is a private site so please, no trespassing and no photos.

"We still have to prove the waves at full scale with further tuning and commissioning. It is all research at the moment so we cannot guarantee anything yet."

Barton Lynch, Mark Occhilupo and his son Jay join surf Lakes CEO Aaron Trevis on a recent site inspection of works underway at the demo site on the Capricorn Coast.

Mr Trevis said Surf Lakes hopes to be the first surf park in the world capable of producing eight separate waves simultaneously.

"The waves will vary in size and length, allowing for beginners through to experts to surf at the same time," he said.

"By using concentric waves and multiple breaks, Surf Lakes is capable of producing more waves per hour, while also offering a variety of waves from hollow barrels, to gentle beginner waves

"Occy (Mark Occhilupo) has joined Surf Lakes as its Surf Industry Advisor, providing valuable input into wave design.

Mark Occhilupo and his wife and kids with Keppel Bay Marina General Manager Kylie Smith and Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll.

"He is also designing his own break, called "Occy's Peak", a barrelling left hander that will be 2.4 metres face height (eight feet) and run for about 60 metres.

"Surf Lakes utilises a mechanism located in the centre of the pool. This fires off a wave in a ring shape toward multiple waves located all around the pool's edge, leading to the much higher wave count."

Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said Surf Lakes been a member of Capricorn Enterprise for over a year and they have been pleased to connect CEO Arron Trevis to the right people from the beginning.

"We were thrilled to be part of the recent investor site inspection," Ms Carroll said.

"The planning department at Livingstone Shire Council have been exceptional to work with throughout the process.

"I am happy that so many people involved to date have respected the confidentiality of this most important project.

"We hope this venture will in time become a commercial venture with the appropriate approvals and processes that will be required."

Livingstone Shire Mayor Bill Ludwig said Council has been aware of the project for some time.

"We have been briefed by the proponents who at the time wished it to remain commercial in confidence," he said.

"In the current format as a test site only, it hasn't required formal council approval however, Council would be delighted to receive a future application should the proponents wish to transition to a fully operational commercial facility open to the public and tourists.

"While this would trigger and require a range of town planning considerations and public notifications, I am confident it would enjoy a broad community support.

"The proponents' concept they have put forward is innovative and a world first, and it is fantastic that they have chosen our location in Central Queensland, in particular Livingstone, to develop this first prototype.

"It is particularly exciting that one of the proponents is a former resident of Livingstone and has convinced the investment partners to construct the first operational prototype here in CQ.

"Can I also commend Capricorn Enterprise for the assistance they have given and the pivotal role they have played as the peak regional economic body in securing the project for the region."

Originally published as Surf Lakes boss explains how perfect CQ site was found