Go ahead for Fraser Coast waterpark set to boost tourism

Backers of the Splash Bay waterpark in the Hervey Bay suburb of Urangan believe that the development will stimulate the local tourist industry with up to 300,000 people a year expected to utilise the facility.

The $28 million waterpark, to be built on the site of a former caravan park, will be a major land-based attraction for the region that it is hoped could draw a new demographic of tourists to the region year round.

Melbourne-based consortium spokesperson Charles Richards said Splash Bay would also add weight to the argument for direct flights from Melbourne to Hervey Bay.

Richards explained "we have great confidence in the Fraser Coast and its future and we are of the belief that Splash Bay will create another world-class attraction for the region.

"There are several world-class tourism operators, accommodation houses and restaurants in the region that could unite, market together and create a new level of experience for locals and visitors."

Plans for the attraction, which will feature 11 giant aquatic water slides as well as a splash pool and mini golf course, were approved by the Fraser Coast Regional Council just before Christmas.

Fraser Coast Mayor Gerard O'Connell hopes the waterpark will become a significant regional attraction, stating that it will be "the largest waterpark outside of the majors on the Gold Coast.

"I think it will complement our existing tourism products and bring more tourists to the region which will have a knock on effect for local accommodation houses and businesses."

Queensland-based Core Architecture is designing and project managing the development with Core Regional Manager Adam Perrier adding "Splash Bay is a bold move that would create a year-round attraction for the region to compliment its traditional tourism base.

"The developers have done a lot of homework and believe Hervey Bay is the ideal destination for an attraction such as this. It would redefine the Urangan Marina precinct and conservative figures claim it would attract upwards of 285,000 visitors a year."

Perrier does not think that new attraction will detract from the existing WetSide Educational Water Park in Pialba which is owned by Wide Bay Water Corporation, adding "Splash Bay will be a catalyst project that will substantially raise the profile and attraction of Hervey Bay and pave the way for substantial growth and development opportunities as a result."

Water attractions at the park are to be supplied by Canadian company Proslide Technology.

The operators hope that the new attraction will be operational by Christmas 2013.

Image courtesy of Proslide Techology. 

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