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With international visitors to Queensland now spending at above pre-COVID levels in nominal terms and the much-anticipated Bluey's World set to open in November, one iconic tourism operator is emboldened to believe that Southeast Queensland's tourism demand is buoyant enough for another theme park.
Owners of the Aussie World Entertainment Complex in Palmview, which includes a theme park of the same name and the quirky Banana Bender Pub that replaced the old Ettamogah Pub in 2019, have unveiled plans to develop a $60 million waterpark.
A development application was submitted to Sunshine Coast Council last week to build a multi-faceted waterpark on privately-owned land to the north of the existing theme park, which sits in a prominent position near the Bruce Highway just north of the Beerwah State Forest.
If approved the site would become the Sunshine Coast’s largest waterpark, with the owners committing to a strong emphasis on sustainability and accessible tourism leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The concept design features 16 water slides for all ages, leisure pools, action pools and numerous waterplay areas. The new area would also include several food and beverage outlets, a pool bar, sun lounges, cabanas and a souvenir shop.
Overall, the project is expected to inject up to $39 million into the local economy through building works, and the supply of building materials and services to support the three- year construction period.
It is also estimated the waterpark will attract over 780,000 annual visitors by 2031 and generate $15.2 million to $30 million towards the local tourism economy by driving new visitors to the Sunshine Coast.
"We are continuing to find new attractions that will create an iconic, must-visit experience at the Aussie World Entertainment Complex, which will be sought after by tourists,” says Aussie World general manager Jenny Howell.
"As the largest sustainable and accessible waterpark on the Sunshine Coast, and with its close proximity to Aussie World, this project will be hugely popular and something that locals can be proud of.
"There will be a two-day pass offer to significantly increase the appeal of the Sunshine Coast to overnight visitors and it will contribute a significant injection to the region’s overnight visitor spend."
The concept design submitted to council also includes a proposal to expand the existing carpark that is aesthetically pleasing and designed to ensure free-flow traffic.
The project would provide a range of opportunities for locals from the construction to the daily operation of the waterpark, making it another win for the local economy.
The park is anticipated to create employment for 193 full-time staff during the peak season and 87 full-time staff during non-peak periods.
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