Planned Sunshine Coast waterpark announces switch in wave pool technology

The developer behind the long-delayed Actventure water theme park on the Sunshine Coast is reported to have chosen to use American Wave Machines technology for its centrepiece surfing lagoon instead of its original Endless Surf pool from WhiteWater.

Recent media reports have advised that Sanad Capital is not only almost ready to start work on the project but that it will also be including the first example of American Wave Machine’s Perfect Swell pool in the southern hemisphere.

A Sanad Capital spokesperson was recently quoted in The Courier-Mail as stating “(American Wave Machine’s) patented technology has been used in world class surf pools, currently operating in Shizunami, Japan; Waco, Texas and The DreamWorks Water Park in New Jersey.”

Noting that the pool would be designed for beginner surfers through to seasoned professionals, the spokesperson added “(it) is the most versatile on the planet and provides a multitude of sessions for all skill levels.”

The report indicated that the company said it had a contract with Shadforth Civil to start initial works on the wave pool attraction on Steve Irwin Drive in Glenview “in coming weeks”.

The surfing lagoon will be one of three key elements in Sanad Capital’s $130 million tourism development featuring the Actventure water park as well as the 160-villa Invitorate Resort.

Sanad Capital Managing Director, Bradley P. Sutherland explained that the surf the pool would be 288 metres long and 80 metres wide and produce “epic waves all day, every day and even into the night”.

Delays in the project getting underway have sparked fears that the project may falter and follow other aborted plans for major attraction developments on the Sunshine Coast. Media reports in May 2020 advised that that the future of the development was "expected to be finalised in coming weeks".

If successful, it will be the first major attraction to open in the region in more than 30 years.

Meanwhile Sanad Capital’s appeal against Sunshine Coast Council’s approval of Surf Park Australia’s wave pool project at Glasshouse Mountains is also ongoing.

The company argues there is no economic need for the Glass House Mountains surf park, proposed by real estate agent and developer Craig Morrison, which would be located 20 kilometres from the Glenview facility.

The appeal is set for a six-day trail in Brisbane in October.

Images: The 2018 concept for Actventure' wave lagoon (top, credit:Sanad Capital) and the PerfectSwell Surf Stadium in the Japanese community of Shizunami. Credit: American Wave Machines.