We’ve witnessed Cooly kids Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson pitted against each other in the media-fabricated Queensland Wave Pool Wars. The title makes great copy, sounds good, but doesn’t really mean anything as both projects are in very different stages of development (these things take time, ya know.) WavePoolMag has been following Palm Valley Gold Coast project for a few years now, visiting the site in 2022 and getting an update from Luke Altschwager just last year during a podcast (scroll to the bottom of this page for a listen.) Cut through the hyperbole and the real news is that Palm Valley just got a shot in the arm this week from the government. Here’s what we know…
The Queensland government said it will contribute $4 million toward the first stage of the Palm Valley Gold Coast project. The Crisafulli government announced the funding as part of its $80 million Tourism Icon Investment Fund, which supports tourism projects across Queensland. The government said funding for all Tourism Icon Investment Fund projects is matched at a minimum by project proponents.
According to the government, the Palm Valley project at Parkwood would include the Gold Coast’s first surf park, featuring an Endless Surf ES48 wave pool, a high-performance surf academy and an upgraded 18-hole golf course. Future stages would include villas, hotel apartments and commercial buildings.
Queensland Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the government was supporting tourism projects aimed at increasing visitation to the region.
“We are delivering on our long-term tourism vision, Destination 2045, by backing bold, world-class attractions that cement Queensland as the Home of the Holiday,” Powell said. “These projects will attract more visitors to Queensland and strengthen the Gold Coast as a must-visit destination. We are proud to support these new tourism attractions alongside proponents who are, at a minimum, matching our investment.”
Bonney MP Sam O’Connor said the Palm Valley project would strengthen the Gold Coast’s surfing profile.
“Bringing a world-class wave pool to Parkwood means Gold Coasters and visitors alike will be able to enjoy consistent, high-quality surf conditions all year-round,” O’Connor said. “The Crisafulli Government is proud to back transformational projects like this because they enhance our lifestyle and attract visitors to our city from across the country and the world.”
Parkwood Village Managing Director Luke Altschwager said the project would redevelop Parkwood Golf Club into a resort destination, Palm Valley Gold Coast.
“We thank the Queensland Government for this funding, which will allow us to deliver a unique blend of surf, sport, and hospitality, attracting visitors from across Queensland and beyond,” Altschwager said. “The project will create jobs, support local businesses, and enhance the Gold Coast’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination.”
