Notes from the Coolum wavepool community meeting
Well, there we were, crammed into a broom closet at the far end of the Coolum Surf Club, a presentation screen at one end, a spread of pizza slices and various delights at the other.
Not quite what I was expecting for the first community consultation of the WSL Wave Company’s campaign to win the hearts and minds of the Sunshine Coast, but on the other hand, maybe the perfect place to preach to the choir. Warm, cozy, intimate access to the choirmaster, one Andrew Stark.
To say it was a soft start to the WSL campaign is to under-estimate Starky’s considerable ability to stage-manage public perceptions while playing hard-ball in the conference room. Not known for taking a backward step in the surf or in the boardroom, the former CEO of Surfing Queensland and Surfing Australia has developed a deserved reputation for getting the big things done, while seemingly exercising controlled restraint at all times. Those who have worked closely with him will testify that at times, away from the public view, there is more control than restraint in play, but few will argue that Starky is a smart operator who gets shit done.
"Don't forget the pizza up the back." Starky wins over the local crowd.
Part of that process was to get the local surfing community on side, despite some fairly vicious threads on this and other surf sites following the media announcement of the $100 million project on former cane-fields just outside town. But we were the low-hanging fruit compared with the environmental and community groups Starky was to face off with in the coming days. Who knew how many endangered ground parrots were to be revealed in the acid swamps of the 500 hectares at the roundabout? “I’m gonna have a grovel at Tea Tree at dawn, to get my head in the right space,” Starky whispered as he moved to start proceedings. “You in?”
I missed sunrise by an hour or so, but I’m sure Andrew was there, navigating the ankle-snappers on his McTavish nine-six, a recent acquisition, presumably in consideration of the long spring he’s going to be spending on the surf-starved Sunny Coast.
Not surprisingly, the main things the local surf community representatives wanted to know was how much was it going to cost per wave and could they have a few free ones, like once a week? Starky offered little in the way of detail on the business model, but pointed out that Coolum would be a mixed-use facility, as opposed to Lemoore’s R & D and corporate junket model. (And Starky knows quite a bit about that, having led the somewhat controversial and expensive week-long training camp at Lemoore for the Australian Olympic “shadow team” last year, just before leaving Surfing Australia to join the Ziff team.)
He also argued that the Wave Ranch at Lemoore had in fact become a model of community engagement, as well as its elite and fat cat functions. At which juncture I pointed out that no one surfs in Lemoore – I know, I’ve prowled those mean streets looking for roof racks or bean-pickers in boardies – while there are almost 350,000 people on the Sunshine Coast and 90 percent of them surf. (Or so it seems every swell event.) That’s a lot of freebies or cheapies for the business model to handle.
Starky kept smiling. Julian Wilson’s mum Nola, still zinging from a one-on-one Kool-Aid session with Andrew earlier in the afternoon, lightened the mood with the observation that “Surf Ranch” was too American, that it would have to be a “Surf Farm”. This was pretty much in line with the consensus view that Andrew Stark was not there to fly kites, that the Coolum surf farm was as good as in the bank. And it’s true that the proposal has the land, the finance and the partnerships ready to roll out as early as 2021, which puts it in a different league to most wave pool props, but it still has to get Queensland Government approval, with an election on the horizon. And that means a lot more meetings, in bigger rooms than the surf club bunker, with righteous indignation thick in the air.
But if anyone can pull it off, it’s Andrew Stark.
And a footnote: Just about the first call Starky made when he became GM for WSL Asia Pacific was to old crony and former SA board member Don O’Rorke, of Consolidated Properties, who then called his old surfing mate Scott Hutchinson of Hutchinson Builders. This is the team that brought us Surfing Australia’s High Performance Centre on the Tweed Coast. This is now the team behind Surf Ranch Coolum.
// PHIL JARRATT
Comments
Undoubtedly the questions everyone would like answered;
"Not surprisingly, the main things the local surf community representatives wanted to know was how much was it going to cost per wave and could they have a few free ones, like once a week?"
A few free ones.....lol, if only.
It's like asking the local swimming pool operator if you can have a swim for free....."yea right buddy, piss off".
I'm guessing those 3 month Sunny Coast flat spells might allow just enough time to save up enough coin to be able to afford a few waves at the "Farm".
I guess this is where their 1.1 billion comes from.
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Mr Stark said massive plans to accompany the Surf Ranch facility and turn "ugly cane land" into a "thriving community" were in the pipeline. The ranch will then be complemented by a 5-6 star eco-resort, a second 3-4 star resort, a farm-to-plate food and beverage experience, environmental centre, retail village, school, a community and sports centre, an outdoor entertainment venue and a residential development which, depending on approvals, could include canal living.
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“Not known for taking a backward step in the surf or in the boardroom” read boardroom as bedroom and had a chuckle.
Carry on.
Freudian slip Nicko?
Phil , if you’ve ever cared to wonder at the levels of antagonism I hold for the oleaginous “ surf “ industry sharks who’ve historically controlled the narrative of surf culture through their pet media outlets ,and basically framed the entire Australian surfing story through the self interested lens of mercantilism, then just review the description of the sorry human centipede of back slapping, white -shoed good ‘ol boys as related above.
Your mate, “ Starky “ , has been present for the siphoning of taxpayer sports grant largess away from the grass roots of surfing and into the tight pockets of industry . The failed high performance centre , the Olympic wave pool junket and the unrelenting focus on the competitive side of our sport which involves a minute percentage of Australia’s participants are all a slap in the face to the thousands of recreational surfers under whose communal identity the funds were procured .
Perhaps it’s time you realised that stories such as this which invariably end with another industry hand in the pockets of Australia’s surfing aren’t inspired or inspiring or even entertaining, they just sound like more mates rates and jobs for the boys bullshit.
If this privately owned tub gets up and running without a cent of taxpayer support or subsidy then well done to all involved. But I’ll believe it when I see it.
And how’s all this utterly superfluous industry gel with your environmental advocacy , Phil ?
Well put Blowin. Privatising the profits whilst socialising the losses is clearly what 'having a go to get a go' in this country now means.
Using a superseded wave generating system to prop up a shameless hotel and real estate development should be called out for what it is. Thanks.
Bit harsh? Readers may not realise it, but covering these stories is a highwire act.
Sure, Phil can write exactly what he thinks, type a fiery polemic that arouses those who feel alienated from surf culture and set off a lengthy comments thread. We get traffic, you feel a rush of blood, and Phil? Well, he becomes persona non grata to KSWC/Starky forever more.
What then?
There'd be no more phone calls answered, invitations extended, etc etc as the story rolls on. Any subsequent 'coverage' from Phil will be mere opinion formulated at a remove from the action. Other sites, other journalists will get the information.
For the sake of longevity, journalism has to be more nuanced than what online barbarians would wish for.
PS: If you haven't already, read 'Salts and Suits' to get an understanding of Phil's position in regards to surf industry.
Bit late for the whistle blowing insider ruse , isn’t it ?
It was Salts and Suits that was partially responsible for the animosity.
Maybe I should reread it , but my takeaway was a cohort who forgot what surfing was about and instead lost themselves in the machinations of business , back slapping and cocaine indulgence . Where those who were the Surfers were no more than degrees removed from the Suits. To me , a surfer is someone who focuses their lives on surfing , not someone who builds their career around it.
There is a common thread running through “ the industry “ that Chas Smith managed to isolate in his book “ Cocaine and surfing “ , whereby you’re only considered a true surfer if you involve your life in the mercantile peripherals of the sport , a world where if really you love surfing you have no option but to become an industry bro.
Using this metric, you get “ heavy hitters “ like Phil’s mate , Starky - who may be the nicest guy in the world to his mates , but comes across as the wheeling dealing, Barnaby Joyce of surfing to an outsider- controlling the narrative to the exclusion of those who just want to enjoy the act.
Yes , I realise that this is the way the world operates and that no one is coming down to mid-winter Fowlers bay to ask the fella who’s been parked up and getting pitted for weeks , what he’d do with government sporting grants . These decisions fall to those who’ve ingratiated themselves into the system.
Still , it makes me nauseous.
I probably have gone too hard on Phil , but I’m surfacing through the years of unrelenting industry mafia dominance where it was the imperative of turning a dollar before all else.
The years of Sarge , someone who never set foot on a surfboard, arguing for the exposure of the North West in Tracks magazine.
The years of sending uninterested sponno surfers, who’d rather be spending time at home between events , to blow out quiet locations in order to sell a few boardshorts.
I’ve got nothing against Phil and I enjoy his writing, I’ve just had enough of being expecting to sit quietly on the sidelines and not voice displeasure, whilst the industry bro’s fluff each other in readiness for their next big rort.
I think most of us are with you on this one Blowin, and I certainly am. Phil is living amongst it and as Stu says has to try to get on with everyone even if he doesn't agree with it a case of breaking more windows on the inside perhaps?
To Stu's point abut Phil not getting call's from the inside if he 'reports' from a fact basis:
My opinion: is that he should stay true to the canons of journalism.
If Phil has a case of "Sorry guys, I've got to piss in your pocket if I want future scoops", then, in my view, thats a quintessential example of being bought.
If he is to beckon to anyones will (which I think he should not), should it not be the swellnet subscribers, whose will appears to support the canons of journalism: tell it like it is, and be actively disinterested in the interests of others.
Everyone has an opinion.
If you're suggesting that Phil "didn't report the facts" or "pissed in Swellnet's pocket", then I think you're mistaken.
By all accounts there wasn't a great deal of information forthcoming at the meeting. And thus, there wasn't a great deal to report.
Perhaps the question should be "was this meeting worthy of an article", to which I would point to the 155 comments (and counting) and say "yep, it's been an insightful debate, and I reckon we're only just getting started".
I'd hazard a guess that there's a LOT more to come on this topic.
Ben it's crystal clear that the "facts" aren't being reported, and articles at the moment written by the usual suspects are treading very, very lightly.
You don't need Andrew Stark to announce at a meeting that there may be members of the public who have reservations about wave pools, to suggest that is a total red herring.
There's definitely much more to come on this topic, but the point is, who'll be writing up something resembling fair coverage?
Again, at the moment we're not looking at journalism, or reportage, we're looking at puff pieces.
What "facts" haven't been reported?
And what would you consider "fair" coverage, given that the Coolum wave pool proposal was only made public about five days prior; the meeting itself even less?
Without being snarky (as it's not intentional), we simply don't have an investigative editorial team sitting around waiting for stories to break. For what it's worth, I had no idea about this meeting until after Phil's article had been published.
For my eyes, Phil's article provided exactly what the headline suggested - notes from the wavepool meeting. Which - as expected - has segued into a robust, interesting debate through the comments.
Keeping in mind that the Coolum wavepool proposal is (1) a very new (public) topic, and (2) significant enough to warrant many articles over the coming months, it's also worth considering that a fair whack of information is very hard to source and verify in a timely manner, because KSWC is a private company. No documents have seemingly been lodged yet (hell, the Council has referred the project to the State Government), and FOI requests take a loooong time to process (if there's anything to request at all, that is).
So, I think it's a fair assessment that this article has been beneficial to get the discussion going. Otherwise, an exhaustive piece could have taken weeks - or months - to produce, and perhaps not yeilded any more significant information than what we already know. Remember our three-part series of articles about WSL web stats? They took around eight months to research and write. And they acheived about the same level of traffic as a three minute Dane Reynolds outtake.
So, don't consider this article to be the last. There's a lot of room in this story yet. It just takes a little while for it to come to the surface. And, the commentary in this article alone has been inspiration for plenty of further investigation.
Thanks for the reply Ben.
I just think that it would have given credibility (to both authors) to give two sentences, one sentence, that gave voice to public concerns i.e. something that isn't the Wozzle script.
It wouldn't take an investigation of any sort to achieve that.
Ben , seeing as though this meeting by the KSWC will be used in presentations to the government as representative of the community consultation that will be used to lever opinions in the company’s favour, it would have been handy to know exactly who was present and representing the community , what was the basis for their invitation, who they actually represented amongst the locals and which questions they asked.
The only person mentioned was Julian Wilson’s mum !?
This wave pool doesn’t really affect me as I don’t live anywhere near it , but you can be guaranteed that there’ll be taxpayers money subsidising this cosy little cabal as there was with their other projects.
That affects me.
Thanks for the interesting topic. Sic Phil back onto ‘em. Tell him there’ll be VIP wristbands involved. And free pizza !
RAll great questions.
Let’s also see if we can avoid any future articles resembling the minutes of a Council meeting.
There’s a lot to digest though.. plenty of avenues of enquiry to pursue. We are also aware of other councils that have been approached.
I’ve got nothing against the progress of humanity and technological innovation.
I’ve just had a gut full of the spivs , the shonks and the weasels.
Starky sounds like a complete and utter wanker.
Seconded.
Well said blowin
Sounds like these things are going to be popping up everywhere around the country so hopefully the competition will result in competitive prices for the average punter. They are big investments, with the investors looking for returns. Apart from initial construction costs, surely the ongoing running costs will be huge also. Just like owning a $100 million dollar luxury yacht, the buyer must have the dollars to pay for running and operating costs. Price per wave ? Or save for the Indo trip ?
How did he argue that Lemoore was a model of community engagement Phil?
did he offer examples or was it just assertion?
How was the mood in the crowd? pro? Con? mixed bag?
I’d say tending closer to lips all the way down to the bag.
Ha ha haaaaa! Glad I wasn't drinkin! me coffee when i read that.
Ya reckon they can stock it with Barra cause when it’s up and running we’re going to have our work Xmas party there and the boys who don’t surf can throw a few lures
This really does mark a new era in surfing- it's Chinatown phase- where we really are going to see the confluence of big money, developers and government.
We finally commodified the basic essence of surfing, the wave and now the sky is the limit.
I remember talking to big wigs in Surfing Australia and Surfing QLD and the mantra was always more, more, more. Participation, more surfers etc etc.
Never a thought to how more surfers could be fitted into the existing number of breaks.
I always wondered if there was some philosophical or economic end game.
I think with wavepools that question has now been answered.
It's strange that with so much worked out wrt to finance /land and partnerships ready to roll out they didn't have a script prepared to answer the basic questions of the surf community: how much for me and my mates to get in and use this facility.
That does make me a little sceptical that the final reveal on that front might be not what everyone is hoping for.
The bad news will be back-ended in the deal, as they say. Once all the community engagement check boxes have been ticked.
'scuse my scepticism.
The more, more, more mantra is interesting as it is basically just mainstream development with surf added. There is nothing different between these people and the worst of the rapacious developers and maybe they are even worse, as they are not as up front about it.
Locals should think about the reduced froth factor at the Noosa points during swells if perfection becomes available down the road at a wave pool 365 days a year.
If you can pay a hundred dollars every now and then to get some perfect waves unmolested by crowds at the pool, the swell of the month or year on a crowded point break might not be so attractive.
Years ago I used to get a lot more uptight about missing high quality waves. But after perfection in Indo and my share of good Aussie point waves, I can look at a semi crowded (or worse) point surf opportunity with more of a calm detachment.
Mentally you sort of know you could battle it out and pick up a few good ones but may well have a shitty time of it. I can assess it all rationally walk away or never make the drive pretty easily. Of course, if I judge the timing right, I am as keen as ever.
Now if I lived on the Sunshine Coast and had surfed 10 waves at the wave pool the week before and could grab another 10 next week if I chose, a four foot day Noosa would lose its urgency. A missed swell would not matter so much.
We see that in practice right now after a run of good swell. After a few days the crowd notches down a few levels and the people in the water share a bit more.
A huge issue with crowds is the "missed out" factor. It creates ridiculous spikes in people in the water on the best days as much from the desire to avoid feeling like you "missed out" as the actual for fun or riding good waves.
Readily available wave pool waves may just take the top off the crowd peaks and the edge off the frenzy when a good set comes along.
On the other side of the coin with all those people who would'nt normally tackle a major swell event having access to a year round training tool, albeit paid access, those bigger events will attract more paddlers and increase the frenzy.
Yeah but maybe they can't paddle if they haven't been in the real thing battling the slop for the last six months. Got to catch a wave first.
All arguments of merit or moral aside, I think the Sunny Coast is possibly the best location for a wavepool in Australia.
Lots of surfers with looooong flat spells.
Surely the perfect combination.
Desperation will override the cost.
Easy to say from your neck of the always-pumping woods crg. But you will be seeing much more of me and my mates down your way to avoid the sunny coast shit show.
The goldy is the place for amusement parks. Bulldoze Dreamworld and dump the silly thing there.
Haha...fair enough. Always easy to pass judgement without skin in the game. You're welcome down here...plenty of room...just not on the inside ;)
Ha cheers mate! See you next week
Does anyone know what land they have acquired ? Is it that parcel alongside the Sunshine Motorway between Coolum and Mudjimba ? or maybe Yaroomba (poor souls are already battling development pressure there.)
Anyone know how many Decibels the Wave making train puts out ?
With or without Raimana's encouragement?
Hhahh
It's the block on the western side of the motorway just before the Coolum roundabout as you're heading north. Council has it marked as floodplain. I think they tried growing cane on it pretty unsuccessfully years ago.
Frogg, you may be right, time will tell.
But I don't think you are.
Unless they build five of those things next door to each other I doubt it would even touch the sides of demand for the Noosa points when they are on.
I doubt these will be "readily available". More likely very expensive and need to be booked weeks, or months in advance. Based on the Lemoore pool v. unlikely you will get them whenever you choose.
You might need to book a 2 week stay in the "eco-resort" to have a crack at it in high season.
We don't know because details are either unknown or being kept from the punters until the last moment.
Likely it will add to the total pool of surfers looking to ride waves, especially if the whole "community engagement" thing involves discounted surf lessons in the whitewater to offset the high priced premium waves, which is what I suspect might happen.
I drove a bloke from Goldcoast to Byron bay last summer, English guy who learnt to surf in Snowdonia wave pool. 6 months of pool learning under his belt and now he was out in the ocean to conquer the real waves.
Of course, he won't be going near that 6ft close-out beachbreak but he's sure as shitt going to get his go outs at Noosa, Pass, Angas etc etc.
I saw him surfing 4ft Tallows. He wasn't shredding but he was out there.
I just can't see it subtracting from the numbers of surfers in the ocean, only adding to it.
With the Points seeing the heaviest load.
But we'll see. I could be wrong.
Good points. Both factors will probably work in tandem in opposite directions so Noosa ends up......... packed as ever!
Just hope that it's not one of those golf course / cross country ski trail / leisure centre style developments that are used to push house block sales for as far as the eye can see. When the leisure activities are no longer profitable due to high maintenance costs, guess what gets cut for even more suburbia.
Maybe some wise person should ask Mr Stark, that if there is any highly profitable residential re-zoning for the area, should the wave pool / other leisure activities be required to operate for say 25+ years? Maybe it's a good idea for the developer to have a large bond to pay new residents and local government authorities if the leisure activities are closed.
If you want to see how pear-shaped these grand schemes can become just check out how bad the residents at Palmer's Coolum resort have been burnt. A housing developer down our way just tried to get the local council to purchase the golf course after all the blocks were sold and golf membership didn't match expectations. Luckily the council had some sense and laughed at the bloke.
I know of that venue & little birds told me ballpark maintenance cost, yowza
This would be my only caveat on the wave pool - generally I'm in favour if the enviro stuff checks out - things with moving parts, and things that pump water, cost. Would it be unviable after a while? Otherwise, how perfect for teaching top level technique to have a world class wave pool? That would be well worth it.
Mr Stark sounds like an absolute flogger.
I hope I'm wrong but really can't see any benefit in this for the local surfing community.
phil just reaching for that he perceives as having prominence in a land of naysayers when his cause is touted
We know you have your concerns but we're all mates, us guys doing it, so it's all sweet.
Did I just read an infomercial?
Sunny Coast is a really good place for a concept like this. But they will only get the one! I doubt there is a selection of such sites available. Just as I said before, this model cannot deliver for the average punter and will never be accessible. Yet the average punter is being used to sell this to gullible Pollies. Once its done its done and there wont be room for a second option. The community really should arch up on this proposal and wait for a better one that does service demand. (PS I have no personal interest in any of these.) . ..........Julian will always have some level of access.
I can see the corporate response now -: we are making this a "mixed use facility" .. "we will be making 140 waves per month available outside our corporate and training commitments. " Yep 5 lucky punters a day get a wave each. OOps fell off!....sorry that's yours done, on ya bike then till next year! :)
Exactly Shaper.
All we really know from Phil's report is what Stark didn't say.
To show up at a community meeting and not have a bone to throw is significant.
Any potential opposition from the surfing community could have been shut down immediately by a firm committment to having the wave pool publicly accessible and at a price you wouldn't need a second mortgage for.
The fact this wan't done speaks volumes.
Can anyone tell me what the fuck an 'Eco resort' is? Seems to me any new resort popping up is suddenly 'Eco' I can see anything Eco about tons of bloody concrete and steel
As Phil Jarratt said in Michael Gloster's book The Shaping of Noosa:
"The tracts of green rising up from the coast, the shady walkways, the public parklands, the treetop skyline, even the al fresco cafes dotted along Hastings Street and the riverfront ... each represents a battle fought and won by the residents of Noosa... These are in fact battles which have made Noosa unique, an island of commonsense planning in a sea of rampant over-development." The most prominent group in Noosa that fought these battles on behalf of residents was the Noosa Parks Association (NPA) and they remind us that what we enjoy today in Noosa was fought for and won against council and developers.
Jarratt is the staunch Noosa de-amalgamationist who campaigned very very hard to NOT to be a part of Coolum and the Sunshine Coast and yet here he telling Coolum telling Coolum what is good for Coolum - and is pissing on Coolum people for expressing the exact same values he claims he holds. . Ground parrots, wtf?
As stunning brain fucking dead fucking hypocrites go, Mr Jarratt, you have to be fucking king.
Silly old bugger!
"As stunning brain fucking dead fucking hypocrites go, Mr Jarratt, you have to be fucking king."
Amazing what you've read into a neutral piece.
Phil doesn't side with Starky or the project, and he's not telling Coolum people what they should or shouldn't do, the article described a meeting without offering opinion.
I read it as Phil now leaves a toothbrush and some clean underwear at Starky’s place.
“Not quite what I was expecting for the first community consultation of the WSL Wave Company’s campaign to win the hearts and minds of the Sunshine Coast, but on the other hand, maybe the perfect place to preach to the choir. Warm, cozy, intimate access to the choirmaster, one Andrew Stark.”
Doesn’t sound too neutral when he refers to himself as the choir to Starky’s choirmaster . The Ode to Stark’s business acumen was laid on pretty thick too.
Whatever , the KSWC , like the WSL , will still do what the KSWC wants to do . And if Phil wants to be on the right side of the velvet rope then let him keep writing about it. I’ll still read it . And still be grateful to have wave related content to digest , even if it is corpo opiate.
Perhaps you are reading it too literally blowy, is there room for satire or sarcasm?
Stunet , if you understood the fetid and grubby politics of Noosa's de-amalgamation you would understand why Jarratt has no business being involved in any development in Coolum . Noosa and Jarratt wanted no part of Coolum or the SC but here he is being 'neutral'?
Yes, here he is being neutral.
Stunet, as a Noosa de-amalgamationist Jarratt fought long and hard to have all the big development south of Peregian. The trade off for Noosa independence was Noosa voter support for a super pro development mayor in the remaining SC council. Votes do not lie. Noosa , Jarratt et al delivered those votes only months before leaving then SCRC.
Coolum has worn all of the big planning overrides despite massive opposition. Why is 'neutral' Jarrratt involved in a Coolum planning matter at all?
No mention of his conflict to his editor?
dr harold fought the good fight but lost most
if any one thinks the development in Noosa is enjoyable?
ya all should a been there yesterday
peter troy mick wilson myself and a few others
fought and beat the development of first point 68- 69
but eventually it came (lost round 2)
Hayes island and with it the destruction of the river mouth
the disregardful sewerage treatment plant fouling up lake weyba
all the all fresco cafes and other crap built along the river at noosaville
a flood like 74 would see them ten ft under
as for jarret and Noosa just a blow in knows nothin -About the real sleepy fishing village it was.
gone forever )-:
sorry guys but i lived the golden age
Those $50k per day hires in the US may evaporate if these endless hyped up and funded tech businesses actually had to make a profit.
How many apps do we need?
Once investors realise that their money is being pissed away on blow, hookers and wave pool sessions with no big win down the track, it all might go south mighty fast.
WeWavepool
Ubarrels
Thanks for the support, Stu, but when haters hate, there's not much room for logic. BTW, can you make sure I left my toothbrush and spare undies at your place?
Logic says that the corpo spivs have managed to fuck surfing in the span of a few decades and are now lubing up its corpse for another reaming with the creation of another 2 billion surfers through the wave pool industry.
And you’ve been there the whole time , willing to overlook the fact that the vast majority of global surf breaks are now dysfunctionally overcrowded due specifically to surf industry market creation. , because you got to rub shoulders with the greedy bastards responsible.
If only crew like yourself had been content with just going surfing, instead of turning the whole deal into an avenue to spoon coke into their noses whilst they hobnobbed in a VIP area discussing brand resonance, then perhaps we’d have gotten another couple of generations of good times out of it before we got to this point through natural expansion of the sport.
Haters are going to hate and greed bloated corporate mouthpieces are never going to admit to selling the whole deal down the river.
Just think , you started riding your mal at Bellambi and finished riding your mal at Noosa , if only you and all the other salesmen had gone straight to Noosa 30 years ago and concentrated on the act of riding waves instead of overcrowding them , you might still be getting a few relaxed sessions at first point today instead of having to share it with 8000 people.
Sliding doors moment when crew realised that they could sell a few more T shirts if only they could convince everyone to surf.
Here’s an addendum for Salts and Suits :
“An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.
The Mexican replied, “only a little while. The American then asked why didn’t he stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs. The American then asked, “but what do you do with the rest of your time?”
The Mexican fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine, and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life.” The American scoffed, “I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing, and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually New York City, where you will run your expanding enterprise.”
The Mexican fisherman asked, “But, how long will this all take?”
To which the American replied, “15 – 20 years.”
“But what then?” Asked the Mexican.
The American laughed and said, “That’s the best part. When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions!”
“Millions – then what?”
The American said, “Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siestas with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos.”
And the worst bit , Phil ?
Now that the first wave of the surf greed revolution is coming to an end and the instigators are heading into their sunset years , we are going to be bombarded with saccharine hagiographies of the lot of them . All of which will manage to overlook their devastating impact on the thing they profess to love , whilst trying to legitimise neoliberal greed . And it takes their trusty bard to keep singing their praises to maintain the illusion.
More Mitchell Raes less “Big 3 masters of the boardroom “ and this surfing life could still be the pristine dream that was beaming from all those swing tags.
Anyway , that’s enough of that , I don’t really want to personally kick you in the guts over what surfing has become , but when I feel that no lesson has been learnt from the mistakes of the past and that the path is being groomed for the next breed of shills to rape surfing, then it tends to rile me.
If , as Stu says , you are genuinely remaining neutral in order to get the inside story on developments then good luck to you.
Enjoy your weekend.
Hear hear. There needs to be some awareness of consequences and a voice for the little guy, not just rampant back slapping and high fives for the corporate bs being jammed down our throats. Unfortunately the underground crew tend to avoid engaging by nature (too busy surfing, fishing or taking siestas) so are on a hiding to nothing to begin with. Surfing takes many forms but the legitimate sport/corporate side seems grossly over represented. Does anyone know people that run 100m sprints just for fun? Or would travel to an exotic location with their mates to vault with a pole?
Powerful rebuttal.
How far they've fallen from the Pig of Steel and everything he represented.
Keep writing blowin I love it.
hear hear / here here (I'm not sure which it's meant to be)
Phil, I asked you earlier if you had a take on the mood in the room?
pro, con, mixed bag?
Pro, with some reservations and plenty of questions, FR.
cheers Phil
I can't help but wonder what it would be like to see this argument from a grom's perspective. If someone had have told me that a new wave was coming to a farm when I was an ankle snapper, I would have been so stoked.
Why are contrarians automatically labelled haters?
At the very least the contrarians may actually improve the project. Ignore them at your peril Mr Stark.
tbb site specific (Nothing suss!)
All Olympic Facilities go out to tender...Govt know there's no getting around that fact!
(1st Quote) El Rancho's bid is way out of the local's ball park
Best case...nearest example!
$5m Darwin Pool is = 1 cent /wave & is considered a bit rich by all Qld cities North.
Darwin pushes 1.7m waves as best stand alone Southern Hemisphere Wave Pool.
https://www.topendshortstays.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/IOB066834...
Ramp Darwin Postcard x 2 for 10 Olympic rapid fire 3m high x 80m long ride pools.
1000 waves per hour + 180,000 surfers per year have already voted.(Let them bid ?)
Tourism/Surfing Australia + SLSA approved [Tick! Tick! Tick!]
Darwin is 50,000 x cheaper per wave than proposed WSL forging 15 Picassos / hr!
ABC / [f] re: "WSL Wavepool is 1km long"...(That's double Ranch size) Is this True?
All say WSL are not crash hot on value but can WSL tick any local boxes?
Sunny Coast Ski/Wave pool sites..
https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/documents/40217326/41534407/Regional%20Faci...
Sites bank off existing lakes or quarries as in Quanda Lake 2km's away (Perfect)
Consolidated (WSL site) Is clearly not a Lake or Quarry but is zoned as a Quarry.
Wavepool site would need to be quarried then 5 years fast tracked to meet approval.
State Govt: Natural Resources Key Sand Resource Area to supply S'Coast demand
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157751901399884&set=p.10157751...
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157751901004884&set=p.10157751...
The Quarry is a resource for Sunshine Coast ...not to bucket outta town & overnight!
In other words a steady supply for the town's needs until exhausted.(eg: 5-20 Years)
Dept of Enviro' & Heritage Protection drilling revealed Acid Sulphate soils.
Ok! Not so bad! Unless your site runs off into RAMSAR wetlands. (Wow! Bummer!)
Again! tbb points to approved peppercorn rent site around the corner up the way!
Former cane Farm ran 6km of tram tracks with 4 load points drenched in 2-4d.
Maps - 2 + 3
https://maroochyshiretramways.wordpress.com/line-coolum/coolum-aerials/
Massive Coolum Floods washed decades of Airport PFAS Sponged up by sandy site.
This is not proven but would be difficult to deny as Coolum floodplain puts out!
Meaning! A hazmat site like Asbestos...No getting around this! see: Airport PFAS.
Regional #1 Horse trail + Common thru-fare, runs N/E < >S/W across southern site
Click Nambour to Coolum Trail
https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Experience-Sunshine-Coast/Sports-an...
Sunny Coast Horse watering sheds are throne rooms re: JW Noosa Wave Pool Burn.
https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/court-loss-for-developers-of-planned-...
Site is remote, being more than 2kms to nearest bustop & Footpath (See horse trail)
Town can't envisage this site wrapped in Footpaths Ped Flyovers + Bus/Taxi rank!
Olympic Civic project on mega scale needs some open accountability.
Sure tbb took the long way round but is upfront in how we arrived at this point.
tbb is a freelance researcher & Historian & presents a full & fair picture...
Note: Gold Coast Whiteshoes would sue unless Olympic's venue opens for tender!
Mark my words, that's not a joke. Govt got screwed by ASF for lots of lovely compo!
Govt has head in the clouds again...they're banking on a fake Sunny surfie vote swing!
Clumsy opposition can't believe their luck...more cream pies for Govt Hang Ten selfie!
Read this as criticism or support but also read how it best guides our WSL visitors.
tbb wrote in plain Qldurr speak...this is how we locals dance the whiteshoe shuffle!
[DISCLAIMER]
tbb re: Tourism Qld's 'evil' twin Sunshine Coast Wavepool
https://www.swellnet.com/comment/600315
Again, great research tbb
I'm a little disappointed as I can't open the rail link. It is - very - close to home for me. Anywhere else people can see the lines? I can still remember the cane trains going through Nambour as a little kid.
Edit: the Darwin wavepool is actually pretty impressive. Impressive from a 1/50,000th cost per wave perspective. That the wave might be mushy or shorter does not tend to matter when the cost is considered. If we have a flush-out of this most recent cycle of low interest rates/market rally/unicorn IPOs/capital misallocation, it will be the Darwin pool that survives and is still pushing stoked groms on bodyboards.
So I see tiers of wavepool, based on cost.
The proposed Coolum one, I totally can see for training the Aussie Olympic team, yes also high end corporates and even me when I save up the cost if I just have to experience it. In between, there will be other pools that offer cheaper-to-produce waves, or maybe better setups (like a certain circular, continuous wave pool concept). It is those cheaper ones with maybe a mushier wave, that will bring surfing to the city and inland masses, maybe on a soft foam board for the first time. In that context, although we've ripped on Starky and Phil, the KSWC wave will not be the one that turns quadrupled crowds into octuples of them further on and in doing so makes surfing unrecognisable.
Aint no velocityjohnno but tbb is happy to surf yer wake (thanx)...the rail link was near impossible then even more so now so they say...here's tbb's (full working title on icon) Good Luck!
http://www.ozroads.com.au/rail/hairyleg_aus_tracks_rev04_2014_05_01.kmz
Darwin Theory
Surfing Australia teaches Stand up (soft board) Groms in Darwin/GC/Syd Wave Pools...(note) Surf instructors have 10 wave variations...they seldom choose biggest wave settings. Should surf Pros tweak the dials you could postcard the waves.
We see mush because it's gentle on a crowd of kidz....
here's a really cool bonus of Darwin Wave Lagoon specs
(Murphy Waves (Scotland) Oz wavepools 1990-2010).
https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/darwin-wave-lagoon-draws-crowds/
Wave selection
google[Swimming Lagoon fact sheet.innd - Darwin Waterfront]
2010 Pool numbers/ LS comp+(Fab Water Filtration) P.10/11
https://www.territorystories.nt.gov.au/jspui/handle/10070/242153
tbb will twiddle the dial & ramp it 2 x ... How good is that.
Coolum needs a surfable skate park not a boyz club skid pan.
tbb has a bigger job at hand...tag team with stu to get the monkeys of Phil's back...the punters are barking up the right tree but are rippin' into the wrong pound of flesh....gonna jump into the deep end in a minute...go next level hi wire over the pool & tbb reckons all hell will break loose...fools jump in! Outta my way you...tbb is a real stunt clown...whiteshoestomp'n'time!
Genuine question. Is there a casino planned in this wider resort development? It is Queensland.
So the Qld Government are balls deep in a bid for the 2032 olympics, it’s hard to think a development like this isn’t part of the master plan (Starky has been an advocate for surfing at the olympics for a while now) meanwhile in Our Great State our youth are struggling with unemployment and mental health crises/suicide; farmers are experiencing their second extraordinary drought in 2 decades (and their own mental health/ suicide issues drought contributes to); partners and wives are still being killed by their male counterparts...yet the departments that are there to help these people struggle to do their jobs with their resources.
Why are the plights of these people less important than the entitled little fucker that wants a gold medal round his neck and a public parade for his good fortune? And even if “we” do win a gold medal or two in surfing, what next? It seems beyond ridiculous to me. But, haters gonna hate hey Phil.
Crossing everything that Olympic bid falls on it's arse. They're so irrelevant now anyway.
Personally I appreciated Phils neutrality in his comments.
How anyone can take from it that he is pro Stark or pro wavepool is beyond me. They must have gone in with closed minds.
Unconscious bias from the bloke who was gunna go for a surf with the man the next morning. Even the photo used of Andrew Stark paints a glowing picture of him - may as well put a halo above his head.
Fucken hell, give it up fellas. I chose the photo.
Talk about unconcious bias...
Stu i've made it pretty clear i'm anti the thing. I agree that phil hasn't picked a side in this article, but the subtleties of it reek - he's not neutral. Just pointing this out
Mate, there's been so many misplaced accusations in this comment thread, and now you're making appeals to subtleties? Really...?
I explained the journalism I want to see on Swellnet, and I'll defend that all the way to the end. If you want to rip into anyone you sense has slighted you then pour a strong coffee and log onto Twitter.
That's fair Stu - i'll cop that.
Twitter, ha, ha and join Trumpy Dumpy. Never used it, never will.
Im reading this thread and am going to look at it from a bit of a different angle. I agree with alot of the haters but am not bitter about it, just very aware of the fact that surfing is already fucked.
Even in the short 20 years ive been surfing ive seen crowds quadruple and am aware of the fact that i am one of those making up the extra patronage. I cringe at all the WSL bullshit and especially the description of this fella stark who is kind of made out to be a spokesperson of sorts for surfers in this article but i think that surfing was already headed down this path when i started surfing in 2000 so its a bit like me buying a house next to the airport then complaining about the noise. I figure that since surfing is already 80% fucked then im interested to see what wave pools will do. Both sides of the argument have great points. Basic economics tells me that if these pools are financially viable then in 10 years there will be one on every street corner. If they arent and they are inaccessible to the average punter then i dont htink they are going to have much impact on surfing at all. Its a bit like knowing that i can get an IV drip to cure my hangover but since i cant afford to shell out 200 a pop every time i get drunk then it doesnt really encourage me to drink more.
sorry ive rambled a bit. jsut finished night shift. hope it made sense.
Not sure why anyone would want to appear in these columns anymore, I certainly don't. The level of vitriol drove me out. Last week it was Nat, this week Phil. Stu regularly cops a thrashing. Tall poppy syndrome rules! Do something, stick your head up, express an opinion and here comes the toxic bullshit! See ya.
Vitriol and tall poppy syndrome ?
Well, let’s see here , for many people, myself included, surfing is not just a past time, it is a passion . Passions are defined by the emotional investment involved. So when someone’s ability to pursue and enjoy their passion is compromised by an outside force , such as the joy of surfing has been compromised by the greed of the surf industries desperate expansion of participants, then its to be expected that there will be heartfelt push back.
I haven’t attacked Phil for his manner , or the way he treats his wife , or the way he writes, or anything at all except for his contribution in debasing the pursuit of surfing. Surely Phil is responsible for the consequences of his actions ?
And perhaps I’ve seriously misread the mood of the piece , but it came across as matey and complicit of the crew who would further debase surfing in pursuit of a dollar. If , as Stu says , I’m totally off the mark then I apologise wholeheartedly. I never express antagonism towards Mr Jarratt if the topic of his fine writing isn’t centred around the surf industry. Then it’s pure enjoyment. I’d say my possible misinterpretation of this piece was because it was taken in context of Phil’s past encouragement of the industry.
I mean no malice to Phil at all , doesn’t mean Im not allowed to express my thoughts on the issues that will concern my future enjoyment of surfing. Particularly when the crew involved have demonstrated the tendency to allow the public to subsidise efforts that I genuinely believe are contrary to the good of the recreational surfer.
I like Mr Jarratt’s writing, I’ve bought his books . I hope he keeps writing for Swellnet . Doesn’t mean I’m going to gladly swallow anything that I presume to be an industry fluff piece.
I don't think it is that bad, Blowin has reasoned arguments and I don't think anyone has gone completely off their tree (try some of the other sites). Subject stirs up passions and people feel that. I am sure Phil has a very thick skin and Stu has defended journalism getting frustrated that swellnettians are shooting the messenger which is fair enough. This is a great site.
ya got the bullshit part ballsed up?
Hmmm, CP have been trying to do something with that land for a very long time....without success. Sand mining it for one. I live a mins drive from that site. I guess as a local I'll add it the the list of fights the general community are currently engaged in within a 5km radius.
- Sunshine Coast Airport Flight Path
- Airport toxic water outflow
- Sekisui Yaroomba
- Palmer Resort Shit hole
- Yandina Quarry
- Bunnings adjacent CSS.
- CSS Roundabout debacle
Im not sure mentioning JW's mum gives the idea much/any cred. Apart from some of the board rider crew JW aint liked based on his Redbull Ski efforts at Noosa amongst other things. South of the Maroochy River is GOLD COAST mk11. CP jumped on that land parcel with a view to things becoming the same long term north of he river. (Aka Peregian Springs South (Aka North Lakes Mk11)) So far the community is holding it back as we like the place the way it is. Take your theme park somewhere else pleeeeease. From what I hear amongst the local crew the fight is on. Meeting at the CSLSC for is laughable. Starky and his mates can take his pizza and nibbles and please just piss off.
Did anyone ask, "How much money are the state and federal taxpayers expected to drop on this project?"
Good point FK and that includes rates discounts and roadworks to access the proposed unannounced venue. Freeway off ramps and roundabouts can be very pricey. Why should the tax payer pick up those tabs? I reckon plenty of folk are wising up the the "privatise the profits and socialise the losses" arrangements, and are getting their backs up.
Whats the difference between this develop obtaining some level of financial support from Governemnt vs the multitude of Federal and state grants available to any other business. I just went on to Grants and Assistance page of the business.gov.au website entered a bit of Guff that would best represent this proposed developement and up popped 22 different Programs that could potentially apply to this developmet.
Fed and State Gov do have a role ( and vested interest ) to get shit happening by assiting business' of all sizes.
I am aware there are grants and things available, however as a taxpayer I am well entitled to know how much the taxpayers are expected to subsidise by. I believe grants and things should doled out toAustralian companies and tech first. The WSL and Slater are johnny come lately. As VicLocal pointed out the supporting infrastructure also has to be built to support what I would suspect is increased traffic flows to the "attraction" how much are the WSL intending to contribute to that or do they expect the locals to pay for it.
The grants are actually irrelevant and the locals up there should be making sure these questions are not only asked but backed up with detailed responses. Yes assisting is removing red tape and overhead in respect to the development as long as it brings lasting benefit and the people do not get left with a financial burden.
I went to one of those newfangled wave pools and they kicked me out for peeing in the water. Can you believe that, one of the few guilty pleasures of surfers worldwide, and it's outlawed at the wave pool !! Mind you I was standing on the jetty at the time !!
This aint Beach Grit. U can take your sense of humour mate and piss off. Only whingy nimby comments allowed (Blowin excepted).
----------
"Earlier this year, council officers were first made aware of a development being proposed by World Surfing League," "No detailed proposal has ever been received.
"The advice provided to WSL at that time is the same as the advice that was provided when their representative met with council officers this week - that council cannot consider their proposal as it is on land situated outside the urban footprint on a site that is highly constrained.
"Council has no authority to consider or assess a development proposal of this nature on the subject land - so there are no pre-lodgement meetings anticipated by council.
"World Surfing League has been advised that their proposal is a matter for the Queensland Government and that they need to engage with state ministers and agencies in this regard.
"Council officers have not expressed a view on the proposal as there is no clear development application to consider. "In any event, the proposal cannot proceed on the proposed site under the current State (ie. SEQ Regional Plan) and local planning arrangements.
"It is understood World Surfing League is undertaking public consultation on its proposed development and council officers indicated to World Surfing League that they will be interested to understand more details about the proposal and the results of the community engagement process.
"Sunshine Coast Mayor (Mark Jamieson) had one meeting with representatives of World Surfing League earlier this year and at that time, reiterated the advice that had been provided by council officers. "The Mayor has never met with Consolidated Properties or Hutchinson Builders in relation to this proposal.
"Council officers have met with representatives of World Surfing League on three occasions (including Wednesday this week). "A representative of Consolidated Properties was present at one of these meetings. There was also one other meeting that council officers attended with representatives of Consolidated Properties earlier this year. "Council's advice at each of these meetings has remained the same."
----------
I think it's fair enough for legitimate questions to be asked, and emotions to be expressed. There's a lot of pent up anger and resentment at the way big money corps have raped and pillaged.
Phil's old enough and ugly enough to understand the game he's in and decide if he wants to wade in and join the conversation.
Like I said before, surfing is about to enter a new, big money phase, and surf journalism too, will be exposed to more scrutiny.
This ain't tiddlywinks. We are talking major development, disruption to communities, millions and millions of taxpayer dollars that could be spent elsewhere.
The argument for neutral, objective journalism is predicated on the punter receiving useful material information and not regurgitated PR spiels, and thats no personal attack on Phil, I'd be happy to have that conversation with him face to face and I'm sure we will one day.
I've had some long conversations with people inside the QLD Govt and the major dealbreaker for this project is community perception/backlash- there are high stakes for people receiving quality information. Thats why Starky is on the front foot duchessing public/local opinion.
to be fair, the govt wants to invest because of the same reason they invest in any other project: jobs and growth. You can't argue this won't tick those boxes.
One issue particular with Coolum people and the whole Jobs and Growth and Private Enterprise BS is we are very sensitive to that line of BS. We once had a very good thing going on with The Hyatt years ago. Golf tournaments, tourism and local jobs across a broad spectrum. Even the local business flourished along the way. Then Ole Mr Palmer came along and touted all that and look what we have now...... nothing! Decaying dinosaurs like the bloke himself. Residents still living in condos without power and water for years.
PC and Starky can push as hard along the community vibe as they like but we've been bitten by Palmer. Dont think we'll suck that wasabe twice.
I thought Phil was just conveying the facts. Truth was there were not many to convey unfortunately for him.
So a reasonable journo is going to pack a story around it. It was reasonable that the guys run the story given the level of interest on this forum.
Freeride is right on point ........this whole thing is going to come down to community acceptance. Voters!(surfing community first)
Just as Freeride said, "Starky could have fronted up to that meeting and immediately included the surfing community with whats in it for them. "the punters" but he did not because there is nothing there.
Also from Sprouts info there, you can pretty much say they actually have nothing except verbal "in principal" indications from a few big players eyeing off a potential earn. Those guys arn't silly. Theres a big trough of construction dollars there if comes off. Of course they want to be first in line.....
...first in line....
A pertinent point. There is, no doubt, a line of viable alternative locations
Lots of questions and speculations were always going to fill the void. Maybe Mr Stark might want to provide a bit of actual information at the next session. Just hope this wasn't a fishing exercise so they can claim the surfing community is excited by the development.
A paddle at my local this am definitely confirmed the opposite VicLocal. The majority aren't excited at all....
x2
If This ever goes ahead it’ll be an absolute shit show for the sunny coast one way or another. You only have to look at the nightmare that is Birtinya/ Bokarina to realise that council only cares about how much they are set to profit. Community and environmental awareness plays little part in assessing a development. Ground conditions on the Sunny Coast are some of the most variable in south east qld. Infrastructure costs alone to enable any building work to just commence will be enough to assume this facility unviable for the average punter.
Nett lettable areas and returns is all that matters and unfortunately I cannot see this slowing down, even with little Greta Thurnberg revving up the white man.
Interested to see what the proposed Master plan looks like as they’d no doubt be governed by height restrictions being that close to the airport.....meaning an outward expansion to cater for a volume of kook tourists who want a chance to ride a wave like the pros do.
FR has got the zeitgeist here, we are on the verge of the "big money/Chinatown" phase. I'm seeing it too on Aussie ski fields... A confluence of 3 things - 1) wave pools, 2) soft boards/instruction, and 3) worldwide broadcast -not just WSL, but the selling of lifestyle imagery, access to charts, and hyping of individual swells.
So enjoy this moment. The turbocharger has now spooled up and we are just beginning to feel the torque.
IMHO a sample of 1 ...
+1 that the article seemed matey and convivial - it felt strangely at at odds with a lot of content on swellnet - where there seems a willingness to write frankly and risk ostracism and exclusion by powerful groups such as the WSL and also to at times to give credit where it seems due.
+1 for Blowin and others being able to express themselves with passion about a subject they're passionate about - Yep, it's colourful and polemic at times but usually expressed with insight, some humour etc.
+1 I'm another who feels like the commercial end-game of wave pools is becoming clearer. That is, large property developments hinged on a sporting/community spin that'll help win the support of enough of the gullible or greedy elements in govt to see tax payer funds unwisely added to these projects or approval granted where ti otherwise might not be.
I coming to the view that the prospect that everyday surfers are ever going to get meaningful access to these resources, or that they would materially reduce crowds in the ocean are fanciful. Add me to the group who feel the "act" of surfing has been cheapened by commercialism and at the same time let's acknowledge that surfing isn't unique in this respect unfortunately. Plus I balance my sadness at this cheapening with the fact I, and others, can still pursue the "act" of surfing and opt-out of the commercialism to a large extent. All the benefits of progress and commercialism have had their upsides as well; better boards, wetsuits, more insights into how to surf better, stay fitter ... and in the broader global community; less people in the world in poverty, less sickness, fewer accidents, better food, cleaner water, better healthcare... there's light and shadow to it all I reckon...
Surfers are fucked anyway probably starky and Phil the most though.
Who the bloody hell was at this "meeting " anyway by invitation?
The boardriders club and Julians Mum. All that count I'd suggest!
Inviting friends and family is hardly a community meeting. Something smells and I think it is Starky shitting on the Sunny Coast.
Classic case of don’t shoot the messenger. Any mention of added traffic on the single lane motor way and the dreaded Peak Hour Coolum roundabout Phil. Ps how was the Pizza.
read this shit would ya! https://asbmag.com/coolum-qld-revealed-as-new-home-for-kswaveco/
So The KSWP tech needs a home......Consolidated Properties and its cronies Hutch and O'rourke purchased essentially an unusable plot of land and have cojoined with Starky to sell ice to eskimos. CP cant do anything with the land in reality and its burning a hole in their pockets. Lets dress up this turd.
Well here's the rub....Yandina Coolum Rd into Sunshine Mway and through past the school is a cluster phuck of proportions discoloured at 8 and 3 every weekday. Prior to that tradies rule that roundabout. There's a crash every 2nd day with people entering it going straight while others turn for school or Yandina. The roads rooted. Jury is still out on Bunnings trying to develop the other side. The roads cant cope you Fwit. Stop selling the Eco crap and admit your just a corporate sellout trying to help ya mates and the GOAT offload some BS to a community thats sick of this shit all the time. Put it next to Dreamworld or Coolangatta the centre of all you otehr greedy pricks. Most of the coast who werent born here moved here to get away from this garbage. And the groms who think it will be great...ha...Mum and dad find it hard enough as it is with the rising cost of living without forking out $'s for something no normal person will be able to afford NOR want Nor need. Its on..... (Look out for the Pink Flamingo!)
Exactly!
Never knew there was an Australasian Surf Business Magazine
from article:
“The region’s new runway, set to open next year, will open up more destinations, putting Sunshine Coast Airport in prime position to be the gateway for Aussie and international surfers looking for the perfect wave.”
ouch
Flight BZ10 from Sao Paulo cleared for landing....
On a similar tangent: Direct flights to WA's southwest coming soon.
https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/flights/jetstar-launches-flights-to-margaret-river-from-melbourne/news-story/3302deedc51b90bf3b41b9242d76e71a
Yeah wow. Locals like Leroy might just want to crank up those Insta GWS drone footage channels haha
How long before surf forecasts are incorporated into airline advertising ?
Swell due Thursday AM ! Flights reduced to $99 !
Virgin Blue recommends Boodj early before the wind . Nice sand for the early mid tide .
Also Stu, if you look at the trends of 1) upgrading regional airports to international status 2) Large conglomerates terraforming areas of paradise into resort experiences and 3) cheap flights, the outcome is increasingly itinerant lineups worldwide.
This in itself is not necessarily a bad thing, as it is always stimulating to talk to others from the other side of the world and gain their perspective and share a laugh and a story. They are often young and also young-at-heart, and this tends to inspire and keep those listening young-at-heart too.
Surfing is a common interest between many travelers. The thought that you can individually go that bit further to a place a bit more off the map more easily (eg - in France/Spain, hey, I'll surf the Azores on my next trip as well, its just a cheap flight) is nice. As is ongoing employment and work for locals - after all, mining boom's over, what have we got to offer? Experience/environment. Make it a kind, inclusive experience and they may do so for you on the other side of the world. (Now I know if you work in metal fabrication or are a paralegal, your $$ has next to nothing to do with tourists, but they arrive nonetheless...)
However, more numbers = more profit, and I reckon locals from Southern Portugal to Sunny Coast and beyond might notice the difference as the numbers are pushed to max levels. If the Lennox crowd and behaviour is any early indicator to go by, it could get out of hand. I can say that locally, long term crew at one spot have pushed their sessions earlier in the day, to avoid a completely new demographic who populate it later. I'll try to social butterfly with everyone, but I'll be treating these sessions as a fitness paddle rather than scoring epic waves for myself on most days. Other times I'll be away at lesser than the name breaks, or surfing different equipment at different spots in solitude.
Perhaps would be prudent at this time to widely communicate the Surfer's Code, in multiple languages? Or guide those new to the sport that you meet, giving away the basics to safely surfing the lineup with others around. These aren't solutions if the newcomers don't care one iota for lineup etiquette however... I'm thinking out loud here, food for thought, I haven't reached a satisfactory answer to what is coming, I'm leaning toward inclusiveness while concerned at the potential numbers. Where is the line in the sand when a surfer says "enough"?
Nice link
Slater in latest Red Bull No Contest vid,
"That's the one bummer with our wave technology...there's just not enough waves to go around."
We all know it. A mistake to say it on record?
And so it probably will not be viable.
Today's Paper : 'Resort, Retail all part of Ranch Plans!'
Stark:" Ugly Cane Land into a Thriving Community-
75% public space (wetlands) +25% fill build on 1-100 flood + 1500 homes/3 story Max.
$100m Star Surf Ranch is complimented by 5-6 *Eco resort+ 3-4* resort, farm? to plate food & grog, environmental centre , retail village, school, a community & sports centre an outdoor entertainment venue & a residential + canal development...Surf Ranch doesn't happen by itself !"
tbb:
(No mention if that's a Wave Canal Development?)
(Montessori College) is on Ted's 'Various Artists' track listing (Ted? Explained below!)
Today's News update...
Council reveals position on Kelly Slater surf ranch
re: Sprout 4/10 (above)
Not directed at anyone in particular and maybe I'm niave but it seems there is no self respect anymore and the current business model of the day is 'if we don't fuck it then someone else will so we might as well fuck it ourselves and cash in'
No real discussion here of environmental impact? I’m not familiar with the site but sounds like there will be issues.
Ground Parrots are an endangered species for starters.
Old cane fields/ flood plains sounds like perfect Acid Sulfate Soil (ASS, let the puns begin) landscape. Any excavation works may then require disposal of acidic soils and also create more acidic discharge, heading to the nearerst creek. Not the best landscape if equipment maintenance costs are an issue.
Finally, where will the water come from if it’s not groundwater?
What hope has surfing got when the uni's are pushing business courses with this kind of jargon and imagery?
https://businessnewsroom.deakin.edu.au/articles/surfing-the-waves-of-change?
Maybe they could use a ‘timeshare’ type model to raise capital to build and run the resort and wave pool?
An initial buy in price per room/wave(s) to become a part owner. The price would vary with peak/ off peak times throughout the year (plus a night wave rate). Then an ongoing maintenance levy to keep the pool and facilities humming along?
Accomodation at the resort would be part of the package to use the pool so owners or guests could sit around on their balconies watching the action in the water?
Then excess wave/accomodation packages from larger investors could be sold off to the general public and these guests would no doubt be invited to a timeshare presentation and given the hard sell to buy in during their stay?
It wouldn’t be cheap but surfing is a commodity these days and a lot of cashed up VAL’s etc. are moving into our space.
We don’t have to like it but we all just have to get used to it I guess?
SEQ Olympic Bid
(Part 1)
Brisbane won bronze in 1992 bid & bounced back for 2028 Olympic bid
2015 Feb/March 1st Bne Mayor Quirk then other Mayors support Bne 2028 Bid.
April (visits) IOC president says try combined SEQ 2028 bid.
2016 July: Mayors Report banked Fast Rail for Games. Premier said Qld not ready!
September Sunny Mayor banks on SEQ bid for Mass Transit to next in line Stadium.
2017 July: Olympics double dipped too soon & LA won Gold.
(Part 2) SEQ Games 2032
2018 GC Comm Games Ghost town candle light vigil closing ceremony.(So sorry Oz)
2018 May: Sunshine Coast Mayor won't give up on his Olympic retirement rail.
*Mayor Jamieson CEO of Oz Publishing+ Director of Pacific Publishing
LGAQ President + LGA Director +LGIA (super) Director +SEQ Mayors Director
Vice / patron of SLSQ + Pres'+ MSLSC + SLSSC +Director of Helicopter Rescue
Patron of SC Sports +Oz Olympic Committee + 100 more (Olympic Sports CEO #1)
2019 Feb: Olympic 2032 Feasibility ticks off on SC rail + 5 sports (also below)
https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/News-Centre/Olympic-Feasibi...
(Part 3) Games CEO Mayor
Sunny coast Mayor could have any sports he chooses but wants #1 rail + #2 Stadium
Council 'Super' Rail bundles Council assets [+] [P] Uni >Airport + (Up zones Rates)
Mayor couldn't give a shit about surfing & never once requested it for Sunny Coast !
(Part 4) Sunny Olympic Sports
*Beach Volleyball (GC bid) Costs $20m #1 sport
*Triathlon (GC bid) Sunny Coast runs iconic Tri- events
*Beach Swim
*Road Cycling
*Football (rounds)
Note (No Olympic Surfing or Surf Lifesaving Demo listed for Sunny Coast)
Note (vice Patron #1 Clubbie Mayor remains silent.)... Just the Super Thanx!
(Part 5) 2032 Olympic Surfing Event Locations + Backers
2016 Logan bid for Whitewater Rafting Course (Unchallenged) #1 Designer
2019 May: Qld Premier: "GC would make a perfect Surfing Host"
Also May: SLSA (GC display) Bid for Olympic SLSA Demo
June : [ Olympics reject Wave Pool ]
July Qld Olympic (Mayors + Jamieson) encourage GC Mayor to bid for Surfing
Aug WSL Pro Sally dons Team Oz Promo & Backs Gold Coast Surfing bid
Sept WSL / Stark: SC wave pool is vital for 2032 Olympic bid (Despite Olympic NO!)
WSL/ US rogue bid sabotages IOC rule/ Premier/ All Mayors/ SLSA + own WSL Pro!
WSL did crash the party & endangered OZ Olympic bid! (They should apologize!)
What an amazing amount of blah blah over a pool. Will be funny to come back and visit these comments after the thing is built and see how all the fear and expert opinions panned out.
It’s just a fucking wave pool people. Pay up or go for a normal surf.
Passion a plenty on this thread, good stuff! Ok so, here's my two bob's worth. This is not about blaming the likes of Phil Jarratt, pro surfing and surf industry heads like Andrew Stark for over-crowding at our favorite spots. It’s about offering a solution to deal with surfing’s growing popularity. Having more people competing for waves in the line-up is inevitable. Our home is an oceanic planet after all. Surfing is being increasingly recognized as one of the most harmonious lifestyles to enjoy our time here. Our Hawaiian brothers and sisters from yesteryear knew this long ago. So what can we do to ensure surfing is a joyous pastime for ourselves and future generations, and not some selfish or frustrating thing where only the strongest or wealthy get the best surf? That said, it is now more apparent that part of the WSL's business model is to establish Kelly Slater wave pools around the world in conjunction with big hotel developments etc. Hotel/tourism developments will be built regardless, as progress continues. So here we on this thread expressing different opinions about the various pro and cons of adding some perfect waves alongside these developments. Personally, I think if Government is going to get involved with planning approvals and funding for these sort of developments, then concerned surfers should band together and approach local politicians to demand more money also be spent on constructing artificial reefs, like the Palm Beach prototype, along the coast to help provide additional free surfing facilities for the majority of recreational surfing lifestyle punters, of whom many will most likely never step inside a wave pool. Artificial reefs will also help spread out the crowds. Sure, wave pools can help do that too. But they are costly to build, may become exclusive and, as yet, are not environment friendly. And it is too simplistic just to tell people who complain of crowds to go find a secluded island in the Pacific, or relocate with thicker neoprene to cold water locations, as good as that advice is. I believe science working with nature is the answer. There are many thousands of locations around the world that require only a little enhancement to transform them from potentially good spots into A-class surf breaks. All that is required is a few large boulders being strategically placed to fill gaps and holes of existing reefs and rocky headlands. This would create a lot more world-class surf. Sandbars with closeout waves can also be easily enhanced with a few well-placed submerged rocks too. Beach sand can be used to fill large geo-textile contoured bags to create even more ideal-shaped sandbars for waves. Groynes and piers can be modified or built to form better surf too. Working in harmony with nature, sand flow, weather and wave cycles is a good alternative to wave pools. These projects would be less costly than building artificial waves. Funding for each enhanced surf break could also come from the private sector with companies getting naming rights for each surf break developed. Enhanced reefs and sandbars can also assist in alleviating problems associated with rising sea levels and coastal erosion by helping dissipate wave energy before it reaches the shore. A linked-up international college education sector working with government agencies could benefit from such a program. Academic departments in tourism, marine and engineering could design and implement suitable projects along their coastlines. These surf enhancement programs could help pave the way for better environmental protection policies, new surfing reserves and marine park sanctuaries. Technology is here to help us. The future can be whatever we want to make. Go for it Mr Stark. I'd like to see you, Dirk Ziff and the WSL lead the way in this, as counter balance to your wave pool ambitions. Nothing wrong with being more community minded and winning hearts too. As for Phil Jarratt's story, I read it, enjoyably as always with his writing. I took it as simply being an introductory piece with more reports from him still to come as this story develops further. Hope so. Cheers.
In an area like the Gold Coast there probably is a pretty solid cost-benefit equation in favour of building artificial reefs. Not only will they provide a surfing amenity but they're also a pretty low impact way of protecting the coastline from erosion. When considering the effects of climate change I can see a lot more reefs being built in the future.
No offence Guys but GC reefs aren't breaking today & rarely have.At a cost of over $20m... recent works alone price over $2m a surf session...almost as much as the Ranch. PB Reef precedents tide-line hugging hi-rise wall of post midday shadow line killing off Dune habitat the likes that Gold Coast has never seen...No coincidence that Ranch handler Kelly also invested PB Reef Hi Rise...
I'm not sure if crew recall the opening of Palm Beach reef. tbb reported that GC Mayor cancelled several opening dates to dodge both angry locals & Local councillor. All were more than a little pissed. By the way don't risk touching the soiled commemorative plaque. Here's the latest detailed reports from PB Reef...
https://www.swellnet.com/news/swellnet-dispatch/2019/08/23/watch-palm-be...
Gold Coast oceanfront designers pride at being world best but over 25 years over 25 kms of epic Gold Coast surf breaks have been smothered by their expert hands. How much more cost & destruction for next reef for fewer waves but more entombment. tbb is a also a Gold Coast dreamer but one half decent 2min surf flick sadly doesn't paint a picture of the real world.
As for protecting the Coastline...After the reef top up- Narrowneck is the most eroded beach in Qld....The beach now erodes between big swells (That's a first!) We Goldie ratepayers describe it less as a reef but more of a money pit!
swellnet crew have detailed 100% failure rate on Global man made surf reefs to date...we'd all love to see value for money. tbb notes pristine coastline surf breaks are prized jewels & many surfers adore natural scenery. As a Goldie Grom we point blank refuse to believe such an oasis still exists....back to the skid pan.
Here's the latest detailed reports from our beloved Narrowneck Reef...
https://www.swellnet.com/news/swellnet-analysis/2019/08/19/narrowneck-re...
So you guys are seeing sand starvation and erosion up-flow from the new reef? Moreso than you would expect? Will this continue on to Straddy?
Damn, that would mean that if one tampers, even offshore so it isn't a connected groyne, one starves upstream sand and maybe collects sand on the downstream side of the feature.
Would like to hear that reef is far enough offshore to let natural sandflows continue inshore...
Thanks for the info TBB. In planning and implementation of 'artificial reefs' on beaches, i would have kept it much cheaper and simpler. Just a few submerged boulders locked in a wedge formation along the existing surf line where waves already break. It is amazing what just a few rocks can do, Car Park beach between Trigg and Scarborough in Perth has a couple of small nodules of reef that are mostly covered by the natural sand flow. Those little nodules of reef form some of the best shaped and most consistent beach breaks in that area. In other words, re artificial reefs, just keep it simple with just a few small submerged wedge formations to allow the sand to naturally flow over them along shorelines. But that's just my opinion which could only be proven in practice. Lots of other more cost efficient ways to skin the proverbial cat too. It is still early days. But as beaches get more crowded and we work more with nature i think better solutions will be found. Cheers.
Likewise seahound + velocityjohnno...South Straddie Reef was in original Moreton Reefs fishy 6 pack (+ Later Reefs)...
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/moreton-bay/zoning/trial_artificial_r...
South Straddie 'East Coast' Big Bird nest is not to be disturbed.(Spit CST?)
https://gcwa.qld.gov.au/big-birds-take-off-escalates-gold-coast-climate-...
Big Bird will monitor the Narrowneck Reef effects vs TOS Sand Pumping. Sand Bypass Loads are restricted by cost + Big Bird may not like a silted nest? Qld Uni Ocean Science rewards political master's upzones to Hi-Rise dive towers... tbb stresses East Coast seachange squeeze rides on the Big Bird..(Rare Bird!)
Goldie Whiteshoes empty the sand from their shoes into Big Bird's cage each night..."Stop bobbing about you dumb Bird!"
Next morning up steps Mr Mayor: 'Good News...sky is the limit !' (Well...Durr!)
PS: Coolum Wave Pool Tram Lines + Nambour Trams (Feature below)
tbb earlier promised to clear Phil's good name & would like to do just that.
This gets political but not heavy.
Feds > State > Unions vs Commerce > Council ( Now 5th tier Govt run by the Feds)
All are after yer Handouts for their Super & now they look like us! (Hence the attacks!)
Qld CCC investigate Libs Fadden Forum over Council branch stacking & internet Bills!
Feds have gone not one but 2 better meet Ted O'Brien fluent in Chinese & Townspeak
Ted's alt councils : Reimagine Nambour / Generation Innovation / Various Artists
Yes! Exactly Yuppie Church groms with mentors all are Hi-Tech Media spin doctors.
Fingers are into every handout going...from Clubbie to Uni Accountants to News.
When tbb says everything that means turning us on one another see comments!
So how could they infiltrate 20 years of surf culture...watch & be on yer guard! OK!
Govt tier 5 (Make Nambour great again Alliance)You see media savvy Alt Council
This is more inclusive & selective almost brain washing council (One of Us)
http://www.reimaginenambour.com.au/
Down by the beach they go full assimilation as yuppie cutesy surfies with hodads.
Founder Ted needs to call on his director wife's Uni Powers for Generation Innovation.
https://generationinnovation.com.au/
Whole town is Brainwashed 100% From Mayor's News Censorship to Uni letters.
Councils,Uni,Mall, Radio Stns, Newspapers, 7 TV, Maccas, All Print, Office, Photos,
The idea is for kids to pitch ideas before brotherhood then we go fund them & Libs.
Example: Various Artists (Kelly's wave pool school might end up being Montessori?)
That's a weird guess tbb....hardly a guess! It's stamped on our foreheads! Watch!
http://www.thevariousartists.com.au/
Let's scroll down a little...Oh gee! That's that Noosa Festival of Surfing
Various Artists, WSL, VONU, World Surfaris, Noosa Malibu Club, Tourism Qld/Noosa
Notice how Fed Libs quango sponges off Qld State Labor Tourism (Nice Job!)
Now you see how good these guys are! You won't pick them. (Watch again-It's quick!)
WSL Booze Bus >Town Beer Stops-Shirts-Totes (Beer label every kid & whole town!)
http://www.thevariousartists.com.au/clients/noosa-festival-surfing-0
Scroll down past Ted's Wife's Office or Mayor's retirement fund Uni...(Everything!)
World Surfaris (One of Us) Now you're a fully fledged Lib card Donor! Did you Give?
Consolidated Properties ride the W.hite S.tar L.ine as Surfing Australia's bookworms.
Yes! Same wave pool site developers did SA Starky's homework...
https://www.consolidatedproperties.com.au/people/don-ororke/
Sunny Xmas Gromz kitted out in dorky hate brand OK ...Wave Pool is all yours Sir!
Libs/SA/WSL No problems with selling the wave beneath your feet [SOLD]
Labor Party or anyone can get fleeced so tbb asks not to label Phil, crew or swellnet.
Yes swellnet are still the best part of Noosa festival of surfing & we all know that.
2019 tbb to Boss:"It's not fair, swellnet are absent from promos!" (Boss says it's cool!)
That humble response proves that there are no gremlins at this end...
Simple as that, from the PM's God Squad down...tbb reckons you all knew that!
tbb, I can't always say i fully understand what you write but your research skills are next level. Great posts above and below.
I guess i just wanted to say thanks for your efforts. Please don't think it isn't appreciated.
I dunno Zen 9/10 posts from tbb i just scroll past!
I still can't get my head around 'Building Brand'. It says to me you can have a rubbish product but if we market it correctly, it will fly. Why don't the talk, about building the festival and the quality of it. The Elvis festival in Parkes NSW started as a bit of a lark to get an attraction to Parkes and is now huge, most of it by organic, word of mouth growth as I understand. You need a solid base it can't be just marketing speak otherwise it is just piss and wind.
As a daily Coolum surfer, I have to laugh about "community consultation". Didn't hear about it until 2 days after the meeting. Every single surfer I asked about it this morning didn't know about it. And not one of them is thinking it's a good idea. It appears that a number of big claims have been made, 10000 jobs for example, without any evidence to back it up, other than a few pizza slices.
Why would you put a wavepool next to the beach anyway? There's plenty of better sites between the Brisbane airport and Landsborough that already have the infrastructure in place to cope with the punters. Areas that would genuinely benefit from development and provide a service to the community that is needed. (20000 apparently, for contest events, you know, like they had for the latest contest...) Or how many car parks will they need for the 8 surfers per day who currently are able to surf the Lemoore venue once they've shelled out the $50000 for the day.
Their own press release only mentions 'general participation' as an afterthought, (after professional training and corporate events). So I'm guessing that must be the pensioner Thursdays at half price mentioned by Chris Kendall this morning on ABC Local Radio. Still at $600 a wave, that's a few meals a pensioner is going to miss out on.
Sorry, but no matter how good Starky is as a spruiker, and I've been talking to family friends of him who say he is at genius level, it doesn't cut the mustard, or even the pub test amongst the surfers in the water. The small group who will benefit,/make money out of it will no doubt do what they all do and move out to the hinterland. While those of us who can't afford to do so will just have to get used to it.
I moved back to this part of the world 8 years ago because it was one of the few places where you can have the place near the beach, decent job and still have a bit of bush around the place. I don't think we need it turning into another Gold Coast strip mall.
Please note; no comment on the slant of the article and/or journalist.
Mmmmm.....we could all do with a bit of bush around the place !!.......hehe
The Perth wave park never got off the ground because they chose the wrong site but couldn't read the tea leaves. They would have had more luck if they were more flexible with their location. Not sure this mob has learnt that lesson.
“1500 homes/3 story “ on what was previously unusable almost worthless land
Don Rourke and consolidated Properties would be dribbling in anticipation
The wave park, ranch, farm is a secondary consideration
And I bet you know the first thing that would get cut if the new sub-division / resort was approved.
If I had a lnkdin account I'd want PJ to curate it for me.
(Weekend Edition rewinds the Wave Pool site)
Swellnet Wave Train wishes to thank...
*Maroochy Shire Tramways SIG (Coolum Wave Pool site 2/3)
https://maroochyshiretramways.wordpress.com/line-coolum/
The Queensland Sugar Industry & It's Tramways by Lynn Zelmer
https://www.zelmeroz.com/archives/2005/2005ng_cane.pdf
Coolum [ Steam &Diesel ] Lynn Zelmer Album (#1 Photographs)
https://www.zelmeroz.com/albumquery/coolum.htm
The Making & Remaking of a Cane Countryside by Michael Woods
https://www.global-rural.org/story_map/sugar-in-nambour-aus/
The Mapleton Tramway (1)- Index (34) Chapters
http://www.starfieldobservatory.com/MapletonTramway/Index.htm
The Mapleton Tramway (2)
https://railshop.com.au/the-mapleton-tramway-john-knowles-book
Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage Tramway
https://www.buderim.com/tramway
Nambour Cane Train ( Thanks to Railpage )
https://www.railpage.com.au/f-p487093.htm
[ Sunshine Coast Cane Trams (Films) ]
1950's-60's Showcase of Steam Cane Locos
1964 Harvest (Panorama)
1999 Iconic Nambour Sugar Tram
2003 Sugar Trams Final Year
Last Crush at the Moreton Sugar Mill
Back to the Future
Model Cane Tramway revisits Moreton Mill
=========================================================
*Coolum Ranch Model Wave Train
https://surfheatercom.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/slateners.png?w=740
SA/Consolidated Properties CEO is onboard the Coolum W.hite S.tar L.ine
https://www.consolidatedproperties.com.au/people/don-ororke/
*Kelly plans to Wave Train his cane from farm to plate to win approval.
https://cdn-s3.si.com/images/20180719_Bethany_00002.JPG
Very little restriction on Cane harvest yield nor Wave Cane Train design!
Kelly the Wave Train very much resembles old Coolum Surf Tram Lorry!
Here Coolum's Surf Tram 'Lorry' models Sunny's original Wave Pool Tram
https://www.zelmeroz.com/album_rail/qld/cm/cm_cp09.jpg
After a lick of yellow paint Wave Train 'Kelly' could be Lorry's twin brother. https://media.wired.com/photos/5b8f206c31da9d2dd4094f90/master/w_2400,h_...
https://www.zelmeroz.com/album_rail/qld/cm/cm_nam2.jpg
https://www.zelmeroz.com/album_rail/qld/cm/cm_cp11.jpg
Farmer Kelly's cane cutters restore Olympic size Eco Village heritage cane canals.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YLOAG1-D0hA/maxresdefault.jpg
Wave Train could retro rock an old school travelling band Surf Tram Rave.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moreton_Central_Sugar_Mill_Cane_Tramway#/m...
Council can't object to Sunny Surfies' Cane Sect Compound
Shop in authentic Gympie Style Olympic Shooting Range...
No need to rezone or visit.
[KEEP OUT/NO PHOTOS] by order of goat+willy wonka+wsl+oprah+new guy!
If we have any concern about the future of our natural environment how can we as surfers endorse something so unnecessary as a wave pool?
The resources consumed in building, financing and running such an operation seemingly could be directed to an endeavour that has a tangible positive benefit to environment and community.
Surfers ought to be advocates for the natural environment. The coastline still hold immense value even withstanding flat spells. Fostering an appreciation of and responsibility for these enviros within our communities is a rational priority. Advocating for a wave pool that wastes large amounts of water, with exclusive access has very questionable merits.
As surfers let’s act with some dignity and conscience.
As a note:
PJ has written an overtly biased piece detailing the narrative of Starky. A piece titled ‘notes from a community meeting...’ would reasonably present a range of voices from different stakeholders.
In publishing this article Swellnet is complicit in endorsing the agenda of those advocating for the wave pool. If this is not self evident the staff at Swellnet are delusional.
This article ought to be removed.
Nick Carroll is doing the same thing elsewhere, puff pieces verging on blatant propaganda.
Damn! Busted after all these years - me and NC, propagandising puppets of Big Surf. The cat is out of the bag. Pass it on to all your ethics professors, masters of journalism and environmental sciences, bachelors of bathymetry, world experts in cutting and pasting meaningless links to unrelated trivia, and other genii inhabiting this long and incredibly boring thread. Conceded defeat, going looking for a wave. Not in a pool. Enjoy your Sunday.
Brush it aside if you want Phil, cover it with lightheartedness but your approach and that of NC are self-evident.
I realise that you don't want to become persona non grata in the future but you (and Nick) could at least put some sort of right of reply out there.
"the main things the local surf community representatives wanted to know was how much was it going to cost per wave and could they have a few free ones"
Judging by comments in this "long and incredibly boring thread", the local surf community has a heap of other concerns.
Long and boring thread? You're all heart Phil.
Hope you get a few nice sets.
....yeh .on the head!!
And... you just lost me PJ.
Plenty of valid questions on here, plenty of depth to plumb.
You come back with that? You could have said ‘good point, I’ll follow up on a couple of these with my mate starky’
Nope. Snark and sarcasm. Enjoy your surf.
"Plenty of valid questions on here, plenty of depth to plumb. You could have said ‘good point, I’ll follow up on a couple of these with my mate starky’"
Well said.
These questions would have been asked by the developers of themselves, they are relevant and it is unlikely they have not been asked before.
The hard one's are yet to come so it will be interesting to see whether we get data supported facts, or more insults. Winning hearts and minds to the wave pool cause, not likely. People should take note of the comments made by the author regarding the feedback in this thread, this will be the underlying attitude of all the players towards the community round this project, "how dare you question us or our motives, we are doing you a favour, so suck it up".
You would expect, given the questions raised in the comments here, a "rebuttal" of sorts detailing the environmental, social and financial costs to the community/taxpayers.
I have read a great deal of PJ’s work and can be forthright is saying that I have found it entertaining. Beyond that it would be a stretch to call it either thought provoking, balanced or insightful.
This article is a pathetic example of upholding and kind of journalistic standard or integrity.
The recent article published on Josie Prendergast in the Surfers Journal 28.5 is another example of Jarratt’s questionable reporting. I couldn’t think of a more irrelevant voice to tell the story of a 20 y.o female surfer forging an alternative path in the modern surf industry. The article was written with a patronising, self referential tone that did the subject very little justice.
Phil Jarratt seemingly can not represent understand or offer a representation of surfing outside the industry or competitive model.
Well done Blowin on calling a spade a spade.
Is this sponsored content? If so, should it be disclosed as such?
And what if it's not sponsored content?
(big hint: it's not).
If it’s not sponsored then I don’t understand the purpose of the article sorry.
Seems to me that this article has been a pretty good way to kick start some open discussion around the proposed Sunny Coast wave pool.
Hmmm...
Generally a big fan of PJ's writing but rather than filtering and addressing many peoples genuine concerns, resorting to sarcasm aint doing anyone any favours.
Phil told us what Mr Stark had told the meeting, and that is sweet FA.
Why shoot the messenger.
No shots inna, he wrote the article, questions were asked and remain unanswered that's all.
tbb Salutes swellnet crew, for the most open & progressive wave pool thread...Cheers!
Pool Wave of the Day... xx~//x\\"===========/(C`..[$500 )+++++"//x\\~xx [ #!@K OFF]
Much more importantly Phil, are you able to spill the beans in some sort of detail re: any special 'perks' on offer as editor of Playboy back in the day?
Asking for a GaryG.........
Here's Nick Carroll's take on the proposed Coolum wavepool.
"A year of networking with various government layers, development partners and investors has laid the foundation for the Kelly Slater Wave Company’s first project outside the USA.
The WSL has secured a site just off the Sunshine Coast Motorway near Coolum, Qld, and plans to build a tuned up version of the KSWC tech along with training facilities and accommodation.
It represents a coup for former Surfing Australia CEO and current WSL Oceania head Andrew Stark, who’s been working the phones on it since he joined the WSL this time last year. “It’s why I was asked to do this job,” Stark told CW.
According to Stark, the Coolum pool’s business model will be multi-use: high performance training, events, buy-out days, and some general participation as well.
The site — close to major population centres, and in an area with year-round warmth and an established surf culture — lends itself to more day-to-day public involvement than Lemoore’s been able to manage so far. Along with Brisbane and the whole Sunny Coast on its doorstep, the nearby airport means it’s an easy flight from Sydney.
As for how the wave itself will look: “Lemoore was a prototype, a very successful one, but there’s been a lot learned from it, a lot is still being learned from it, and all that and more will go into this one,” says Stark. “It’ll be an improvement because we’re always looking to improve.”
The project now has to pass through a range of planning approvals from local and state governments before proceeding, but Stark says the KSWC is “in a position to commence fairly soon after that”. If all goes smoothly, he expects to see waves being pulled in the pool in early 2022.
Meanwhile the WSL will spend some time consulting with the Sunshine Coast community, Stark says, to “let everybody know what we’re thinking and to make sure the support is there”.
“Though I’ve had a lot of messages from surfers in that area,” he adds, “and they’re frothing.”
Anyone else see any similarities to Phil's "report"?
How about, they're both puff pieces doing their best to lead the reader with their almost-aggressive levels of one-sided positivity?
Consolidated Properties / W.hite S.tar L.ine / Surfing Australia / Fed Lib / Olympic CEO Mayor + SLSQ / Noosa Festival of Surfing / World Surfaris / Qld+ Sunny Tourism etc..etc..are all pretty much the same company.. (See tbb above)
All been networking Noosa long before this scam....(Why have consultation?) Mayor runs Oz print & Fed Ted runs China News & Noosa News,TV, Uni, Radio & every photo copier in town.
Leather bound ivory handled Rubber stamp kits are dusted off & ready to rock'n'roll. You see no matter how hard these surf icons try they can't break free from the evil clutches...it's sadly only by a matter of degrees.
Ask! Is AndyM really gonna feed his swellnet notes to his boss at The GC Bully? tbb is not asking for AndyM to transcribe GCB Coolum wavepool articles...tbb is not even gonna ask if they be different, just to acknowledge it's the same for all Surf Champ media players on such a big ticket item.
Be thankful Phil has open communication to swellnet... as he might be biding his time to crack the case. Look around & see the secrecy of both supposedly public UK/Oz Wavegardens. All here know tbb tries often to find out price or even if bodysurfers are banned as is nearly always the case...asking Anyone?
Again tbb asked this question at time of Ben's Noosa Festival...Yes Ben plays a lead role as contest director / Camera man / Webcaster / Forecaster/ Reporter / Commentator / presenter. We Qldurrz thank Ben for a better than smashing job! These very same creeps locked swellnet out..no links no nuthin'. As said Ben does all the work & is very much kept on the outta.
The minute WSL walked into town the webcam went on the blink & the whole show fell to bits Contest venue changed daily & Kidz WSL Booze Bus did a Pub Crawl as WSL Contest venue packed up & left town.
They say you're as good as yer last Gig...well our guys here are real with real names walking tight ropes with no nets with mates each side that cheer or boo.
Ok fair point! tbb is making himself sick now...knee deep in his own syrup.
Being honest! tbb stands by AndyM defending thread comments rough as they are.
Phil is more than capable of remastering his own workmanship. This is 100% Phil's work as swellnet was running a fine Wave pool blog as it were. As it stands tbb is learning alot and enjoys the crews comments & thankful for swellnet to afford Phil's local contribution...Mindful to consider local town Pros are trying hard to avoid the distraction for actual Olympic Qualification.
Pro circus ringmaster is a hard act to follow...crew reckon GaryG would be up for that.
By the sounds of most of these comments, i'd hardly say surfers are frothing. I think foaming would be more apt.
In this day and age, the whole concept deserves far greater scrutiny, for a variety of reasons.
A lot of energetic and passionate older qld surfers on this discussion. As an alternative to the arguably first world issue of wave pools, how can we get you lot to come together for a good cause next time we do a fundraising surfaidcup in qld?
In reply to Ben, and in case it gets lost further up this thread -
Ben it's crystal clear that the "facts" aren't being reported, and articles at the moment written by the usual suspects are treading very, very lightly.
You don't need Andrew Stark to announce at a meeting that there may be members of the public who have reservations about wave pools, to suggest that is a total red herring.
There's definitely much more to come on this topic, but the point is, who'll be writing up something resembling fair coverage?
Again, at the moment we're not looking at journalism, or reportage, we're looking at puff pieces.
To balance it a bit, I'd like to say a massive thank you to Phil for his writeup of the Stubbies (77?) that I have a copy of in my 'Best of Tracks' from 1995. The magazine is now in 2 pieces, and is being held in my version of the Vatican's rare book reading room...
When I read it ("A week in the presence of the Lord" - that Lord being Lord Tallyho Blears) I'd never come across Hunter S Thompson or Gonzo, but I loved the author's attempt to report what was going on while clinging onto his sanity - hilarious! There's great pics of both MP and TF slotted, MP walks off with the prize as everything seems to collapse around the author. I guess it had commercialism and showmanship and spectacle (take that John Steinbeck; repeated use of "and"), although nothing quite so permanent as a wave pool. Bet MP would have won if it was a wave pool too.
So thank you for that one Phil.
Edit: the article I'd love to see - Phil as Marlow slowly going insane as he navigates up the Maroochy looking for the mad Mr Kurtz - who is played by Starky
Stark playing Kurtz - perfect casting :)
This article made me cringe and felt like a dodgey character reference for phils mate "Starky". Im cant help feel excited about havin a wavepool up the road but lets understand the project in detail and how it might benefit the sunny coast community first before we all get too excited over a few slices of pepperoni. If done well (and in a suitable location) it can be a huge asset to the locals and the economy, but articles like this make me nervous. Would love to see full transparency on this project articulated and the community can decide.
Peace
I watched last year’s Stab high a few days ago and thought it was new and interesting.
Then yesterday Youtube had this year’s Stab high as a recommendation. I lasted about 5 minutes and actually double checked I wasn’t rewatching the same event as the year before.
That’s some repetitive, boring shit. This has been said many times , but the defining virtue of the pool - its ability to reproduce the same wave endlessly-is also the very thing which makes it unbearable as entertainment.
Another irony of the pools being that the only crew who will be able to enjoy them at their current pricing are the type of corpo shills who push the things.
Good point on the repetitiveness, without the inherent unpredictability of ocean waves we end up with a snore fest.
Just interested, what happened between the WSL and ISA concerning the Olympics, did the WSL buy it? Someone correct me if I'm not up-to-date, but Japan surfing is not in a hot tub? Again, isn't Japan is super fickle, that's why the ASP dropped it in the first place? If so, doesn't that speak volumes on how seriously they are taking surfing as a long-term Olympic event (i.e. minimal investment). I suspect the pro-surfing bubble will burst as it just doesn't seem sustainable, Olympics or not. If I were ISA I'd be selling the Olympic rights ASAP for as much as I could before I couldn't give it away...
Terminal raises a good point .
22nd Oct 2015 Olympics reject Tokyo Wave Pool
14th June 2019 Olympics reject France Wave Pool
https://www.swellnet.com/comment/628238
Olympic Swimming Final = $1,480 / Post Olympic Pool entry = $5/day
Olympic Surfing Final = $40 / Post Olympic Wave Pool Entry = $5000/day
2032 Olympic GC Surfing bid (Premier +WSL Pro+SLSQ+SC/GC all Mayors)
2032 Olympic SC Wavepool bid ( Consolidated Properties )...Olympics say Non Event!
Meanwhile Sanad Sunshine Coast Wave Park
2017 Earthworks +Stage 1 approved by Govt +SA +WSL+Tourism Qld + J.W was in!
https://www.swellnet.com/comment/600315
Crew await SA + WSL to come good on their other approved Sunny wave pool ?
tbb's SC wave Pool timeline never upturned any back down nor ongoing support.
On behalf of Qldurrz tbb asks SA+WSL to apologize for deceiving Sunny Surfers.
For how many times?
"According to Stark, the Coolum pool’s business model will be multi-use: high performance training, events, buy-out days, and some general participation as well."
Geez doesn't sound very inclusive, or open to the local community. I hope this doesn't go ahead. The KS wave pool is not going to be financially viable for the general population to use anyway. Perhaps I'm getting a little cynical in my middle age but I can't see it providing a net benefit to the wider community. Its probably going to be the centrepiece of a new partially tax-payer funded Master Plan Gated Community of 500 luxury residences. In addition, non-resident pros can fly in for some quick tuning, local private school kids getting mummy and daddy (neither of whom surf, but thought, why not enrol my kid because its just the coolest thing to spoil them with right now!!) to fork out $50,000 per person season passes at the... Amazing KS Wave Pool!! Fantastic!
Haha yes you are getting cynical in your old age. Just because something isn't open to all socioeconomic groups within a community doesn't mean it shouldn't go ahead. The reference to private school kids also just sounds like sour grapes.
Most new and technologically advanced things are only available to those with a bit of money at the start but eventually the costs decrease as the technology becomes cheaper to develop.
Its like the people who complain about Ferrari's being able to feed an African village for a year etc. without realising that most of the technologies on their Hyundai were first developed on some high end luxury car. Without wealthy people willing to fork out for expensive things then then the technologies just dont get developed. Its pretty straightforward capitalism actually.
You should be thanking the people willing to fork out $50k a day to use this thing because without them it wouldn't be developed in the first place. Give it 10 more years and it will be affordable for a much wider section of the community.
u hit the nail on the head capitalism !! most surfers I know me included are very anti capitalism that is why we surf to escape the bullshit of every day life running around working like a dog to make ends meet every surf is a brief escape from all of that, I think that is why a lot of people are very turned off with the wsl and there new capatilist business model wavepools included! so if the average joe can not afford to surf these man made waves and the wsl is bringing thousands of new surfers each week into our oceans what are the positives again? you can have your wavepools and corporate surfing I will be just walking further down the beach to get a bank to myself
Geez you trawled through some old comments to respond to this!
So if you're anti-capitalism what are you then? Pro-communism? Well under that regime make sure that you've lodged your form for approval with the government before you go for a surf.
Please elaborate on your claim that these pools are "bringing thousands of new surfers into our oceans each week". Besides being wildly inaccurate, its the tired old attitude that because I surf no-one else should start surfing because it could impact MY experience.
Spare me the grumpy old man rhetoric because if someone said to you that you could have an hour of waves at one of these pools with a just a few mates for a cheap price, dont pretend like you wouldn't take up the offer.
Share the stoke, encourage kids to surf and stop acting like you're somehow special because "you work like a dog".
I said the wsl are bringing thousands of new surfers not wave pools and that is the main point you simply will not get this pool with just you and a few mates at a cheap price there business model is for corporates and day outs etc it will cost big big bucks to surf there the average punter simply wont get a look in unless very lucky ! The capatilism thing is a different debate but my point was I dont enjoy surfing being abused and flogged and over consumed like every other part of our society today ! And trust me I do more work and surfing with groms than many people I know and they are not happy about crowds either
Did you even read my first post that you responded to?
Yes its expensive now but thats the case with most things and you need rich people to pay for these expensive things so that they eventually get cheaper for the rest of us. Give it 10 years and you might be able to have an affordable experience at a wave pool. However, without the initial expensive corporate model they wouldn't exist in the first place.
As for your ongoing complaints about crowds, eat a bag of concrete and harden up. Who doesn't want to live near the beach and go surfing so who are you to tell people they cant because you want the ocean all to yourself? Complaining isn't going to change anything and its only going to make you more bitter.
Move on and enjoy that waves that you do manage to get, because there is going to be more and more people in the surf each year and there is nothing that you can do about it.
Re: taxpayer funding for wave-pools in the area. There's probably only one bite at the cherry.
ie, if the Kelly pool gets funded it's unlikely any other pool would be funded in the area because funding would not be forthcoming to a competitor because it would harm a pre-existing business.
Bristol wave garden is apparently firing up well enough to book extra pre open dates..
Crystal clear oasis of 900 x 4-6ft waves peeling up to 85mtrs each & every hour.
Bristol opens on Nov 4th + Melbourne by Xmas & Pollies love resort brew barons.
tbb reckons Sunny got lumped with Florida style Goat's Hall of Fame Pro academy.
Think Nick Kyrgios Tennis Ranch Resorts but for surfboard punching superhero bratz.
Work for the dole kidz clear debris from Pro's basin. (Ready, Pull, Fire!) Smash! Again!
Kelly's sect needs the dinosaur compound rubber stamped before the end of the era.
Hungry Wave Pool Ranch Bears may be back in the lineup fending for themselves.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcSaaW3zx3namYcsI6...
There’s an Elephant in the room i.e. the 1500 houses included in the plans on this rural zoned land! To me it looks like the Surf Ranch is the sweetener to garner support for another massive, inappropriate residential development! Its a template developers used just a few blocks away to rope in support for another very inappropriate development at Yaroomba. This one was all about a 5 star beachfront resort and not a mention of the sardine city included in the plans. Oh, and same amount of jobs...10,000 cough cough!!
Sunjewel is right...less about wave pool! (see: Catalyst for floodplain development.)
The whiteshoes up the Star rating until urban sprawl is littered > flybynite next town.
Bummer about hitch with Wave Train & Fruit bats, such a shame! Blame the Greenies!
Council wiped their hands & buck passed proposal to State Govt for an override...
Sleeping dogs lie until the club's concierge nods then slips envelope...However!
Pause!
Reminding of what Phil wrote about how Starky works the room & gets shit done...
8th October 2019 Sunshine Coast Future Tourism Conference @ Twin waters.
Apparently the most colourful larger than life animated figure...you guessed it!
None other than 'Surf Ranch Boss' Andrew Stark...unveiled his Wallyworld proposal...
RE: 9th Oct 2019 Sunshine Coast Daily Newspaper...(Any crew have more detail?)
tbb saw enough to be fooled into thinking this project has the masons handshake.
Council bans Surf Spot & now Beach Bum moonlights as CEO of Sunny Coast?
A-List shebang was planned in advance, so how does a beach bum hog the gig? WTF.
Whatever shit they're selling...can't be legal...Sunjewel is right to call out the scam!
Rogue's Wave of the Day ~~~^~~~?~~~~/(C`..[white )..[boards)
Another proposal along the same lines ….
https://www.surfer.com/features/new-wave-pool-squamish-canada/
3/Oct /2019 Noosa Today ~~ [ Life Of Brine ) by Phil Jarratt.
Page 18 ~~ (Here comes the Sustainable Wave.) re: The Coolum Ranch!
Quote:
"But if anyone can.......!"
tbb will let the crew guess as to which"can-do man"our Phil is referring to...no spoiler!
https://issuu.com/starnewsgroup/docs/2019-10-03_nty_663
As a fanatical surfer for over 50 years, I find it difficult to relate to wave pool surfing especially when considering the connection to the ocean, the unspoilt beaches, the adventures. the lack of crowds, the lifestyle, the free spirit, the progress with surfing equipment and the lifelong friends made, from a surfing culture and lifestyle that will never be repeated.
Coolum wave pool proposal will be a tough battle for those that oppose it.
I believe the proposed site is flawed in many ways and may assist the opponents in defeating this grand plan.
Site:- flood prone, motorway inadequate to handle development as proposed.
Proposal, 5-6 star resort:- cost to stay ,prohibitive, location questionable - attraction wave pool, costs prohibitive ( not enough waves per hour).This will be elitist and incredibly expensive for the Locals to get through the turnstiles.
Proposal, 3-4 star accommodation:- more reasonably priced, but the wave pool cost prohibitive.
Eco accommodation :- wtf, surrounded by all the above, I don't think so, more like Lunar Park
AND a residential subdivision of 1500 dwellings together with roads and open space would utilise in the order of 400 acres (165 hectares approx.) of the site, a flood prone site at that.N.B. The flood prone areas surrounding Noosa River, Noosaville, Tewantin and other low lying areas have been included on a Noosa Council map and owners of these properties are having difficulty getting insurance.
THE BIG problem with this proposal is :- The State Government will override SC Council if they refuse the proposal, on the grounds of Tourist Benefits, jobs, prestige, the sway of the big hitters and the sales pitch of the association with training facilities and Olympics.What a wank.
So local surfers, don't dream to big, besides you still have the ocean at your front door with dolphins, whales and great beaches with a variety of waves.
So much more to cover but read between the lines and look at the big picture.
Finally, beware of the spokesperson and the messenger.
Some more information on the "$1.1 billion surf stadium and resort", courtesy of the SMH:
"It includes a six-star eco resort, another 200 rooms of accommodation, restaurants, bars, a retail village and an environmental education centre based on the site's wetlands and nearby waterways.
Mr Stark said the 20,000-spectator stadium would cater to recreational surfers and aim to draw major competitions and events, including world qualifiers.
“The surfing community is ecstatic and excited. People go to these facilities and it’s quite a mind-blowing experience."
https://www.smh.com.au/national/kelly-slater-in-1b-bid-to-bring-surf-sta...
I got to wonder how a 20000 -spectator stadium 'caters' to recreational surfers.
I guess the "stadium" of 20,000, is used to contain the queue of surfers waiting patiently their turn to ride the wave they purchased
Qldurrz appreciate the scoop Ben.
Reports of 700m- 1km long skid pan may just smash the 10ft glassy ceiling?
No whiteshoe's ever spared room for a twister mat so 20,000 is not on private land.
Ranch is not giving up any public open space! Quite the opposite! WSL are stealing it!
World Surf Sect Compound shares a gazetted # 1 Regional hike 'n' bike pony trail.
Scaffold out the Pony Trail > WSL pit crews one end CEO TV Studio the other end.
The pristine WSL Land Bank stays 100% gated..."Sorry! No pony rides today Girls!"
Could well be that the Wave Train is likely to spook the horses and then what?
tbb reckons Sunny won't give up a mountain to sea horse trail for CEO's Wave Train.
Didn't take long for big bad Starky's Whiteshoes to start stealing from the little girlz ...
[Welcome to Qld]
Kids roaming free one day....CEO's waving $1,000 train tickets the next.
1billion dollars to develop this proposal on one of the worst sites (for this purpose ) on the Sunshine Coast. I'm calling B/S on this one and believe no financiers will touch this.
Unless Slaters pool can pump out the equivalent waves per hour as Urbansurf's pool can, the financial viability would be questionable (of course unless the Govt's and Surfing Australia's subsidies for Olympic glory and the very interesting connections between the WSL and SA. utilise this thing at great expense to the tax payers.
Starky, I'd love to the business model on this one, to see a return on investment before the human race becomes extinct,( the climate protestors are espousing sooner rather than later),I'm guessing this will never make money.
This is my guesstimate of costs:-
5-6 star 200x 1 room apartments including restrts,shops etc............175-200mill
4 star accommodation...............50 mill.
Wavepool and grand stand...............125mill
Training facilities conference rooms, service areas etc, etc...............30mill.
Infrastructure charges etc....................25mill.
Roadways, landscaping, eco trails, food supply gardens etc................15mill.
1500 lot subdivision,incl.roads drainage, open space, etc.....................300mill
Permits, designs,Engineers and other professionals and freeloaders................25mill.
Australia's incredibly high variation claims..........................50mill
My wage to replace Starky's miserly $200,000/annum wage............2mill.
This estimate is subject to change for, bad weather, soil type subject to soil test (this will add millions), good weather and favourable surf, time delays dealing with Bureacrasies, protestors and the mud,peat, silt and site access.
good luck!
[ATTENTION] tbb salutes crew for flagging corruption.
Crew see tbb is debugging all Wave Pool Resorts
tbb is not targeting wrongdoing on this project.
Was in fact reviewing Casuarina HPC.
Readers will all draw the same conclusion (B&W)
[ SUNSHINE COAST SITE SCAM IS EXPOSED]
AIP Australian Institute for Progress (Paper)
"Donations to Qld Political Parties 2016/2017 &
Ban on Developer contributions" by Graham Young
Page 38 (Political Donations)
https://aip.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Donations_Queensland_Polit...
Sept 18th 2017 - Labor accepts $16,000 from Consolidated P'
Oct 4th 2017 - Labor Bans Developer Donations
Oct 4th 2017 - Labor accepts $33,500 from Consolidated P'
Consolidated P' > Labor $57,400 + LNP $46.650 for (SC CEO deal)
Same page reveals what theses bribes were for-(Have a Guess?)
"The company holds land west of Coolum which was the subject of a letter to the State Govt from Sunshine Coast Council CEO Michael Whittaker which asked for it to be investigated for potential inclusion with the SEQ Regional Urban Footprint, a position at odds with the Council's own planning documents."
Once again the local media skip over this actual game changing News!
SA Honorary Life Member bribed Govt to secure WavePool site.
Same Consolidated Properties scored $8m+ for HPC casuarina.
D. O'Rorke is Property Council boss / Reserve Bank SB advisor.
SA Guru O'Rorke must be stripped of his SA life membership!
Qldurrz claim 60% ($11b) Oz Flood Relief -WSL jump the queue.
SA + WSL + Govts are trashing Surfing.(Crew have had enough!)
It's Whiteshoestomp'n'time.
Whiteshoe Brigade...better fire up yer Dirigible.
We got Tracy phone-polling Dutto for your deportation.
Top shelf White Shoe Line inquiry.
'Steam shovelling Oz Wave Pool Resorts'
(Each Resort Report comes rubber stamped 'n' sealed in brown paperbags)
https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/news/local-news/article7336833.ece/ALTER...
(Resort 1) NT.
This first wave pool resort is hands down the best wave pool value on earth!
2008-2020 Darwin Waterfront Corporation $1.1b Wave Lagoon precinct.
1,300 units +2 x 120 room resorts + Marina + 4,020m2 offices /1,4458m2 mixed.
Conventions-100,000/yr + CST 40,000 yr + Wavepool-130,000yr + Bus 40,000yr
Cinema + Large swim Lagoon + Driverless Shuttle(Trial) + WWII tunnels
Surfing break-thrus...
Wave Pool -'Murphy Waves' #1 Wave Pool in Southern Hemisphere.(*Open to public)
https://www.topendshortstays.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/IOB066834...
Surfing Australia: (A.Stark) > Grom surf Schools (see also Dreamworld'+ Syd w'n'w).
https://www.surfparkcentral.com/the-art-of-the-saltless-surf-school-less...
Wave Lagoon-1st outdoor Boogerz (re: micro groms booger various indoor waves)
https://inspiringtravellers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_1194-750-...
SLSA Wave Patrol + Nipper Events (During Stinger season)
https://beachsafe.org.au/beach/nt/darwin/darwin/darwin-wave-lagoon
International: Surfing guests from on-site cruise ships + conventions
Cheap Waves; Annual Pass-$50/$20 seniors (1c buys 3 > 2ft rides over 40metres).
https://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/darwin-waterfront-precinct/water-recrea...
Darwin wave pool is 2hrs free [P] vs Surfers Paradise Beach + others now $4/hr [P]
Footnote: Qld Cities- Cairns / Townsville / Yeppoon all want similar- price $7m approx.
https://www.qt.com.au/news/coast-in-for-wave-of-fun/2715311/
Top shelf White Shoe Line inquiry...
"Steam Shovelling Oz Wave Pool Resorts"
(Resort 2) QLD
Background:
1969 Big Surf push for $2m Wave Pool in future Gold Coast Theme Park strip.
1984 Oxenford Cades County 1st Oz Wave Pool (HRD 2,000 residential Water Theme Park)
35H Golf, Alpine Lodge + Chairlift, Horse Riding various entertainment.
1984 HRD > PRD >1985 Ariadne > 1988 > Village Roadshow > Movie World (re: VR - Resort 3)
35th Anniversary...
GCB Sept/2019 : "Of course 'none' of these came to be!"...(Most ridiculous reporting ever!)
Studio Village was branded for cramming in endless rows & blocks of 2 bed houses
#1 Top Golf scores $90 /hr ...that's more than real Golf and best wavepools
Grass Ski Oz Titles were held at onsite Grass Ski Lodge using Day/Night Ski Lift
Outback Spectacular #1 Horse stunt show in Oz. $100-$260 a seat + Farm Stay Glamping
2006 Dreamworld Huey's Cave Of Waves (2007-a/h Softboard + bodyboard lessons)
2006 Dreamworld Flowrider 2011 held Billabong Asian Flow 1st 'Surfing Comp' in Oz wave pool
https://picsaipan.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/asianflowseries_poster-150...
https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/asian-flow-tour-comes-to-dreamworld/
2011 Billabong Flow woke up Gold Coast Surfing to game changer...Use any excuse! (FEAR)
2012 Gold Coast 'Surfing Task Force' insist wavepools can fight off surf rage! (reads: Flow Rage!).
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/wave-pools-are-all-the-ra...
2012 SA-World's 1st Batch of Wave Pool Groms Learn to surf Huey's Cave Of Waves.
https://www.coastalwatch.com/surfing/11133/vegemite-surfgroms-makes-a-sp...
2012 Kelly Slater signs MOU with GC developers LM
Pimpama Gold Coast $1b Maddison over 55's estate (@ [M1] Go Carting World)
Population- 4,500 (Dwellings 2,500 + Shopping Centre)
Parkland- 37ha landscaped by #1 celeb gardener Jamie Durie.
Sports Venues- Olympic Pool -Sam Riley / Comm Games Volleyball -Natalie Cook
http://indosurflife.com/2012/08/kelly-slater-wave-pool/
Olympic Wave Pool- G.Webber (World's first Continuous loop)
(Kelly: Wave Pool will reduce the gap between Surfing & Olympics)
https://www.businessnewsaus.com.au/articles/swelling-support-for-kelly-s...
Training- B.Durbidge:'Reliable pool waves are perfect for training world competitors.'
https://www.tracksmag.com.au/news/kelly-slater-wave-park-announced-for-g...
*Goldie Surf Champ Stamp
*Govt Assist- State Significant Project to Fast Track approvals.
https://propertyinabox.com.au/images/event/newsletters/2013/april/april1...
What went wrong...re: swellnet Stu & crew get hands dirty in undercover report
https://www.swellnet.com/news/surfpolitik/2013/03/20/kelly-slater-dealt-...
Aug 2015 Sneaky Peaks Flow House $4.2m (Bar/Entertainment & Retail)
Surfstitch considered sponsoring!
https://www.couriermail.com.au/business/gold-coast-trio-raising-funds-to...
April 2017 Breakwater CST Resort @ The Spit
Most CST proposals trashed surfers, Breakwater offered up designer surf breaks.
The northern end of The Spit was to be totally redesigned but to appease surfers! Huh?
Stadium like Spectator Arenas for High Performance Surfing.
Coastline redesigned to replicate Margs & Angourie. re: [Photo] > (Tues April 18, 2017)
http://bobjanssen1.blogspot.com/
Note: tbb met Bob a few times, not a surfie! (Crew can see a Surf rep planned this!)
May 2017 Surf Lakes then drop their Wave Pool in exact same site & copped flack!
The Spit was under attack from 4 Casino Resorts + Mayor's CST + Surf makeovers..
Nov 2017 Tunnel Vision (Loop Linear) Wavepool at Stapylton Gold Coast
https://www.swellnet.com/news/swellnet-dispatch/2017/11/30/webber-wave-p...
May 2018 Swap for [M1] Logan River Tourism precinct
https://www.swellnet.com/news/swellnet-dispatch/2018/05/25/webber-wave-p...
https://www.swellnet.com/news/swellnet-dispatch/2018/05/09/greg-webber-p...
March 2019 New Motorway collides with site...
Oct 2018 WSL Wavepool [M1] Logan (Old Ingham Chicken Factory)
https://beachgrit.com/2018/10/hot-rumour-wsl-to-build-surf-ranch-next-to...
N.C. rumoured GC Theme Park / Airport sites.(WSL > GC Wavepool?)
Feb 2019 Surf Lakes propose 5 waves on Gold Coast
Top Shelf White Shoe Line inquiry.
'Steam shovelling Oz Wave Pool Resorts'
(Resort 3) Qld
Background:(Caloundra Rd north opposite Corbould Park Racecourse).
2004 Adventura 12H Water Park $90m Retail/Recreational Holiday Village
(Natural Style Wave Lagoon) with W'n'W styled water park development
Warner Village announced they would build a 2nd W'n'W on Sunshine Coast.
2005 / 2007 / 2009 Timelines came & went. https://www.parkz.com.au/article/2007/04/30/115-90_million_water_park_de...
2014 swellnet report of Webber's Gold Coast wave pool on Sunshine Coast.
G. Webber signs MOU with GC developer Surfing David Baird for Water Play
Water Play >White Water West -Surfing Wave Pools (Sunway / Wadi )
https://www.swellnet.com/news/surfpolitik/2014/02/16/queensland-get-firs...
$40m development -Holiday Village +120 room hotel + waterslides +Canoeing
$13m next gen (loop linear) wavepool
Surfing Australia A.Stark (Letter)"Proposal offers amazing participation opportunities.
And a high performance training environment for surfers."
ASP new look WSL look to include Wavepool on OZ leg of tour.
SC pro Coach R Sherwell: Wavepool would attract world's best.
Sunshine Coast Tourism supports proposal.
Sunshine Coast Council Fast Track designs
Reports of 2 Pools - W'n'W design + council approves Webber Design.
https://www.parkz.com.au/article/2014/07/29/339-Sunshine_Park_90_million...
2016 Locals fear Wave Pool hinders Noosa WSR bid preferring a W'n'W park.
2016 waterplay not paid sues parents - Sanad /Whitewater West (Wavepools)
https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/new-400m-water-park-in-suprem...
2017
Video does show Greg's linear loop wavepool + W'n'W pool
$400m ACTVENTURE Plans: Mega Water Theme Park + Wave Pools
Olympic Training Centre / Conference-Exhibition Centre / 4 Star hotel / Flying Dining
Recall surfie developer Baird > onsells shares > JW gets murky.
https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/court-loss-for-developers-of-planned-...
Project Flyover...
Earthworks approved
2018 clue onto Free Eco Glamping handouts by Qld Govt & reapply to ditch Hotel.
Nov/2018 Qld Tourism Minister is promoting ($450m World class wave pool resort)
Webber pool is feature - WSL/A.Stark/Coach/Pro back this & rival Kelly's SC pool?
http://www.actventure.com.au/
https://www.swellnet.com/comment/600315
Top Shelf White Shoe Line inquiry
Steam shovelling Oz Wave Pool Resorts
(Resort 4) NSW no wavepools but alternate Surf Club communities
TWEED (Cabarita)< Cotton Beach < Casuarina < Seaside City > Salt > (Kingscliff)
2002 Salt (Ray Group) Rays in plane crash 2005 {RIP}
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2005-07-12/community-mourns-property-develop...
$350m + 13H parks Developer to include Surf Life Saving Club (1st in 7 years nsw)
$75m 4star Outrigger Resort Hotel-213 units + 318 suites
Conference Rooms -400
280 resort units + 401 beach/creek side homes +202 townhouses
Supermarket + Health Club
Shark coast development sweated on SLSC.(see: Above event 2005)
2016 Locals self raised $717,000 over 10 yrs to build 1st stage of club..
2017 Feds-$1m + SLSA $305,000 +Tweed Council $200,000 > Complete
Salt SLSC remains private..only Kiosk & Toilets are accessible to public.
Club is seeking to hire-out rooms & open facilities soon.
Seaside City $100m -Village,Tourism accom, 2000 residents,recreation.
Cotton Beach $350m Resort based residential.
Casuarina $1.5b 183H Consolidated Properties
600 Houses,Apartments,Health Spas,Villas,3 Hotels,resort accom,Shopping Centre.
Developer contribution to provide SLSC, Library, Admin etc...
Developer (SA life member) Don O'Rorke built & lived in estate's 1st House.
https://architectureau.com/articles/casuarina-beach-house/
SA life member has recently been linked to bribes @ Coolum SA/WSL site
2012 Surfing Australia Hurley $4m High Performance Centre
Feds-$2m + $1.2m CP freehold Title
Accom-24,Gym,Auditorium,Education,Offices,Testing,Treatment Rooms.
SA- A.Stark: "HPC ensures Oz surfers continue to dominate on the world stage...
& be at the forefront of world Title contention".
2015 - $300,000 Skate Centre...No Comps at #1 regional indoor facility?
Booking locks out dates...seemingly not to engage public use.
2018 - $7m Upgrade Feds $2,536m + NSW Govt $3m + SA/ CP + Hutchinsons
Harvey Norman furnished the Rooms + SAE the Massive Solar - electrics
Accom -42, Underground [P],Gymnasium,Trampolines,Mess hall,Full Office suites,
100 seat Auditorium,5 Coaching / Treatment Rooms, Climbing walls.
$11m Oz home of surfing is weighed against Casuarina having no SLSC for 20 years.
Recent SLSA Lotteries in Casuarina may bring some progress for Town beach goers.
Repeating it is a requirement for the developer to instigate Casuarina SLSC.
Tweed Council gazette Casuarina as a dedicated safe beach.(Street name included)
https://www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/Documents/Recreation%20Services/Casual%20Pa...
SA Spokespersons make a habit of saying HPC is open to all..but how true is that?
Centre is boxed in down a dead end lane-way...more private than welcoming.
Also consider it's a 600-700m walk to the surf > Lessons often tour to Cabarita.
Cheapest things to do at HPC
Skate/Tramp (4:00-5:00) $30 ...but can't book.
Surf Lessons (Half Day 7:30-11:30) 1 surfer $360 or up to 4 surfers ($90 each)
Surf Video Lounge Min 10 guests x $60 head = $600
Accom $139 - 2 share (King bed suite)
HPC opened door to include o/n stays from Dec/18- best o/n value on Coast.
https://www.booking.com/hotel/au/surfing-australia-high-performance-cent...
If 4 book 3 days 3x4 hr sessions = $480 each vs HPC price $999 (incl Lunch/Gym)
Problem is the rooms are booked out by canny tourists passing thru & why not.
To be fair HPC does offer value to groups both clever & lucky enough to plan ahead.
Bonus: There is a part Public Pool nextdoor + a short walk to new Rip Curl store
https://movementhealthclubs.com.au/pools
tbb felt it important to reveal different Surf led communities run by same operators.
[INTERMISSION] (Explanation for exclusive Wavepool Resort Reports)
Ernst & Young: Given the uncertainty around wave pool visitation...
i.e. no market demand study has been undertaken to date for this particular product...
Should you feel tbb is not offering up enough unique wavepool statistics....
Ernst & Young peddle 10 pages of Surfcoast wavepool visitation as a snackbar treat.
Pages 83-94 are the main game but plenty more wavepool info aside.
https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/415952/Docum...
4 months on...both the wave pool & exhaustive Surf Stats were thrown in the bin.
tbb will dig up CORA's wave pool stats & do them proud in next Vic resort feature.
tbb bit off topic but surf on mars insta ...any idea what year aerial pic of Goldie might be ?
tbb had to first orbit insta then invade planet [f] to infiltrate GCCC bunker.
Kirra Surf Safari...got time for quick run around the point.
1966 Aerial of Classic Kirra Point line-up with the crew on board. https://digitalbank.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/vital/access/manager/Repository...
1972 Big Groyne
1975 Little Groyne
1981*Udo's Aerial of Little & Big Groynes Kirra [f] Have you seen the old Gold Coast
https://www.facebook.com/280745045301771/photos/a.617817368261202/107520...
1985 Sausage Groyne (Near Cooly Creek- Gromz picked away at it like Seagulls).
1996 (30m) was removed from both Groynes (Photos show cut back no build)
http://cdn.triggerbrothers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/kirra-sausa...
http://cdn.triggerbrothers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/featured-gr...
2013 (30m) was added to Big Groyne
2013 (Post Apocalyptic Desert Storm) Little Groyne mounts a fight back.
https://www.tweeddailynews.com.au/news/little-groyne-back-after-10-years...
Top Shelf White Shoe Line inquiry
Steam Shovelling Oz Wave Pool Resorts.
(Resort 5) W.A
Background showcases pimped out Wave Pool Grotto.
1999 Bayswater Waves,Perth WA Aquatic Recreation Complex (Post Theme Parks)
https://www.rockybay.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/bayswaterwaves-66...
https://atconsulting.com.au/project/bayswater-waves-aquatic-centre/
https://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/67215854_247638793242815...
Video centres on Oscillating centrifugal blowers (Prototype) for Waco + URBNSURF.
Wave Pool swell is enhanced by Lazy River waterfall which tides small waves ashore.
https://www.buggybuddys.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_6524.jpg
Adults & signs say to retreat from from 'Pool walls' as waves can whip with force.
1st Oz wave pool to allow Canoe Safety Course + (Refurbished) Re: Lifesaving Club
https://slalomwa.canoe.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/67/2014/10/IMG_23...
https://www.communitynews.com.au/eastern-reporter/news/bayswater-waves-r...
2008 Kalgoorlie Flow Rider - 'Goldfields Oasis'
https://thewest.com.au/news/kalgoorlie-miner/councillors-delay-decision-...
2013 Port Headland Aquatic centre installed World's 1st Latitube Wave Rider(*Coffs)
https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/staff-training-begins-at-south-hedlan...
2018 Aloha Surf House, Joondalup (Hybrid Flow Wave > Surfboards) + Climb Centre
https://www.surfparkcentral.com/aloha-surfhouse/
https://www.commercialaquatics.com.au/projects/aquatic-centres/aloha-sur...
https://www.communitynews.com.au/joondalup-times/news/aloha-surfhouse-in...
Mick Fanning softboards (House boards)
Aug 2018 Former PM Abbott at the Surf House.
https://www.communitynews.com.au/joondalup-times/news/former-pm-tony-abb...
March 2019 (Former) WSL Pro Taj Burrow Surfs the Flow Barrel
https://www.communitynews.com.au/joondalup-times/sport/joondalup-taj-bur...
June 2019 'Billabong' Aloha Grom Titles (World Surfing Day) 500 entries!
This being Oz 1st Fibreglass Surfboard Riding Comp in a Wave Pool (Non SA event)
https://www.facebook.com/events/1155345511320455/
"Wave Park Group" typifies new era of Wave Pool Whiteshoe Brigade.
Fly by Nite thru Swan, Armadale, Victoria Park, Cockburn, Fremantle, Canning, South Perth, Joondalup, Perth, Stirling...
Oct 2015 Subiaco Oval (WA Hall of Fame) $120m Surfing Village / Plaza / Market
8,000 Poll 77% Yes - 220 Dual view units + 52 Terrace Homes + Elevated Parkland.
Wave garden Blade Tech- NLand + Snowdonia.
https://www.facebook.com/9NewsPerth/videos/subi-surfsubiaco-oval-could-b...
Surfing WA Resonse...
https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/news/radical-plan-to-convert-per...
Taj Burrow Response...
April 2016 No Govt Support...
https://thewest.com.au/news/australia/wave-pool-firm-rues-subi-wipe-out-...
Ross(Mantra): Perth waves & Govt are shit / Locals + east coast want what we got.
Ross reckons he has an 'ideally suited' South of the river site..it just gets worse.
Aug 2016 Melville Bowling Club Site.
URBNSURF shareholder Council Officer recommended moving out the Bowls Club.
Directs URBNSURF to get cheap Riverfront rent...Sells shares x 5 Profit.
Ross reckons he never seen the bloke apart from booze sessions in those photos. wtf.
https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/complaints-made-to-ccc-over-alfred-c...
Strolls the Park with the Mayor ...Ross even denies existence of former Toxic Site.
It just got worse with Council rubbing out vital info on Site Notices...don't give up!
June 2018 State Govt said don't need an EPA... all the toxic waste disappeared?
https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/epa-decision-paves...
March 2019 Community convinced Govt... crown land stay openly accessible.
https://www.swellnet.com/news/swellnet-dispatch/2019/03/28/perth-wave-po...
https://www.squirepattonboggs.com/en/news/2018/07/court-finds-city-of-me...
The court ruled Council disregarded law in Wave Park Deal or Business as Usual.
Wave Pool corruption is destroying both Towns & Surfing's image & it's on the rise.
The very reason tbb is reviewing the damage...Say NO to Wave Pool Mobsters.
Top Shelf White Shoe Line inquiry
Steam shovelling Oz wave pool Resorts
(Resort 6) Vic.
Background: A sporting wave pool to rival WA Bayswater Waves (above)
1997 MSAC Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre (#1 in Southern Hemisphere)
$65m Pools,Gymnasium,Basketball,Badminton,Table Tennis,Volleyball,Squash.
State bodies meetings-Offices,aerobics,creche,sports medicine, retail
http://www.ptadesign.cn/m/news.aspx?language=2&typeid=101&id=66
Oz 1st Indoor Bodysurfing Wave Pool...big thanx to stunt bodybasher Will
https://ru-clip.net/video/hZEFnfI3PpQ/bodysurfing-msac.html
Stage 2-$60m Hydro Pool + Olympic Pool Stadium...
2008 World's 1st Moveable Olympic Pool Floor
https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/moveable-pool-floor-opens-at-msac/
2012 Flowrider in Stadium > 2013 Surfing Victoria-Team Up Bells '09 r/u Robbo.
https://ru-clip.net/video/jT3fZ2dnGVk/today-show-ch9-at-msac-flowrider.html
https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/media-and-resources/media-releases/team...
2015 Drumstick / Ripcurl Flowrider Comp (See also 2017 Gumbaya Flowrider)
https://ru-clip.net/video/tE3QBOnW8bc/oz-flow-comp-2015-msac-in-melbourn...
Casey Arc sees Micro Grom Basher Ryan (Aged 7) Wave Pool Style master!
https://berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au/news/2015-02-12/on-the-crest-of...
https://dynamic.activeactivities.com.au/files/listings/1/7/7/33177/image...
Plenty such indoor surfing in Micro wave pools in & around Victoria & Sydney
2001 $17m Monash Wave Pool Leisure Centre is Oz 1st for wavepool surfcraft
Vic Booger Groms likely 1st stand up wavepool surfers ('07 Dreamworld '08 Darwin)
https://www.monashaquaticrecreationcentre.com.au/About-us/Centre-History
2014 'Arup' Docklands Surf Beach Victoria Harbour (Pier,Park,Dock)
$8m (1.5m waves) break in filtered heated Salt/seawater
SA CEO: It would suit surfers of all abilities.Wave is dialled from learners to advanced.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-10/docklands-surf-beach-proposal-fir...
Nov 2017 CORA Cape Otway Road Australia $350m Wavepool Training Village
https://blog.plantminer.com.au/350m-mixed-use-development-announced-for-...
International Media Conglomeration...Multi Sports, Farm-Plate,Arts,brewery
5 star Resort -128 +22 Eco lodges +15 surf lake lodges +48 residences
WavePool is pictured as an upsized Wavegarden (Blade) URBNSURF / 'Pro Leisure'
Rip Curl / Quicksilver > R&D + Surfing Victoria training for WSL Bells etc..(Olympics)
Ernst & Young $22m Wave Pool ($7-8m/yr rental income & $300k loss)
Stand alone Wave Pool 70,000 surfers / yr > Complex visitors 175,000 yr
April 2018 Greens say locals need more info...(Lake Bird Life & fish kills etc...)
https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/surfcoasttimes/news/greens-to-look-closely...
May 2018 Wave pool was cut...last project update Oct 2019
https://cora.net.au/
Note: URBNSURF (3rd Wave Pool rejection!) + Sydney had water allocation concerns!
Only the Melbourne Airport site was surfing clear of the red tape.(re: Ross... below)
https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/415952/Docum...
2018 Funfields Volcano Beach Wave Pool (Mini-Wet'n'Wild) Body Boards in promo
1st Heated outdoor pool in Vic! (Not seen bodyboards since open day)
http://www.funfields.com.au/latest-news/9-news-melbourne-at-new-wave-poo...
April 2016 Wave Park Group $18.5m @ Melbourne Airport (Finish late 2017)
Design started out the same as WA Subiaco Wave Pool (Oct 2015)
Project uses Recycled Airport runoff Stormwater & Solar/Wind Power.
https://www.aquatecenviro.com.au/projects/melbourne-airport-stormwater-h...
https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/australias-first-urban-surf-park-seeks-...
Climbing,Running-Bouldering-Parkour- Skate-Bike courses (Active centre)
SLSC,Deepwater swim,body,short,long,sup,paddle-boards to elite comps.
Vic Minister for Tourism: 'Great to have anther big Tourist attraction for Melbourne.'
Surfing Victoria CEO: Supports this Wavepool tech & see it as a step forward for all.
https://www.surfingaustralia.com/SurfingVictoria/news/australias-first-s...
Mid 2016 New Cove Tech confirmed for Oz (Open mid 2018) (Bristol also changed)
https://magicseaweed.com/news/wavegarden-20-is-coming-to-australia/9846/...
Urbnsurf Ross: Explains how Airport regulation streamlining helped with project.
https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/news/how-melbourne-airport-helpe...
July 2018 Soil Turning (open Jan 2019) MF comp prize also dated for January 2019
https://www.swellnet.com/news/swellnet-dispatch/2019/02/07/melbournes-ne...
https://www.swellnet.com/news/swellnet-dispatch/2019/10/08/urbnsurf-read...
Jan 2019 > Easter open > Spring opening > Summer 2019 > Now Summer 2020?
Swellnet Video & photos show the waves are working fine...
https://www.swellnet.com/news/swellnet-dispatch/2019/10/25/photo-and-vid...
Top shelf White Shoe Line inquiry
Steam shovelling Oz wave Pool Resorts
(Resort 7) SA. (Are there any Wave Pools in SA?)
Jan 2011 Surfing SA Glenelg foreshore Flowrider proposal
Tourism drawcard + Surfing intro > Development of surfing
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/bid-for-bay-wave-rid...
June 2014 Salisbury South $180m Wave Pool >Flowrider (Entertainment +Shopping)
Waterslides,Cinemas,Indoor skydiving,climbing,Tramps,Ten Pin,Games,mini golf,skate.
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/north-northeast/180m-entertainm...
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/north-northeast/adelaides-new-g...
April 2016 Surfing Australia [f] Poll for Wavegarden
https://www.facebook.com/139817132707742/posts/so-is-adelaide-ready-for-...
2016 tbb salutes Nigel Scott @ 'Wave Pool Adelaide'
https://www.facebook.com/Wave-Pool-Adelaide-453396634870428/
28/09/2017 Urbnsurf Adelaide name is registered
https://connectonline.asic.gov.au/RegistrySearch/faces/landing/bySearchI...
2018 Hallett Cove sea-pool proposal (re: Edithburgh tidal pool)
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/west-beaches/the-push-for-adela...
March 2019 URBNSURF scout Adelaide narrowing down a potential Wave Park site
https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/developer-starts-petition-to-back-per...
2018 'The Worlds' Adelaide - Life Saving World Championships
Largest Surf contest- 7,000 competitors from 45 nations in Surfing+Pool events.
http://www.lifesaving2018.com/the-biggest-lifesaving-world-championships...
Event lays out logistics needed for an indoor Surf themed Pool Competition.
International flavour & Site constraints for Pool gear + Officials + XL Score displays
Wave Pool Comp historically ruled out partners to share cost for lucrative CBD arenas
However Tech has improved & new opportunity allows for mixed arena wave pool.
*MSAC / Olympic depth changing, deck sliding multi sports wave pool is possible.
https://www.robbinsfloor.com/beverly-hills-high-school-new-robbins-floor...
tbb reminds retractable iconic wavepool covers were last century technology.
Surf in school gyms = #1 Olympic ticket stubs as WSL houses off Olympic Surfing!
Breaking news:
Ulurusurf has been registered. "Locals and tourists are demanding a wave pool as alternative to climbing the rock". said unnamed spokesperson. "The proposed development would be carbon neutral and fully solar powered with rows of panels sited on the northern face of the rock."
Swellnet respects Oz landmarks & Aussie flora & Fauna!
Red Centre 'The Original Wave Pool'
+ bonus Xmas Uluru Surf Vid'
1) Wave Rock backdoor barrel
https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/B88383650Z/GRDT19T3.1-0.jpg
2) All aboard The Wave Rock
https://awesome.tours/images/backpackers-surfing-at-wave-rock.jpg
3) Party Wave Rock
https://www.yha.com.au/contentassets/81b06cd8e97e4ad0907bf7b32268a61a/wa...
4)Booger Wave Rock
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjEM81PmKN4/TJ_-8vuR5pI/AAAAAAAAAFA/dql2ZhNwIE...
5) Skateboarding Wave Rock
https://cdn.joyintour.com/images/201901/15477148401792021.jpg
6) Red Bull BMX Wave Rock
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xxlmd3
7) Barbie waves goodbye to Wave Rock
https://waverock.com.au/img/uploads/gallery_images/medium/barbie%203.jpg
(Bonus) Santa never made it to Uluru Wave Pool Vid
12th Nov 2019 Sunshine Coast Daily
https://www.pressreader.com/
'Julian Wilson backs surf ranch proposal'
"The $1.1b development would be a premium addition if done right.
But ultimately it was something that would benefit the coast.
If it is done right with community input, environmental & social or economic impacts-
All things considered it's a great win!
Residents have to have a say in what is important to them. Change is inevitable!
I would much rather have something like this providing jobs & endless fun for residents & visitors than a whole lot of other things."
Julian finishes by speaking of wave pools as training for progressing comp surfers...
(Oddly never mentioning of Coolum Surf Ranch as a Competition Arena).
[Disclaimers] (tbb is a fellow Qldurr)
Julian Wilson previously invested in neighbouring Sunshine Park Wave Pool
Sunshine Park also has SA-Andrew Stark support + WSL for Oz leg Tour Comp.
Nov 2018- Qld Tourism Minister also standing strong by Sunshine Park Wave Pool
https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/court-loss-for-developers-of-planned-...
https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/wave-pool-decision-could-brin...
https://www.escape.com.au/destinations/australia/queensland/sunshine-coa...
https://www.sanadcapital.com.au/post/actventure-set-to-encompass-queensl...
[NEWS] 5th Nov 2019 Sunshine Coast Daily reports this development is pushing ahead!
Repeating this Wavepool has Qld Tourism+ SA Letter of Support + WSL nod for Tour Comp!
https://www.pressreader.com/australia/sunshine-coast-daily/20191105/2814...
https://www.zinc96.com.au/news/local-news/104924-update-on-actventure-site
PS: Surf Lakes just sold a Licence to Sunshine Coast
https://www.surf-lakes.com.au/uncategorized/watch-former-world-surfing-a...
That's 3 World Class Sunny Coast Wave Pools for this month alone!
(tbb is running out of web sites for any more) You heard it here 1st @ Swellnet
13th Nov 2019 SCEC (All community Groups) Coolum Surf Ranch Media Release
https://www.scec.org.au/coolum_surf_ranch_media_release
After URBNSURF Promo
18th Nov (SC News asked A.Stark about Surf Ranch access & Wave Pool / cost?)
20th Nov - WSL reply...
Coolum Surf Ranch won't use the US model.
WSL says it's US pricing model for Kelly Slater wave pool technology won't work in Australia.
There is no plan to copy it for Sunshine Coast.
Coolum Surf Ranch will use World Class Technology to create a supreme Surf Experience.
[NEWS] Just repeating 2018 Sunshine Park ACTVE wave pool has been reactivated.
(DA > Nov') Project previously had approval but was lured by (Qld Govt glamping handouts)
https://www.destinosindia.com/uimages/hotel/hotelslider/image/5333.jpg
https://cimbusinessevents.com.au/new-glamping-options-at-australia-zoo-g...
Ironically Sanad still market Original Slater/WSL (Greg Webber?) Loop Linear (here) also in vid.
http://www.actventure.com.au/
https://www.zinc96.com.au/news/local-news/104924-update-on-actventure-site
Sunshine Coast wave pools timeline
https://www.swellnet.com/comment/600315
Sunny Coast Pool Rules.
Surfing Australia Life Member bribes both Parties + Bankrolls SC Mayor's Election.
Council says no to Flooded Wave Pool site ...SC CEO ignores & pens Govt for upzone.
Mayor's news paper insists Council said no & it's a state matter...ignore CEO's letter?
State Tourism Minister wins a $10,000 Golden Ticket to WSL Willy Wonka Hide out.
SEQ 2032 Olympic Pool but Olympics & WSL Surfing Olympians all say no thanx.
Surfing QLD hit up GCCC for top up! (Hint: Quiky Pro is soon to be Sunny Ranch Pro).
AAP Boss Mayor's newspapers lock out all but pro wave pool articles...
tbb confirms recent PressReader locked all but donor's Real Estate Pool Promo?
Local Real Estate (Likely partner) tbb refused to waste yer time with Sunny tearjerker!
Chambers Of Commerce is same Pro deal...Newspaper promos never a conflict.
Local Govt House Builder (likely partner) & his WSL / SQ Pro son (Ranch Grom)
Local WSL Pro..(Likely Resident Pro)..All swear: It's way better than other stuff!
tbb has no problems with wave pools or locals wanting one,two,three or more...
Only begun & it's grubby from local Grom thru every pair of hands to the very top.
Ask! How could any local surfer enjoy surfing in such a dirty stinking wave pool.
Sadly this is the way for Oz Wave Pool developers & surfers are now #1 eco vandals.
tbb footnote explains eco vandals:
WSL whiteshoes say 75% of Coolum Ranch is dedicated to open space eco wetlands
Translation: 350ML is diverted from Maroochy river into artificial pool & canal estates.
URBNSURF =25ML / Kelly's US pool =68ML / Sunny Olympic Pool Games =350ML
WSL Wetlands Centre is 20% Wave pool + 80% Canals theft from River in drought.
Thieves killed off Murray River & WSL will kill off Maroochy River Conservation Park.
Community say NO to dumping 125ML of PFAS- Say NO to 350ML theft from River.
No River in drought should be drained of life for a surf or a swim not even a dog bath.
Qld Surfers stand with Sunshine Coast to defend Blue Heart Maroochy River (CP).
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/managing/plans-strategies/pdf/maroochy-rive...
Great article on the Sunshine wave pool in Beachgrit FR. I couldn’t give two shits if people want to surf in a pool but this is the wrong location and to sell the idea in some green environmental feel good surf wrapping makes me want to spew.
This is just another massive Queensland canal estate development. There will be huge excavations for the pools, disturbance of ground water, exposure and then reuse of acid sulfate soils to raise levels for the associated developments and the trashing of a remnant of coastal floodplain so that some investors who don’t care about surfing can make massive money.
What is this article bar commercial Vomit ? Starky is apparently the Sunshine coasts best friend with all of our best interests @ heart even though he is has nothing to do with the community what so ever bar the fact he is trying to sell a grubby real estate development which is in complete contradiction to the communities town plan with an obsolete wave pool attached to it , which most of the community will not be able to access nor afford, Starky would sell bags of dog faeces if someone paid him enough to do so, and PJ is a very poor choice/reflection of what sunshine coast residents actually stand for his multitude of failed business concepts in the community and lets face it there has been a few, should be testament to the weight his words don't carry on the Sunshine coast, the only thing PJ his actually well known for is that AI may he rest in peace threw a beer on him Legend @ AI, Always loved that guy !
in an Olympic context Japan rejected kelly's wave pool, France rejected it we have more waves than both of them combine in the SEQ pocket and of better quality so why would we want it ?
If you were acting with any level of intelligence to balance the need of the community and positive tourism you would only need to look at the URBN surf wave pool or its equivalent which is proven in the Uk and well perceived recently near Melbourne airport, cost effective, 14 -16 more wave varieties, more cost effective and more accessible to the community,
never been a fan of KS he brought a Queensland tax payer funded start up company which was moved off shore to Thailand by NEV, He uses third world labour and preaches environmentalism whilst being responsible for a more of a PU earth fill foot print than any other individual on the planet and still rides hundreds of grubby toxic PU surfboards every year for testing, he used his industry influence to make imaginary awards for environmental achievement which in turn are nothing more than commercial BS in a time where we need environmental warriors he is the lord of Hipster pod cast commercialism trying to use the failing environment as a means to make more money and now wants to come to QLD with a closed door obsolete/inferior water chewing machine and a 1,500 dwelling real estate development, which will damage the local environment and its wetlands, shame Swell net for running with this commercial vomit shame ! I remember when surfers collaborated to save the environment really sad to see the (king) of surfing industries analogy not mine collaborating to destroy it ! The oil tanker is on the rocks in heavy seas but it is (environmentally) leaking oil into the sea so we are all ok.
Another fine piece over on the Grit Longtom .
Nov 28th - Dec 4th Coolum Advertiser
Questions raised over Surf Ranch proposal & consultation.
Local Area State candidate Maria Suarez has voiced concerns...
Many were unaware of recently closed 'Supporters' Consultations (Sales pitch!)
Coolum Surf Club / Coolum Tourism / Regional Development Sunshine Coast [f]
Not one community group was notified...
Bribe man Don said CPG have ticked all boxes on community consultation...See Ya!
https://www.coolumadvertiser.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Coolum-Ad...
Dec 5th - Dec 11th Coolum Avertiser (re: Above Article)
Page 3 Letters to Ed
'Surf Ranch' by Simon Williams / Coolum
'Wave Development' by E. Rowe / Marcoola
https://www.coolumadvertiser.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Coolum-De...
Sunshine Coast Daily [Wave Pool Poll]
Also featured in several Interstate Syndicates.
4th Nov - 29th Dec 2019 (Was the last noted vote tally!)
Note: News Pay wall unusually display these results to all for a reason! Why is that?
To Display Public Consultation for required approval process...That's Why!
tbb thinks it's hidden consultation & WSL will use undecided vote as not against...
Rules: [ When YES% + Don't care blurs 51% @ 500 votes - Press Print ] (Bingo)
Q: Do you want the proposed Surf Ranch at Coolum to go ahead
Qld AEC Coronavirus Pool Lockdown Electoral Delays (Sorry'bout that)
[ Early Booth Results ] Note right wing News subscribers "but" [ Public Notification ].
[ YES ] 36%
[ NO ] 50%
I don't really care 13%
Donkey 1%
(Note how WSL could argue 50% vs 50% as Legitimate 'Public Notice' Consult)
WSL/ Qld Govt will also argue Poll was accessible to largest audience [facebook]
https://m.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/polls/do-you-think-proposed-kelly-sl...
[ Final Tally ]
YES: 38%
NO: 52 %
I don't really care 10%
(Note this defiant NO result is likely 1 nanosecond too late for WSL Consultation)
Poll Notification length is fixed, so to the result...in a manner of speaking!
'Don't give a shit + Yes' hits 50.01% for a nanosecond! WSL: "Print & send to Govt"
That's how to polish a turd & argue majority tolerance for a VIP wave pool compound.
Thanks to Maria for exposing other WSL consult tricks...
Online Poll of 500 was referred to...
Possibly refers to this poll being stacked early enough by mates to fall over the line.
https://www.coolumadvertiser.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Coolum-Ad...
Qld Govt $50m Kick Start..
All economies are tipping buckets into day tourism Theme Parks
Whiteshoe Heaven it is! Cableways / Beach Bars / Wave Pools
Surf Lakes Yeppoon / JW Wave Pool Noosa / Coolum Ranch / WSR deck chairs
All got a 2020 soil dig call up from Kate (Kelly's VIP towel minder)
Kate is actually way way over qualified for Olympic Wave Pools (tbb is not joking!)
Department of State Development, Tourism & Innovation (Covers Wave Pools)
Word on the Street is Beachgoers + Lead Enviro Groups want this gone big time.
Every poll & every letters Column is fuming against it!
*Full credit to ABC Sunshine Coast.
Don O'Rourke cites 75% support in the community.
re: Div 9 Cr Maria Suarez + tbb (Above) outed Don's WSL consultation sham.
(Community Media)*closed shop [f] sadly now passes as cooked Govt consult.
SCC had referred Don O'Rourke onto the State Govt. (Council can't adjudicate on or process. It has to go to the State because it lies outside of the urban footprint.) His team had 'half a dozen meetings over the last 6-9 months' with Govt planners over the proposal.
Don O'Rourke : "Just answering questions, fleshing out any of the ideas. We're really waiting now for the State to come back and give it's view on what it wants us to do with our position.
While it was too early to say how many houses and apartments could form part of the proposal, it could include 2 International Hotels, a food to plate experience as well as an eco and aboriginal cultural experience."
While the Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson has previously said he supports the idea of a Surf Ranch for the Coast, the 'West Coolum' location was 'not in the right place.'
O'Rourke: "It was Logical that the land should be included in the urban footprint. There was significant infrastructure nearby such as the Motorway, sewage treatment plant and the State Govt-owned economic employment zone.
Stating the need for more land supply on the northern end of the Coast. There's a really good economic and planning reason why the Coolum parcel should be included in the urban footprint.
It's a decision for the state Govt whether it wants this project to happen or not."
[Disclaimer] Don O'Rourke rallies & financially supports the Mayor (Elections)
Paid Libs/Govt $50K each + CEO to pen letter to Govt to upzone said property.
*Across the road is Govt land zoned [ Wave Pool ] Govt will even give you cash.(True)
WSL want to suck The Blue Heart River dry for their Canal Estate Lineup...Be Honest!
Get outta town before the locals throw you out! ...It's Whiteshoestompin'time!
Goldie will lend a hand to drive them out...just say the word...got yer back Sunny!
There are 200 comments to this story...not one remotely in favour of WSL Wave Pool
https://www.facebook.com/ABCSunshineCoast/posts/3033695363343883
I reckon it'll go ahead tbb. One way or another that land will get unlocked.
Hope the crowd asked what the plan to deal with sea level rise is...
Not to mention as others have pointed out elsewhere - get >20mm of rain and it turns into a bloody lagoon.
SURF RANCH SUNSHINE COAST Website ...(No Spoiler!)
https://www.surfranchsunshinecoast.com.au/
tbb: Curious as to why The Ranch run the Gerry F.U Promo?
Gerry, like all deck walkers, was keel hauled by Kelly to wax model surf gear...
So Gerry gave him a salute (Nothin')....not that Kelly would even notice... Shh!
23 May Sunshine Coast Daily
'Surf Ranch to be the new Hyatt Coolum'...Andrew Stark: (Surf Ranch)
*Unique & competitive edge to Tourism
*Much needed economic stimulus.
[ 3* > 4* ] + [ 5* > 6* ] Resorts
The Project is being overseen by State Development Minister Kate Jones
It has been the subject of scrutiny by community & environmental groups as the project is being developed on flood - prone former cane land.
tbb reply: Newspaper is shoving words down local's throats...
*There are no plans to scrutinise! + *Who says Floodplain is being developed ?
Andrew Stark: (Hoses down Flood plain concerns) tbb: 'How does one even do that?'
* Employed Top Oz Floodies Professor Trevor Johnson for expert safety precautions
* We've invested an amount of resources that credibly & safely mitigates flood issues
Scott "Hutchinson" CEO
*Local economy was crying out for a project of this scale.
*We are facing a construction cliff
*We are at risk of no new SC projects of significant impact
More on that WSL dodgy consultation...(Andrew Stark)
Mr Stark also pointed to community consultation- through on-line and face to face forums, which 'he said' showed the majority of the coast to be supportive of the project. He compared the overall project to the now defunct Hyatt Coolum Resort, which in it's heyday was a major source of employment for the region.
https://www.pressreader.com/
"We are at risk of no new SC projects of significant impact"
if the QLD bid for the Olympics gets up, you can bet ya bottom dollar there'll be a shedload of big projects up this way
Too much self interest. Too much greed. Not enough thought given to the legacy we leave behind once we have gone. Wave pools? Seriously? They are an abomination in much the same way the 30th coffee shop to open up on your local beach is. And while I'm bothering, I'm excessively, remoreslessly tired of surf industry remoras like Jarrett and Hynd and Carroll and the hundreds before them that squeeze the surf industry rock dry of all but its last blood. You get paid by the multinationals. You work for them. You, well, suck...
How is this article ageing ?
In retrospect it sounds even more like a white shoe puff piece.
“ Who knew how many endangered ground parrots were to be revealed in the acid swamps of the 500 hectares at the roundabout?” Yeah....backfill the lot . Great idea.