Go ahead to water park proposal

28 October 2009

A water based theme park fronting the Captain Cook Highway north of Cairns has been given the green light.

Cairns Regional Council approved the application for the development of the more than six hectare site, that will eventually house 16 water slides, a surf simulator, pools, lagoons, restaurants, retail outlets and function rooms, is proposed for a site that formerly housed a local shark show.

Councillor Margaret Cochrane, who championed the proposal, said the building of the $35 million scheme would create jobs during construction and for future employees.

“The developer has done all the work in the planning stages with respect to creating an environmentally sound recreational facility with sensitivity to the surrounding agricultural land,” Cr Cochrane said.

“It is currently a derelict site and this plan will give it new life as a functioning economically viable and sustainable facility for locals and tourists alike.”

“The plans for this theme park have been long in the making and it is time to get on with the job of creating the reality – and having some fun.”