Geelong's adventure tourism scene is set for a major boost after council approved a $6.5 million wakeboarding facility that had been stalled by aviation safety concerns.
Airport Objection Clears Path for Approval
The City of Greater Geelong council has given the green light to a state-of-the-art wakeboarding park following the resolution of a significant objection from Avalon Airport. The airport had raised concerns about potential bird strikes and aviation safety risks posed by the water-based development.
The $6.5 million project, proposed for land at 135-145 Reserve Road in Lara, will transform a former quarry site into a premier water sports destination. Council planners recommended approval after the developers addressed the airport's concerns through modified plans and mitigation strategies.
Details of the Wakeboarding Facility
The approved development will feature multiple cable wakeboarding lakes, creating what proponents describe as a world-class facility for both recreational users and competitive athletes. The complex will include:
- Two main wakeboarding lakes with cable systems
- Beginners' training areas
- Clubrooms and administration buildings
- Car parking for 142 vehicles
- Landscaping and public amenities
Developers estimate the facility will create approximately 30 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and ongoing operation, providing a significant economic boost to the northern Geelong region.
Overcoming Aviation Safety Concerns
The airport's objection had threatened to derail the project entirely, with aviation authorities concerned that the water bodies could attract birdlife and create hazards for aircraft using Avalon Airport. The airport plays a crucial role in the region's economy, hosting major events and serving as a maintenance hub for airlines.
Following negotiations between the developers and airport management, a solution was reached that satisfied aviation safety requirements while allowing the wakeboarding park to proceed. While specific details of the mitigation measures weren't disclosed in council documents, they're understood to include landscape management and operational protocols to minimize bird attraction.
The resolution of this objection means the project can now move forward without further delays, with construction expected to begin in the coming months.
Economic and Tourism Benefits
Local tourism operators have welcomed the approval, noting that the facility will add to Geelong's growing reputation as an adventure sports destination. The wakeboarding park is expected to attract visitors from across Victoria and interstate, complementing existing attractions in the region.
Council planners noted in their assessment that the development aligns with broader tourism strategies for the Geelong region and will provide new recreational opportunities for residents while creating employment in the construction and ongoing operation phases.
The approval comes with standard conditions regarding operating hours, noise management, and environmental protections to ensure the facility operates harmoniously with surrounding land uses.
With the airport objection now resolved and council approval secured, developers can proceed with turning the vision of a premier wakeboarding destination into reality, marking another step in Geelong's evolution as a diverse tourism and lifestyle destination.
