Marochy River Resort upgrade gets the go-ahead

A MAROOCHY River Resort redevelopment worth about $45 million is another step closer to becoming reality.

A MAROOCHY River Resort redevelopment worth about $45 million is another step closer to becoming reality.

Sunshine Coast Council approved the major redevelopment, which is expected to create a busy future for those in the construction and resort industries, last week.

Divisional councillor Ted Hungerford said the project would include an extra 286 short and long-term accommodation units and sports fields.

"The Sunshine Coast is gaining a reputation as a tourist and sporting mecca and this development will provide short-term, budget-priced accommodation, in close proximity to Maroochydore," he said.

"Guests and residents will also enjoy a new small shop and cafe, a community and function hall, pools, barbeques and a walking track around a new lake wetland."

Maroochy River Resort owner Phil Humzy said the redevelopment would focus on the Waterfront Resort section of the gazetted precinct of his family-run business.

"Our family thanks the community and council for their confidence," Mr Humzy said of the approval.

Cr Hungerford said the project would inject funds into the Sunshine Coast economy, providing local businesses an opportunity to supply goods and services during construction.

"The resort will still be accessed from David Low Way and the development will provide 460 extra car parks," he said. "It will also fill a need for affordable accommodation near the airport."

He said there would also be employment opportunities for resort staff once the redevelopment was finished.

The project will be developed in four stages, with the lake and walking and running track to be built first.

Once completed, the resort will offer 587 long-term accommodation units and will more than double the on-site car parks.

The completed redevelopment will include an additional 143 short-term holiday units, 143 long-term accommodation units (184 duplex units, 78 town houses and 24 dual key apartments) and 460 car parking bays.

"The approval for the redevelopment of Maroochy River Resort was issued last week under delegated authority," a Sunshine Coast Council spokeswoman said.

"The application was impact assessable and was publicly advertised, as required for any impact assessable application."

The date for work to start is still to be confirmed.

Originally published as Marochy River Resort upgrade gets the go-ahead