The theme park apprasal is looking good and looking towards a positve outcome. A billboard has just been put up on the area, sharkshow. So yer its looken good so far

Renders?

^^I think this is the largest.

http://education.qld.gov.au/community/favteacher/img/cp.jpg
Water world plan unveiled

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Cash splash: The first design plans for the $25 million Adventure Mountain Theme Park, proposed for a site on the Captain Cook Highway near Smithfield.


CAIRNS businessman Paul Freebody has released the first design plans for his $25 million water park.

The Adventure Mountain Theme Park, to be built on a 7ha site on the Captain Cook Highway near Smithfield, will be home to rides including the high-speed Tantrum Tornado, Action River with a wave machine, tunnel ride Mammoth River and a children’s interactive water play structure. There will also be a restaurant and mini-golf courses.

The park is yet to receive approval from Cairns Regional Council and other authorities.

Mr Freebody will travel to Las Vegas at the end of this month with his wife Kim to attend the World Water Park Association Trade Show and meet key consultants to look at new innovations.

"We have to keep moving forward in gathering all the relative studies, reports and information to submit the best possible application to council," he said.

"We wish to have the world’s best and safest rides in our park and the fair will present these opportunities to us."

Alan Griffith, a specialist in water park design who has worked on Wet ’N Wild and other Gold Coast theme parks, heads the design team.

Tourism Minister Desley Boyle supported the idea.

"We need new, enjoyable experiences and this represents family fun for locals as well as tourists," Ms Boyle said.

"In these tough economic times, the very best thing is to do the groundwork now to revitalise our destination so that it’s up and ready.’’

Cairns water park seeks approval

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Adventure Waters submits its plans to the local council for development

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A birdseye view of Adventure Waters

Australia’s water park boom looks set to continue with plans recently being submitted to Cairns regional council for Adventure Waters, a new $30 Million water park.
The project, brainchild of Cairns businessman Paul Freebody, was originally revealed as ‘Adventure Mountain’ in October last year, since then the name has been changed to Adventure Waters better reflect its water park nature.

Like many of the recent large water park projects in Australia, industry leader ProSlide Technology will be delivering the bulk of the attractions.

On opening day guests can expect to see a solid line-up, including:

-A five person ‘Mammoth River’ slide.

-A six lane ‘Octopus Racer’, where guests race individually through an enclosed helix, before emerging into a parallel race to the finish line.

-Four ‘PIPEline’ inner tube slides.

-A ‘Tornado 45’, a slightly more compact version of the attraction seen at the Gold Coast water parks.

-A centralised Lazy River, with features such as a wave generator, lagoon with spas, as well as a number of thematic elements the river will pass through, including a temple, fortress with water cannons, and cave.

-Two children’s areas; a shaded pool with themed water play elements, as well as Whitewater West water play structure, featuring the obligatory giant tipping bucket.

-A Flowrider surfing attraction.

The future is equally exciting, with a $7 Million stage 2 set of attractions pencilled in, including a couple of the newest attraction concepts out there.

-An Australian first ‘BowlingALLEY’ slide, which sends guests down two tight ‘toilet bowl’ elements in sucession.

-A ‘TantrumALLEY’, essentially two interconnected ‘mini tornadoes’ guests are washed through in the dark.

-A pair of open ‘Plummet’ slides, as well as a high speed enclosed ‘Turbo Tunnel’.


A birdseye view of Adventure Waters' planned design by: Adventure WatersProvisions have also been made for a ‘Mammoth Plunge’ style slide to be built at some point.

Adventure Waters will charge around $39 for Adults and $27 for Children, and expects to draw around 250,000 visits per year, with the local market accounting for over 20% of those visits. They expect to create around 200 jobs, and nearly $12 million is expected to be generated each year from admission, food and beverage, and retail.

*If you cant see the pics here's the link: http://www.parkz.com.au/article/2009/04/15/223-Cairns-water-park-seeks-approval.html

:applause: Looks awesome, And here I iam jealous of Sugar World.

:applause: Looks awesome, And here I iam jealous of Sugar World.
Having read what's install, i was actually suprised at the plans...This should definitely complement the other 2 Parks (Tjapukai & Cableski Waterpark)

Wow, looks like a small scale Wet & Wild! BUT, It's still not approved. I'll have a look for the DA online.

Next planning meet is the 12th August. We will be able to see if it is on the agenda of the meeting on Friday 8th August.

Next planning meet is the 12th August. We will be able to see if it is on the agenda of the meeting on Friday 8th August.

Submissions are open until 10 August, and the soonest this item can be on the agenda is 23 September. Many of the submissions already filed concern the location of this proposal on an area that routinely goes under water by a couple meters. This land is all Barron River delta land. Many councillors have objected already to opening up this area for development, fearing damage compensation claims down the road.

So what happens to SugarWorld? When I bring my family up to CNS one of the 'must do's' is SugarWorld.... I wouldn't think CNS could sustain two if these theme parks.....

Im pretty sure that sugarworld will still be there, but the only thing is that people wont go there as much. I think that this new theme park will be visited by alot of locals as well as tourists. Sugarworld may not be as busy as it used to be but it will still run. Its something for the people who ive south of cairns

Sugarworld will still be busy I think, after all it will be a lot cheaper.

Sugarworld will still be busy I think, after all it will be a lot cheaper.

Absolutely right. The "family" price for Sugarworld is $38 all in. The price at Wet and Wild on the Gold Coast, for the family of four, would be $165. This isn't the Cairns market, that's for damn sure.

Is there any news yet on whats happening with the water park? I hope the plans havent "slipped away". Alot of people are now talking about the park, so its certainly has generated interest within the Cairns community.

Is there any news yet on whats happening with the water park? I hope the plans havent "slipped away". Alot of people are now talking about the park, so its certainly has generated interest within the Cairns community.

The public comment period just closed this past Monday. Word is that there are serious issues with the site - it's clearly in the Barron River floodplain and WILL flood yearly. Another development (housing) near Freshwater, similarly situated in the flood plain, was given a rejection letter by the state for just this same reason.

One of the submissions I think was from the owners of Skyrail who apparently offered a much more reasonable site adjacent to the Skyrail station precinct. The waterpark developer is not known as a "team player" and apparently isn't up to a co-developer. This is a pretty good project although probably pretty high risk, so with a rejection at Dillon Road looking very likely, perhaps the next go-around will see the project get up.

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Jobs flow if $35m plan holds water

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UP to 300 construction jobs could be created in Cairns next year for a $35 million water park featuring slides and attractions to rival the best in Australia.

Adventure Waters park spokesman Paul Freebody said plans for the 7ha Smithfield park will go to the Cairns Regional Council on September 23 for approval.

Pictures: Cairns waterslide theme park

He said the board of directors had world-class experts, including former Wet n' Wild water park CEO Steve Peet.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed and hoping the council gives us the thumbs up," Mr Freebody said.

He said construction could start in March or April before the site opens in 2011, with about 250,000 people expected to flock to the park in its first year.

Public submissions to the application, located at the former site of Vic Hislop’s Shark Show, have closed.

"We received two objections - they were mainly based on the fact we're next to some farming area around the site but that won't be impacted by the site," Mr Freebody said.

"We have every government approval, we only now have to go through the council.

"We've picked the eyes out of the best rides in the world to set an exciting feel."

Mr Freebody said the site would have 200 staff, with 58 being full-time and others being casual or permanent
part-time.

A second stage for $7.5 million would be built 18-24 months later, followed by a third and fourth stage.

The first Adventure Waters board meeting was held yesterday.

Admission to the park would be $39 for adults and $28 for children.
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*Images courtesy of www.cairns.com.au

Man this water theme park looks sweet as.

Can this hurry up and get rejected. He clearly has the wrong site.

whats wrong with the site?

^^It's in the Barron River Delta flood zone. Obviously when it rains in Cairns it's pretty persitant so a slight problem with flooding lol.

Uhhh.... i sure the people who planned this would of considered that dont you?!!:hammer:

^^It's in the Barron River Delta flood zone. Obviously when it rains in Cairns it's pretty persitant so a slight problem with flooding lol.

does it flash flood? if not, i can't see how being flooded in once a year would be that dramatic... its a pool and waterslide park... maybe just make sure kiosk is raised decently?

unless this development changes watercourse to the detriment of people downstream...

It would be a fairly large area I'm guessing so it would displace a fair bit of flood water. There are a few suburbs downstream too so they wouldn't like it flooding higher and faster.

It rains pretty heavy and fast in Cairns in the wet season, sometimes this can be for hours such as 400mm overnight. Plus we get times of heavy rain 2 or sometimes 3 times a year.

I would love this to be built but just not at the current site.

It would be a fairly large area I'm guessing so it would displace a fair bit of flood water. There are a few suburbs downstream too so they wouldn't like it flooding higher and faster.

It rains pretty heavy and fast in Cairns in the wet season, sometimes this can be for hours such as 400mm overnight. Plus we get times of heavy rain 2 or sometimes 3 times a year.

I would love this to be built but just not at the current site.

as i found out in january this year and i had to fly out in the morning after the whole city was flooded :S wasn't my idea of a nice topical holiday.

^^Haha that's right

http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2009/09/22/65301_local-news.html
OFFICERS have recommended the Cairns Regional Council reject a $35 million water park proposal at Smithfield over flooding, environmental and planning concerns.

A report to go to the council tomorrow recommends the rejection because the 6.9ha site, on Captain Cook Highway and Dillon Rd, is located within the Barron River delta and has flooding implications.

The site would include 16 waterslides, a surf simulator, pools and lagoons, restaurants, shops, function rooms and an administration centre.

The report says the approval would set precedent for development with the Barron delta flood plain.

"The development fundamentally contradicts the desired environmental outcomes of CairnsPlan as it would result in a risk to the community," the report says.

The report to go to the council also says the proposal is contrary to the Far North Queensland Regional Plan as it does not protect regional landscape and rural production are from the encroachment of urban development.

If approved, construction could begin in March.
==================================================================

God I hate people who complain. I think the park was looking to be approved by the council today, hope it goes ahead :).

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God I hate people who complain. I think the park was looking to be approved by the council today, hope it goes ahead :).

Complain? Everyone should complain when something isn't right. The fact that people DON'T complain is just complacency, and it's bad for overall society.

As for the "water park"? It will clearly NOT go forward, at least not at this location. The "alternative proposal" put forward by one wanker councilwoman has conditions that Freebody can't possibly meet. If Freebody wasn't so damn greedy, not wanting to have any partners who have more appropriate sites available, he'd be underway by now. Instead he's done his dough, and unlikely to move forward anyway.

Greed kills lots of things. This is one example.

I just hate to see more opportunity's like this being wasted in Australia. We are in a weird position where all of our best theme park/water parks are distributed in one area. It would be good to see this change, and considering the small investment cost and lower costs in general to run a water park, compared to a theme park..this could be a big success for Cairns and help the area a lot.

You would think they would have researched how much the rain would have affected the park, so here is hoping that park goes ahead.

Even if a greedy guy will own it...

http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2009/09/23/65621_local-news.html

Thomas Chamberlin
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
© The Cairns Post

A VIDEO promoting a proposed $35 million water park has been delivered to Cairns Regional Council councillors as they prepare to decide whether to approve it.

Councillors were due to vote on the planned water park today, but decided instead to defer the decision.

A report by council officers recommended the water park because rejected because of fears of flooding.

The 6.9ha site on Captain Cook Highway and Dillon Rd is within the Barron River delta.

Councillors will decide on October 14 whether to approve the water park.
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VIDEO IN THE LINK

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Report Rejects Water Park

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Cairns Regional Officers recommend Council reject Water Park plan due to flooding concerns in the Barron River Delta

OFFICERS have recommended the Cairns Regional Council reject a $35 million water park proposal at Smithfield over flooding, environmental and planning concerns.

A report to go to the council tomorrow recommends the rejection because the 6.9ha site, on Captain Cook Highway and Dillon Rd, is located within the Barron River delta and has flooding implications.

The site would include 16 waterslides, a surf simulator, pools and lagoons, restaurants, shops, function rooms and an administration centre.

The report says the approval would set precedent for development with the Barron delta flood plain.

"The development fundamentally contradicts the desired environmental outcomes of CairnsPlan as it would result in a risk to the community," the report says.

The report to go to the council also says the proposal is contrary to the Far North Queensland Regional Plan as it does not protect regional landscape and rural production are from the encroachment of urban development.

If approved, construction could begin in March.

Adventure Waters on ice

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A $35 million water park proposal for Smithfield has been put on ice after a last-minute bid to get it approved, despite Cairns Regional Council's planners advising against it.

Deputy Mayor Margaret Cochrane tabled a 44-condition amendment at yesterday’s council meeting, which would have allowed the Adventure Waters park on the Captain Cook Highway and Dillon Rd to go ahead.

But the council’s planning officers had recommended the application should be rejected because of flooding on the Barron River flood plain and environmental and planning concerns.

Mayor Val Schier and councillors Di Forsyth, Kirsten Lesina, Nancy Lanskey and Julia Leu criticised the 11th hour changes and called for a deferral.

The matter was put on hold for another three weeks.

"The reason why you need time to understand the conditions is because it may influence whether you are
actually prepared to approve it or vote for it or not," Cr Julia Leu said.

The park could be opened and built in 2011 with about 250,000 people expected to go to the park in its first year.

It would be operated by 200 staff with 58 being full-time and others being casual or permanent part-time.

Adventure Waters spokesman and former Unity Cairns councillor Paul Freebody said he was disappointed council officers left out documentation including a flood report and a report on economic benefit.

"Flooding was always an issue," he said. "Hence we spent a fortune on consultants and planners to address that issue and the flooding has zero impact on any neighbours or residents upstream or downstream – the flood model proves that.

"That park will be closed in 100-year floods … the airport will be closed, Smithfield will be flooded, Yorkeys Knob will be flooded."

Mr Freebody, who is meeting theme crews and suppliers in Hong Kong, said no alternative site would work.

There has been speculation that other major theme park operators have an interest in the park, as well as starting their own parks in Cairns.

But Mr Freebody said no other theme parks were in partnership with him.

A spokeswoman for Dreamworld and WhiteWater World CEO Noel Dempsey said the group had never looked at Cairns as a destination for expansion.

Representatives for the owners of the Gold Coast’s Sea World, Movie World and Wet ‘n’ Wild could not
confirm if they had any interests in the Far North.

Video sells water park plan

http://www.cairns.com.au/images/gallery/remote/2009/08/24/220235.jpg

A VIDEO promoting a proposed $35 million water park has been delivered to Cairns Regional Council councillors as they prepare to decide whether to approve it.

Councillors were due to vote on the planned water park today, but decided instead to defer the decision.

A report by council officers recommended the water park because rejected because of fears of flooding.

The 6.9ha site on Captain Cook Highway and Dillon Rd is within the Barron River delta.

Councillors will decide on October 14 whether to approve the water park.

*view video here: www.cairns.com.au/article/2009/09/23/65621_local-news.html

Looks like the waterpark will be voted on today or tomorrow but another one has been put forward. This time it looks like it is east of Stony Creek and the future Edmonton Town Centre and industrial zone. They are just going to have a future motorway going through the south of it though. That should be the slashed line running through the yellow sector.


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$3b theme park dream revealed

Thomas Chamberlin
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
© The Cairns Post

PLANS for a $3 billion US film studio, water park, extreme sports complex, resort and hotel precinct have been unveiled publicly on the eve of a Cairns Regional Council vote on a separate water park proposal.

Designed to mirror projects in Los Angeles and Florida, the theme park and film studio from proponent Tropical Resort Developments Pty Ltd would be the centrepiece of the development, due east of Edmonton.

Organisers say the project would cost about $3 billion and be completed by 2027 in three stages, starting in 2012.

Tell us what you think. Does Cairns need a theme park like the one proposed? Post a comment or vote in our poll.

But the matter will not go to the Cairns Regional Council for approval. Earlier this month, Queensland Co-ordinator-General Colin Jensen declared the plan, in development since 2006, to be a "significant project" requiring an Environmental Impact Statement assessed by the State Government.

The proposal is on behalf of Melbourne-based TRD Consortium Holdings Trust Pty Ltd, which includes members Paul Davies Film and Television Enterprises, Housing Industry Promotions and Tom Blair.

Mr Davies is a past director of marketing for the South Australian Film Corporation who has produced Australian feature films, television mini-series and telemovies. He is also the founder of the Entertainment City Consortium which included Paramount Studios US as the major entertainment partner.

Mr Blair was the senior project manager for Disney’s new Grand Californian Hotel in Anaheim, California, and has other connections with Viacom and Paramount Pictures.

Their proposal lists an association with the Cunningham Group, an urban and community architect and design firm which works with the likes of Disney, Universal, Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros.

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said a significant project declaration was not an indicator of government support but signalled the start of a whole-of-government environmental assessment process to be managed by the co-ordinator-general.

The development is an area zoned R1, utilised for growing sugar cane, between the MacAlister Range (to the west) and Murray-Prior Ranges (to the east).

Advance Cairns Chairman Russell Beer said the project would be a boost for the region and a great opportunity to diversify the local economy.

But Cr Paul Gregory, who represents areas south of Cairns, was sceptical of the project going ahead, saying it would have a "large number of obstacles to get over" because the proposal was in the rural landscape area of the Far Northern 2031 regional plan.

Former Cairns mayor Kevin Byrne said a similar proposal came before the council in 2006 and he thought it had "very little chance" because it appeared far from Cairns and needed a large amount of government environmental approvals.

"We need to be very careful at the moment about embracing proposals because some proposals are achievable and other proposals are frankly not achievable," he said.

Meanwhile, the council will today vote on Paul Freebody’s plans for a $35 million water park at Smithfield, which council officers have recommended not go ahead because of flooding, environmental and planning concerns.

Mr Freebody said it was "fantastic" there was now another proposal similar to his, but he was sceptical about its size.

http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2009/10/28/72191_local-news.html

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Breaking News: Water park gets nod

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BREAKING NEWS: Cairns councillors have voted to approve plans for a controversial waterslide theme park to be built at Smithfield.

Seven of the 11 councillors backed the Adventure Waters project.

Mayor Val Schier was joined by councillors Leu, Forsyth and Lesina in voting against the plan, citing concerns about the location and fears of flooding.

Cairns Regional Council planners last month recommended a proposed $35 million water park Adventure Waters be rejected.

During this morning's council meeting, Cr Schier said she voted against the "populist idea" because she had issues with the location with regard to flooding.

**Full story in The Cairns Post tomorrow**

Good.

DA Link:

http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/content/councilMeetings/ordinary/agendas/Agendas%202009/23sept2009/23sept09_ordinary_cl14.pdf

Highest structure is RL30m high so it will be obvious in the cane fields.

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hahahaahahahahaah yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! townsville can have their V8 but we got something better thats all year round.

hahahaahahahahaah yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! townsville can have their V8 but we got something better thats all year round.
I probably bet Townsville Bulletin would be envious now because Townsville wanted a waterpark near thier showgrounds. But any development in Cairns also benefits Townsville & North Queensland.

29/10/09
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All systems flow for Cairns theme park

CAIRNS will get a new $35 million water park to rival the Gold Coast's after controversial plans were passed by the Cairns Regional Council.

Developer and ex-councillor Paul Freebody yesterday told The Cairns Post Adventure Waters could be built and open at Smithfield by April 2011 and said the 47 conditions on the proposal would not alter his plans.

"There is no king-hit condition in this at all," Mr Freebody said.

Mayor Val Schier and councillors Julia Leu, Di Forsyth and Kirsten Lesina voted against the bid which council officers recommended be rejected because of environmental, flooding and planning concerns. It was previously deferred to consider an approval.

"In the end, what has swayed me is the integrity of the Barron River delta," Cr Schier said before voting against the park.

"There have been a number of proposals over the years to build on the delta and previous councillors and my predecessor held firm about development."

Video: Adventure Waters promotional video

Deputy Mayor Margaret Cochrane tabled an alternative recommendation at the meeting which was passed by a majority of councillors for the 7ha block, on the site of the former Vic Hislop Shark Show.

"Sure, CairnsPlan says no residential development on the Barron River delta," she said.

"We already have developments within the delta area – we have got driving ranges, cable ski parks, Sky Rail, Tjapukai, we’ve got a school, Caravonica school."

"These approvals are approvals that are able to be flooded, and are flooded, and this one will certainly be along with that, it is not a residential application," she said.

Mr Freebody, who is flying to Sydney for meetings today before going to the US said negotiations would continue with financiers and suppliers.

He said he would hold discussions in Las Vegas, Philadelphia and New York and said three major institutions were involved.

I think the council had to approve this to get some job growth up there. Very high unemployment rate up there right now so anything helps. This would create construction jobs. Although from reading this thread it may not be in a good place I think the council is taking a step toward creating jobs which they need to do at this time.

^^That is very much most likely the case.

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Water park needs $17m more

ADVENTURE Waters developer Paul Freebody says he has about half of the $35 million needed to start building his Smithfield water park in March next year.

Mr Freebody yesterday said he would continue to hold negotiations in Sydney this week before going to the US to speak to suppliers, but said he had already signed up local companies for the project.

Pride Furniture will supply up to 1000 chairs, 1000 lounge chairs and 250 tables for the project, Media Power has been signed for publicity and WGC Mortgage Services to look after the finances.

Project manager for the $60 million Whitewater World Mark Mercer has been appointed project manager for Adventure Waters.

He recently held meetings with 20 local suppliers while Mr Freebody said he had been approached by locals wanting to invest in the project.

"We’re probably close to half way," Mr Freebody said.

"We are still in tough times, we had a major supplier who withdrew.

"I’d love to have a component of local people that own part of the park and that could be one of the options."

Mr Freebody said financing options were still being considered because some major suppliers wanted a share percentage of the business. He was confident the park would open as planned by April 2011.

He will return from the US on December 1.

Oh my this development sounds messy, bit of a joke.

I bloody well can't stand it when political people decide on a development AGAINST the recommendation of assessing officers. WTF is the point of those staff if you're just going to ignore them? Reminds me of what Mooney did here.

Hopefully the fools can't come up with the $$$, it never gets built, and someone else comes in and builds one in a more appropriate location.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FT1AaGsyBj8/SZ5DWH4zmHI/AAAAAAAAAK4/JuxJqQj9Hu8/s320/175095_logo_final+Adventure+Waters.jpg
http://www.adventurewaters.com.au/

I think that the waterpark wil be a great addition to cairns. Also it will bring more tourists from down brisbane up here!

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update from Paul Freebody (24/11/09):

We are in New York (bloody cold at only +2 ) after very good meetings in Las Vegas trade show. All starting to take shape and will have final ride selection completed within 2 weeks. The suppliers are all very keen on the Cairns project as our market is preforming much better then the US.Hence they see our project as a good place to invest and show off their products.We should have some great news with the next two weeks and will let everyone know then about our start date.
Well thats it from over here and next time I write we should be back on home land.
Cheers
Paul

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In the wake of Cairns' waterpark approval...Townsvillians have launched a similar campaign (good luck to them)
Bring Wet'n'Wild to Townsville facebook page: www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=search&gid=164539082863

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Cash flows from US for water park plans

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AMERICAN investors are keen to jump on board Cairns' new multi-million dollar water park, developer Paul Freebody says.

The $35 million Adventure Waters park, which was approved by Cairns Regional Council in late October, will be built on a 7ha block fronting the Captain Cook Highway at Smithfield, the site of an earlier tourist venture, Vic Hislop's Shark Show.

Mr Freebody, who said he had about half of the money needed to start building his water park in April next year, has just come back from a trip to the US, where he sounded out potential investors.

Mr Freebody described the trip, which took in a theme park convention in Las Vegas, as highly successful.

"We went over there with a goal in mind. We achieved above what we were hoping to achieve," Mr Freebody said.

"There will be an announcement of companies that will be involved with the park shortly."

Mr Freebody said potential US investors had been ecstatic about the proposed development.

"Cairns is seen as good if not better than the Gold Coast. We've got 30C temperatures most of the year, and even in the wet season, it's still really warm," he said.

"The Americans love the fact that we trade all year round. They love the fact that we have tourism numbers.

"They love the fact that we've got no competition."

The theme park will hire 200 staff, with 58 being full-time and others being casual or permanent part time.

It is hoped the water park will be open in April 2011, in time for the school holidays.

While negotiations were continuing with suppliers about park attractions, Mr Freebody hinted Adventure Waters could have some unique rides.

"The benefits of going to Vegas was that opportunities came up to claim attractions that have never been seen before in Australia," he said.

Mr Freebody said the park may also incorporate a state-of-the-art cashless payment system, where visitors can issue credit onto waterproof wristbands.

The wristbands, which also include a computer chip, enable the water park to keep track of the whereabouts of visitors at all times.

"We can find them anywhere in the park. If they're over on these rides and we need to get hold of them if anyone is chasing them down, we can find them in the park," Mr Freebody said.

Looks exciting, but the pictures on the website have a disclaimer at the bottom saying images are a sample version only and the final product may vary. Did somebody say "individual results may vary" ? In any case the park would get me to Cairns, and I haven't been to Cairns for tourism since 1998.

Mill appeal puts waterpark plans off track
Brad Ryan
Saturday, January 30, 2010
© The Cairns Post

CAIRNS' $35 million waterpark development could be delayed for months or even wiped off the board, with a nearby sugar mill primed to fight its construction.
Mulgrave Mill has lodged an appeal against the Adventure Waters park, arguing new traffic will create dangers near an existing cane train line and a proposed flood wall will push waters onto cane growing land.
The mill's general manager, Peter Flanders, cited Cairns Regional Council officers' original recommendation to reject the development because of environmental, flooding and planning concerns.
Those recommendations were overruled when a majority of councillors voted to approve the development in October last year.
"We believe that development would be better off on a different site, especially given that it's a floodplain," Mr Flanders said.
"It will set a very bad precedent for the whole Barron Delta area."
The 7ha development site, fronting the Captain Cook Highway at Smithfield, formerly housed the Vic Hislop Shark Show.
Adventure Waters chief executive Paul Freebody said he was disappointed and puzzled by the move, which was putting hundreds of construction jobs on the line.
"I've owned that property for three years and I've never seen a cane train on that section of track," Mr Freebody said.
He said the flood wall was being built mainly for insurance purposes, and would only be needed in a 1-in-100 year flood event.
"We ran the council's flood model and it was clearly reflected (the flood wall would cause) no adverse effect on any adjacent property."
Mr Freebody revealed he had hoped to "surprise Cairns" by opening the park in time for Christmas, four months ahead of a publicly-stated goal to be operating by next April".
"This will be tied up in court for three to six months, maybe 12," Mr Freebody said, adding the mill should expect costs of about $500,000 to engage the experts needed to mount a strong case.
Mr Flanders said the relevant section of rail track was used for about three weeks a year.
He said he had not spoken to the developers and was prepared to meet with them to discuss the appeal.
Asked if he would consider dropping the appeal in return for compensation, Mr Flanders said: "That's not something I've discussed with anybody; what we've said is that we are willing to talk (but) basically we are following the appeals process and it’s normal for there to be some sort of process of mediation."
The park will employ about 300 workers during construction and more than 200 staff after it opens.

just when something good & exciting is planned for Cairns you have these green nobs like Peter Flanders. Whom would give an arm and leg to sabbotage development in favour of an under-utilised peice of railway line that hardly ever get much trains only when the grass needs cutting.
I wish this tosser would've lodged his objections when the consultation period was open and not now!

just when something good & exciting is planned for Cairns you have these green nobs like Peter Flanders. Whom would give an arm and leg to sabbotage development in favour of an under-utilised peice of railway line that hardly ever get much trains only when the grass needs cutting.
I wish this tosser would've lodged his objections when the consultation period was open and not now!

I'd hardly call the general manager of a sugar mill a "green nob". Cane growing is a very environmentally destructive activity. He's obviously just got self-interest (of the economic kind) in mind.

This is exciting, but have I missed something? Is it still located in the middle of a floodplain? One cyclone or even a decent wet season and won't the place be ruined?

That's why they were going to put up a flood wall to protect it from the big once in 100 year flood.

yo, have any of u's heard any recent news about it cuz its original schedule was supposed to start in march this year. It seems like this projec gone quiet.

yo, have any of u's heard any recent news about it cuz its original schedule was supposed to start in march this year. It seems like this projec gone quiet.

Nothing much yet other than Paul Freebody is probably still involved in an appeals process by the Sugar Mill. He hasnt posted any updates as of yet on facebook.

Cairns' $35m water park on hold
Brad Ryan
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
© The Cairns Post

THE building of Smithfield's water theme park has been suspended until next year because of delays created by a court appeal, its developer says.
Adventure Waters was originally scheduled to open next April, and CEO Paul Freebody later said he had hoped to "surprise Cairns" by opening it before Christmas.
But a still-unresolved court appeal lodged by a Gordonvale sugar mill means construction had been put off until after next wet season, Mr Freebody said.
He said the delay meant contractors who were waiting for work to start were now likely to shed staff.
"I know there’s a couple that have been sweating on this project to come through so they wouldn’t have to let any staff go," Mr Freebody said.
"There’s no doubt in my mind that the park not going ahead this year will result in jobs being lost."
But he was confident the planning appeal, launched by Mulgrave Central Mill in January, was close to being resolved.
Construction of the $35 million waterpark, on a 7ha site fronting the Captain Cook Highway, is expected to employ more than 300 people.
More than 200 staff would work in the waterpark, which will have waterslides, rides, a surf simulator and lagoon-like pools.
The mill, acting for cane growers in the area, argued in its appeal that new traffic would create dangers near a cane rail siding and a proposed flood wall could push waters on to cane-growing land.
It has also raised concerns with car parking arrangements.
Mill and waterpark representatives failed to reach agreement during mediation ahead of a court hearing on Monday, and will return to court later this month.
Mill general manager Peter Flanders said he hoped a resolution would be reached by the end of the month, and the issues appeared to be "resolvable".
"We are still in discussions so it’s appropriate to let those discussions come to some conclusion before we talk about anything specific," he said.
Mr Freebody said a resolution would not include a pay-out.
Parking and traffic management were central to negotiations, he said.
Deputy Mayor Margaret Cochrane, who was among a group of Cairns Regional councillors who voted to approve the waterpark in October, said the delay was disappointing.
"It puts the whole employment situation on the backburner at a time when Cairns really needs it," Cr Cochrane said.
"When it’s built, with the economic benefit to the city as an added tourist attraction, and also in terms of recreation for locals, it’s going to be such a bonus."


Maybe someone can change this one to ON HOLD :(

Deal paves way for $35m water park in Far North
Stephanie Harrington
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
© The Cairns Post

http://www.cairns.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2010/05/17/Cairns-WebUsual-CP18MAY10P001-CC214755-FREEBODY2.JPGhttp://www.cairns.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2010/05/17/Cairns-WebUsual-CP18MAY10P001-CC176961-WATERS.JPG

DEVELOPER Paul Freebody says it is "full steam ahead" to start construction in July of his ambitious $35 million water theme park.
Mr Freebody, chief executive of Adventure Waters, is relieved the project will go ahead after an agreement was reached in court yesterday with Mulgrave Central Mill, which lodged an appeal against the development in January.
"We're obviously very relieved, probably a little disappointed it's taken so long to go through the appeal process," he said.
"We're hopeful we can start some construction in July, which is wonderful news."
The water park, on a 7ha site fronting the Captain Cook Highway at Smithfield, is expected to employ more than 300 people during construction.
Another 200 staff will be employed in the operation of Adventure Waters, which will feature water slides, a surf simulator and lagoon-like pools.
Mr Freebody said the park will have many benefits.
"It's good for the community because we need a bit of a shot in the arm in relation to tourism, in relation to employment and in relation to construction," he said.
"It's a shame it didn't come earlier, but it has come now."
Cairns Deputy Mayor Margaret Cochrane, whose division includes the water park site, said it was "fabulous news".
"I've been supportive of this project all along," she said. "It's great news for Cairns, it's great news for our community, as well as for the project owner."
Months of legal wrangling threatened to derail the water park but yesterday afternoon, Judge Bill Everson endorsed an agreement reached between the two parties in the Planning and Development Court.
The project will now go to Cairns Regional Council, which approved the park in October, for an operational works application.
Although Mr Freebody called it a "hard fought victory", the water park has agreed to tighter conditions to appease the sugarcane industry’s concerns about parking, vehicle traffic and flooding.
Mill general manager Peter Flanders said the increased availability of parking on site meant there will be less likelihood of vehicles coming into contact with cane vehicles on Dillon Rd.
And modifications to the park's design will "significantly reduce" the impact of floods, he said.
"I believe it is a manageable outcome for all the parties concerned," he said.
"If all of these procedures are followed, it should maintain safety for both the public and cane industry personnel."

Finally!!:banana::banana::banana:

fuck yeee, use dont have beaches so might aswell go full steam ahead with this kindaa shittte

Woo hoo...Thank god the mulgrave mill came to an agreement and the waterpark will go ahead...yes :banana::banana::banana:

$30m water park set for start

Daniel Bateman
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
© The Cairns Post

http://www.cairns.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2010/08/02/Cairns-WebUsual-CP03AUG10P099-C0058383-ZARTIST.JPG
Looking good: An artist's impression of the $30 million Adventure Waters park. Picture: CHRIS HYDE

CONSTRUCTION of Cairns' new water theme park is set to start in a month.
Developer Paul Freebody says he is in the "pointy end" of negotiations with investors for his ambitious $35 million water park, and is ready for ground works to start at the Smithfield site within the next few weeks.
"We’re aiming for September, with an opening of September next year, all based on the operational works with council which we’re hoping to fast track through the council because there is an obvious need for employment," Mr Freebody said.
The Federal Opposition has committed $100,000 towards off-setting the costs associated with the three-year approval process during the development of the project’s business plan.
The water park, on a 7ha site fronting the Captain Cook Highway at Smithfield, is expected to employ more than 300 people during construction. Another 200 staff will be employed in the operation of Adventure Waters, which will feature eight major attractions including water slides, a river rapids ride, and lagoon-like pools.
One of the centrepieces of the park will be a ride called The Taipan, a snake shaped slide that will issue smoke out of its giant fangs.
It is envisioned the ride will be used to help promote the Far North’s NBL team, the Cairns Taipans.
Another attraction will be a children’s activity area, similar to the water park on Townsville’s Strand, only much bigger.
"It’s huge that thing. That is 60m long by 50m wide," Mr Freebody said.

Construction on this project was supposed to start 7 months ago, and we are still waiting on the commencement of this project :ohno:
anyone know what is going on with the theme park?

If there was news it would be posted here already.

If there was news it would be posted here already.
i am well aware of that, i was just wanted to know if there was any word on the street about the project, but thanks for pointing that out

I drove past the area yesterday no sign of any work yet, maybe the backers pulled out

yehh i check it often on my way to uni, have you noticed like 6 months ago or so they have built a shed behind the old building?? i got all excited but nothing else has been touched since :(

Assumably there wouldn't be any movement until the end of the wet season though...?

Assumably there wouldn't be any movement until the end of the wet season though...?

yes thats true, but last september or so our wet season hadn't begun, and its not to wet in cairns compared to the likes of tully, innisfail area. I am hoping the backers haven't pulled out. Hopefully mr freebody kicks this project off soon

I spoke to some people today who operate Sugarworld, and they informed me that Freebody has lost some of his financial backers so it won't be going ahead...

Well thats a real bummer...

Guys check the link out from the Cairns Post regarding the water park.

http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2012/07/25/229951_local-news.html

:)

Great news that they are still trying for it!