State Government assessing potential impacts of World Surf League’s proposed $1.2b Coolum surf ranch

The companies behind a controversial surf ranch bid remain committed to the Coolum West site while waiting for State Government approval.

The companies behind a controversial surf ranch and residential housing bid remain committed to the Coolum West site while still waiting for State Government approval.

The Department of State Development is assessing the impacts and potential benefits of the proposed $1.2 billion Kelly Slater wave pool and residential development.

World Surf League and Consolidated Properties are behind the development which includes building 1500 residential properties, an eco-resort and other facilities.

World Surf League Asia Pacific general manager Andrew Stark said the companies had invested large amounts of time, money and resources into the proposed project and continued to work with the government.

"World Surf League completed an exhaustive national search and selection process and in the end only Coolum fulfilled all of our criteria and we continue to pursue this opportunity," Mr Stark said.

World Surf League Asia Pacific general manager Andrew Stark said the company was committed to its Coolum West site. Picture: Mark Cranitch

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said, in response to a question on notice by Ninderry MP Dan Purdie, that the project was in the due diligence process.

"The Palaszczuk Government strongly supports projects that create jobs and attract people to beautiful parts of our state like the Sunshine Coast," Mr Miles said.

"A development such as the proposed surf ranch at Coolum needs to be in the right location and sensitive to the surrounding environment."

Mr Purdie asked the government what it had done to assess the impacts of the development, including to flooding.

"I understand council has been urging the State Government to find a more suitable location for the development based on a range of concerns," he said.

"Development Watch and other community groups have raised legitimate concerns about flooding and the environment, and I share their concerns.

"While the wave park ticks a lot of boxes, I am concerned about overdevelopment and congestion."

It is one of several wave parks proposed for the Sunshine Coast.

Sunshine Coast real estate agent and property developer Craig Morrison has proposed a wave park with American Wave Machine technology at Moby Vic's Bruce Highway service station at Glass House Mountains.

Sanad Capital's plans for a resort complex on Steve Irwin Way at Glenview also include an endless surf pool.

To move forward with the project World Surf League and Consolidated Properties needs the 510ha site to be declared a Priority Development Area.

Mr Stark said the project would deliver a "world class wave pool that will become a significant tourism asset".

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Originally published as State Government assessing potential impacts of World Surf League’s proposed $1.2b Coolum surf ranch