Sunshine Coast Approves Wave Park Development

Surf Parks Australia’s plans to build a wave pool on the Sunshine Coast have moved forward, gaining council approval as a tourist attraction.

The theme park plans are for a 13.4ha site on the western side of the Bruce Highway at Johnston Road, Glass House Mountains.

The wave park designed by Sprout Architects includes a wave pool, wellness centre, amenities, dining, and education centre as well as learn-to-surf facilities.

The plans were lodged in late 2020 and fast-tracked by the Sunshine Coast Council as part of the economic resurgence plan.

Surf park development applications have surged across the country since Urbnsurf lodged plans in Melbourne in February 2020 and include a $300-million resort and park planned on the Gold Coast, unveiled in October.

The Sunshine Coast has also been inundated with residential developments, with 6000 lots unlocked between Caboolture and Caloundra along with continued pressure by developers for more to cope with the acute land shortage.

Surf Parks Australia chief executive Craig Morrison said the development would provide opportunities to the local construction and tourism industries now and into the future.

“We appreciate the strong support from ther council, their assistance and diligent approach to ensuring all relevant planning matters were thoroughly addressed,” Morrison said.

“We strategically selected the Moby Vic’s location for this project due to its ease of access, and proximity to both the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay regions as well as the added benefit of minimal disruption to our community and our local environment.”

Deputy mayor Rick Baberowski said the approval was potentially a critical step towards the first major new tourism offering on the Sunshine Coast in decades.

“Once completed, this surf park will attract a new range of visitors to our region, visitors who would most likely extend their length of stay and generate a substantial economic benefit,” Baberowski said.

“These sorts of developments are a significant sign of further confidence in the future of our region, which all helps to deliver new facilities and services to meet the needs of our communities.

“At the end of the day, our community is the ultimate winner as we continue to attract appropriate new investment to our healthy, smart and creative region.”