Time running out for Fraser Coast waterpark development

Time is running out for the planned $28 million Splash Bay waterpark development on the Fraser Coast with little more than a year remaining before approvals expire.

Launched with condiderable fanfare in 2012, backers of the waterpark, planned for the site of a former caravan park in the Hervey Bay suburb of Urangan, claimed that the development would stimulate the local tourist industry with up to 300,000 people a year expected to utilise the facility.

Developer Charles Richards, who moved to Hervey Bay from Melbourne to advance the facility, lodged the development application for the waterpark with the Fraser Coast Regional Council in 2012.

It was approved 10-1 in December 2012 with more than 100 conditions imposed.

After a year's wait, it looked like work would begin in 2014 after signs were erected around the land but work never began and now time is running out with approval for work to begin on the site expiring late next year.

After expiry of the Council's approval, Richards would need to re-apply to begin development.

Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce President Tim Powers wasn't surprised by the lack of action at the waterpark.

Powers told the Fraser Coast Chronicle "it was my understanding from previous media reports that Splash Bay was not going to proceed in its previous approved format."

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