Livingstone Shire council has pushed everyone’s favorite steam punk pool a step closer to opening up for the public. The local council approved the plunger’s plan and initiation of Stage 1 which includes accommodations and a renewable energy facility. Other amenities on the list include a tourist park, cabins, camping and a skate park.

“The Surf Lakes project has continually been unfolding and developing in recent years and today’s meeting marks a major step forward in bringing this fantastic tourism drawcard to life,” Yeppoon Mayor Ireland told CQ Today. “Council understands the hugely positive impact this development would have on the Livingstone Shire region, placing us on the national and international map for world-class tourism facilities, while also providing a massive economic benefit with job creation during construction and once in operation.”

Surf Lakes did a Cultural Heritage Assessment as well as a Native Title Duty of Care report and provided a master plan with traffic and noise estimates as well as environmental impacts.

The council was pleased and looks forward to adding more tourism to the area.

“From a prototype to a proposed full-scale integrated tourist development, this will provide jobs for generations of residents and make a unique tourism offering available here on the Capricorn Coast, and celebrated on the world stage,” said Councillor Nigel Hutton. “With support from Council, community and investors, our community is strengthened, and this development will play an important role in the coming decade of economic growth on the Capricorn Coast.”

The ties to Yeppoon run deep for Surf Lakes with founder Aaron Trevis being a Yeppoon State High School alumni.

Surf Lakes has been very active lately signing licenses across China, Hawaii and the USA. They have wanted to turn their proof of concept facility into a public surf park for the past year.

The breadth and scope of building one of these wave pools can be daunting, and Surf Lakes now offers two sizes for different development targets and budgets. Surf Lakes Standard has a smaller footprint and is designed for the beginner to intermediate markets. Surf Lakes XL is meant to be a premium surf destination or resort appealing to all skill levels. Each system produces 2000 waves per hour.

More info on our Wave Pool Technology Page.