Residents to have say on surf park proposed for Bruce Highway at Glass House Mountains

A Sunshine Coast real estate director’s plans to turn a 13 hectare block backing onto the Bruce Highway into a wave park have reached a crucial stage. SEE THE PLANS

Plans for what could be the Sunshine Coast’s first surf park have reached a crucial stage as residents are invited to have their say.

Developer and real estate director Craig Morrison is behind the estimated $30m tourist attraction to open an American Wave Technology surf park at the Glass House Mountains.

It would be built on a 13 hectare block of former pineapple farm land adjacent to Moby Vics service centre.

The park would offer 14 one hour sessions a day with 50 surfers in the water at a time.

Surf Parks Australia's proposed surf park at the Sunshine Coast would offer a range of waves for beginners through to experienced surfers.

A development application was lodged with Sunshine Coast Council in December last year and it has reached the community consultation stage.

The proposal includes the wave park, a wellness centre for yoga and meditation, paddock to plate food and beverage and ocean and marine protection education.

The wave pool technology is endorsed by the Olympic Federation and best known for its use at a similar park at Waco, Texas.

Developer and real estate agent Craig Morrison is progressing plans for a surf park at a large block on the Bruce Highway at the Sunshine Coast.

It is described as the most versatile wave pool technology and offers a variety of waves suitable for beginners through to experienced surfers.

It is one of several proposed surf parks pitched for the Sunshine Coast with World Surf League wanting to develop one at Coolum and Sanad Capital awaiting council’s feedback on infrastructure plans for its Glenview park.

Mr Morrison’s surf park would be on a rural zoned property, owned by Jocelyn Walker and son Drew, which was classified as a Tourist Attractions and services Area under the former Caloundra City Plan.

Town Group director Craig Morrison, pictured with Jamie Vibert, is behind plans for a new surf park. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A traffic impact assessment completed by Lambert and Rehbein on behalf of Surf Parks Australia gave a “highly conservative” estimate that the development would attract 90 vehicles per hour.

“The assessment assumes that none of the visitors would arrive by bus, which would greatly reduce the vehicle trips,” it said.

The tourist attraction would be accessed via Johnston Road.

Residents have until Wednesday to have their say.

Originally published as Residents to have say on surf park proposed for Bruce Highway at Glass House Mountains