The Sunshine Coast is about to launch a $130-million water-themed tourist attraction. There are hundreds of jobs expected to be available.
Developer Sanad Capital has already received approval for the long-awaited tourism, alas. This week, Sanad Capital lodged major infrastructure plans at Glenview’s Steve Irwin Way.
The Sunshine Coast is about to get a $130 million tourist attraction that focuses on water. There are hundreds of jobs expected to be available.
Developer Sanad Capital has already received approval for the long-awaited tourist drawcard. This week, Sanad Capital lodged major infrastructure plans at Glenview’s Steve Irwin Way.
This includes bulk earthworks, civil work, drainage, stormwater, and vegetation clearing. It could also include road access and car parking.
Sanad’s plans include a 160-villa resort called “Invigorate” as well as a water park (Adventure) and a wave pool (Endless Surf).
There will also be “multi-generational” one to four-bedroom villas and glamping, free fall, raft and tube slide up to 14m high, food and retail, a microbrewery, open-air cinema, and water-based activities, including stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.
Bradley P. Sutherland, managing director, stated that the project had achieved a significant milestone after five years’ hard work and millions invested.
“What we just lodged are plans to all the major infrastructure… bulk Earthworks, civil works… all of it, to light up all 25 hectares of the site for construction,” Mr. Sutherland stated. It is exciting, and there is so much to come.
“What we’re doing is going to be great for the local economy in the construction phase and will then provide many ongoing benefits. Actventure, Invigorate, and Endless Surf, once fully operational, will provide support for approximately 320 jobs. Many of these jobs are suited for the Sunshine Coast’s youth.
“The construction wage bill over the lifetime of the project is expected to be more than $30m. We will generate 364 construction jobs or 150 FTE workers per year of construction.
Sunshine Coast Council now has 45 days to review the infrastructure plans. Then, the detailed design work for buildings will be next.
Sutherland stated that much had already been done and that he hoped that the detailed design would be approved by September’s end.
“We could be out of the ground by November, with early bulk earthworks.
We want many elements to be completed simultaneously so that we will open all the presents at Christmas 2023.
The attraction is expected to be boosted by the “cocooning” or staycation boom that COVID-19 and South-East Queensland’s success in securing the 2032 Olympic Games.
The region’s future growth will follow suit. A regional economic report showed that future population growth would continue to be focused on nearby Harmony and Aura communities and the Beerwah East future-growth area. The Invigorate Resort, a major attraction and key local facility will also be there.
Urban Economics reported that “Actventure waterparks and Endless Surf are closer to residents in these communities while Invigorate Resort offers accommodation options for visiting relatives and friends.”
Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson stated that the Actventure waterpark proposal on Steve Irwin Way has several land use approvals and is currently under consideration.
According to a spokesperson, “In April 2015, the council approved the first application for the Sunshine Coast Water Park Master Plan.”
“Bulk Earthworks and various land use applications were approved since then, including a resort complex or tourist attraction.
“In accordance to council’s approval, before construction can begin, a number more permits and infrastructure are required.”
Surf Parks Plan is made public.
Surf Parks Australia is also moving forward with the wave pool project at Moby Vic’s Glass House Mountains 20km to the south.
It has applied for a material modification of use to allow two parcels in rural areas for tourism.
The Public Notification Period, during which people can submit submissions, has begun.
