Climate Conscious Water Park

Queensland's Wide Bay Water Corporation (WBWC) is developing a new educational water park.

Backed by the Fraser Coast Regional Council (FCRC), who see the innovative zero-depth water park as a significant based tourism attraction, the climate conscious water park is set to open in June 2008 - in time for Queensland's 150th birthday celebrations.

With an estimated cost of $12 million, WBWC has attracted nearly $5 million in Queensland Government money as part of the Q150 celebrations which take place in June next year. In addition, the FCRC is to contribute $1 million for ancillary items such as carparking, toilets, roadworks, lighting and footpaths.

WBWC Chief Executive Tim Waldron recently explained that "we now have exactly one year to complete the first stage of the park and complete a Hervey Bay icon."

Waldron also added that the park is intended to be run in a revenue neutral position with annual operating costs to be covered by income derived from the cafe lease, entry fees from the Board Rider wave machine, sponsorship and the rental of site space to amusement operators during peak holiday times.

Explaining the thinking behind the park, Waldron explains "while this park is very much about having fun it's also about learning and our key message is the conservation and intelligent use of water. The public space is a zero-depth area with no ponds or pools. Instead it will have sophisticated jets and spouts and fountains so that people can have fun with water without wasting it."

Principal architect and Group Managing Director of ARGO, Will Marcus has designed this landmark facility to break new ground in environmental architecture, especially in efficient water use.

As Marcus adds, "this is an exemplary facility that will help change the way Fraser Coast residents and visitors enjoy their free time while saving the planet."