A long-awaited water park and resort project looks set to be shelved for the near future with property’s new owner exploring alternative opportunities for the greenfield site.
The 25-hectare property located at 2652-2654 Steve Irwin Way, Glenview was sold in June and is now owned by Concept Victoria Pty Ltd. Brisbane-based development and consulting business Notrom Group is acting as development manager on behalf of the broader stakeholder group.
The land has existing development approvals in place for the Actventure water park, surf pool, 234 villas and apartments, sports club, retail and dining facilities.
However, Notrom Group’s Matt Morton told Sunshine Coast News various options were being considered for the property, including its use as a construction depot and storage area.
“In the short term the site is being marketed for lease and we have been approached by contractors delivering the massive roll out of state significant infrastructure, which is happening across the Sunshine Coast seeking depot and set down areas,” he said.
Mr Morton said the site had previously been used by the Department of Transport and Main Roads during the Caloundra interchange project, which was completed in 2021.
He also pointed to a significant shortage of industrial hardstand space on the Sunshine Coast.
The potential use comes as work progresses on major transport projects across the region, including the $5.5 billion first stage of The Wave rail project from Beerwah to Caloundra.
The rail development includes two major construction packages divided around Steve Irwin Way, with design and pre-construction contracts already awarded.
Major construction is expected to begin in early 2027, subject to environmental approvals.
Mr Morton did not confirm any lease agreement as yet.
When asked if the water park could one day become a reality, he said the property’s size and location had potential.
“This site is a significant opportunity to add economic and employment benefit to the southern end of the coast,” he said.
“Notrom Group is working with a group of stakeholders and various opportunities are under consideration.
“A site of this scale poses obvious economic opportunity however ensuring a considered and deliverable development is the key focus no matter the ultimate industry.”
He noted that design plans and feasibility studies were a “work in progress” and there was no anticipated timeframe for any project.
An application has also been lodged for a two-year extension to the currency period of an existing operational works approval, which is due to expire on December 2.
If granted, the extension would give the group until December 2028 and bring it closer in line with the preliminary approval in place for the tourist attraction and resort complex.
“With the expiry drawing closer, the extension will allow us time flexibility to consider next steps,” Mr Morton said.
The ambitious tourism project, estimated to cost about $350 million, has a history stretching back more than a decade.
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Sunshine Coast Council granted the original water park masterplan approval in April 2015, with Sanad Capital and developer Bradley Sutherland subsequently progressing plans for the resort and tourist attraction.
Civil contractor Shadforth was engaged in 2022 and preliminary site clearing was reported to have taken place, but the development never progressed to major construction.
Further operational works approvals followed in 2023, before the company associated with the development entered voluntary administration later that year.
Nurrowin entered voluntary administration in November, with receivers and managers subsequently appointed. The site was marketed for sale in 2024.
