A large parcel of land with approvals for a tourist attraction and resort complex has been listed for sale.
No.2562 Steve Irwin Way at Glenview is on the market, after initial plans for an estimated $350 million facility – including a water park, surf pool and lakeside apartments – were stymied when a company owned by the developer of the project went into administration.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission confirmed to Sunshine Coast News that a voluntary administrator and, separately, receiver and manager, were appointed to Nurrowin Pty Ltd in November.
Real estate company Colliers said it was pleased to offer for sale the property, on behalf of receivers and managers appointed.
Colliers Sunshine Coast managing director Nick Dowling said the land could suit another tourism venture or be used for rural purposes.
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“The current owners had a plan to do a water park and holiday units and then a wave pool, but because it has approval for tourism, you could change the use completely and do something like an equestrian tourist accommodation thing, and not go down the water park route,” he said.
“It depends what (prospective buyers’) interests are,” he said.
He said the 25.18-hectare (62.22-acre) parcel of land was in a prime location.
“It’s 9km north of Australia Zoo and on the same road,” he said.
“You can just veer (2km) off the (Bruce) Highway and you’re there.
“And it’s only about 5km from Aussie World, 20 minutes from Maroochydore and 40 minutes from Noosa.”
The property has a two-bedroom display villa with a plunge pool and some manicured gardens.
“There are also some man-made dams that run through the property, which is completely cleared. It’s free of vegetation and relatively square in shape,” Mr Dowling said.
There are existing development approvals for the staged delivery of a tourist attraction (water park and wave pool), resort complex (160 dwellings and 74 villas), retail and food and beverage outlets.
Expressions of interest close on March 7.
Meanwhile, developer Sanad Capital told SCN said it had “no comment” at this stage.
The initial proposal for the land was set in motion about eight years ago and seemed close to fruition after development approvals were granted last year.
The site was expected to bolster tourism with a state-of-the-art surf pool with world-class waves; two water parks including slides; a large lake; and a resort with dozens of apartments.
It was hoped the venue could be opened in stages during 2025 and 2027.
Sanad Capital director Brad Sutherland told SCN in August that the project was then gathering momentum.
He said it would be “a complete destination, with unparalleled experiences”.
“We are excited to introduce a unique blend of premium and exhilarating attractions, redefining the concept of lifestyle entertainment,” he said.
The developer launched an appeal against the development of a 13.5ha surf park about 20km away but it was dismissed in mid-2023, paving the way for two surf parks to be built in the same area.
North Shore Board Riders club president Troy Currell said surfers were disappointed the initial plans for the surf pool had evaporated.
“Everyone was keen for it because we don’t get waves (in the ocean) all the time,” he said.
Mr Currell said surfers were crying out for man-made waves.
“A lot of people travel from Queensland to go to Melbourne, to go to the surf park there,” he said.
“I reckon we need it. There is enough surfers on the Sunshine Coast and people coming out of Brisbane that would go there.
“It would be incredible. And the water (in local surf pools) would not be as cold as it is in Melbourne.”
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