Whitewater adventure park to make a splash in Logan
Logan City Council has progressed its whitewater adventure park plans with the completion of a pre-feasibility study outlining a unique $65 million tourism asset that would also suit a future Olympic Games venue.
The Lucid Economics study shows the park would cater to a raft of activities including kayaking, canoeing, guided rafting, swift water rescue training, unguided rafting and tubing and inflatable obstacle courses.
A restaurant and retail component as well as trails, zip lines, challenge courses and areas ideal for school holiday programs, promotions and special events would also feature.
Logan City Council Director of Strategy and Sustainability, David Hansen, said the project would be an exciting tourism boon for the city and would provide significant economic benefits.
The study was earmarked as a priority under Council’s Logan Destination Management Plan 2018-2022.
“This pre-feasibility study is the first phase to see how a project like this would stack up and early indications are that it ticks all the boxes,” he said.
“With potential to become an iconic tourism asset for our growing city, the facility could also be adapted as an Olympic venue through the provision of associated spectator and safety infrastructure or used as a training venue for elite athletes.”
During the construction phase it is estimated that 147 full time jobs would be created with a further 114 employed once complete.
Given Logan’s sub-tropical climate, the facility could operate all year round. The provision of a dual channel facility will also help to maximise usage and revenue during busier summer months when elite athletes from the northern hemisphere could train during their winter in the warmer southern hemisphere climate.
“The possibilities are endless and its ideal location between Gold Coast and Brisbane would attract local residents in the broader region, interstate and international visitors, national and international elite athletes, school groups, corporates and children’s parties,” Mr Hansen said.
Following a Committee endorsement today, confirmation by Council resolution next week will allow officers to proceed with the development of a business case to facilitate investment and will include further work on identifying a preferred site.
Logan has a significant catchment of 3.1 million residents within an hour’s drive from the city. This population is expected to grow to around five million by 2041.
