Hervey Bay Water Education Park Opens for Q150 Proclamation Day

The Wide Bay Water Corporation (WBWC) has opened the WetSide Water Education Park, an innovative step in public recreation that also delivers 'infotainment' in a free, outdoor setting.

The 'information' side delves into the properties of water and the sustainable use of this increasingly precious commodity; while the 'entertainment' side is a zero-depth water park featuring spouts and fountains, play equipment, water slides, surfing, music, lights and a giant water screen.

As WBWC Chief Executive Tim Waldron explains, "this project is indeed a milestone for Wide Bay Water Corporation (having) presented an enormous challenge to our staff and contractors who worked tirelessly to construct the park during the year."

Partly funded by $4.95 million in 'Q150' Queensland Government funding, the $12 million project has opened in time for Queensland's Q150 Proclamation Day celebrations on 10th December 2009.

Located on a hectare of foreshore land between Pialba Caravan Park and Seafront Oval at Hervey Bay, the park is built on 384 piers sunk deep into the sand to raise the traffic areas on boardwalks, preserving the dune structure beneath and allowing native plants to flourish.

WetSide includes a special play area for Under-5s called TotSide. There's also a café. The only pay-per-use feature is the FlipSide BoardRider where park-goers can surf a static wave.

WetSide is supplied almost entirely by recycled rainwater harvested from the Pialba stormwater network and processed on site as part of the park's educational interactive displays.

In developing the WetSide Water Education Park, WBWC were backed by the Fraser Coast Regional Council who see the attraction as a significant tourism attraction.

The project's principal architect Will Marcus, Group Managing Director of ARGO, designed this landmark facility to break new ground in environmental architecture, especially in efficient water use. Speaking of the development, Marcus explains "this is an exemplary facility that will help change the way Fraser Coast residents and visitors enjoy their free time while saving the planet."

10th July 2008 - CLIMATE CONSCIOUS WATER PARK