Construction to Begin at Cairns Waterpark

Developer Paul Freebody has been given the final go-ahead to build Cairns' Adventure Waters waterpark.

Freebody will begin construction of the $35 million waterpark in July, having reached an agreement with Mulgrave Central Mill, which lodged a legal appeal against the development in January.

Freebody originally received approval from the Cairns Regional Council in October 2009, but the Mulgrave Mill lodged an appeal against the project based upon concerns over access.

The water park, on a seven-hectare site fronting the Captain Cook Highway at Smithfield, is expected to employ more than 300 people during construction.

Another 200 staff will be employed when Adventure Waters is operational.

Cairns Deputy Mayor Margaret Cochrane, was reported by the Cairns Post as saying the go-ahead was "fabulous news", adding "it's great news for Cairns, it's great news for our community, as well as for the project owner."

The legal dispute threatened to derail the water park and the agreement includes tighter conditions to appease the sugarcane millâs concerns about parking, vehicle traffic and flooding.

The project will now go to Cairns Regional Council, which approved the park in October, for an operational works application.

The first stage of the waterpark will open in 2011 with a second stage commencing shortly after the park has opened to the public.

Once both stages are constructed, the park will feature an array of water rides, including:

• Lazy river
• Tornado 45
• Mammoth River slide
• Six-lane Octopus racer
• Simulated surfing area
• Dual Twister slides
• Plummet Freefall and Turbo Tunnel slides.

For more information go to www.adventurewaters.com.au

5th February 2010 - ADVENTURE WATERS PLANNING IN FINAL STAGES