The development of a waterpark in western Sydney has been one of the perennial business challenges in the leisure industry over the last decade or so. Many organisations and consultants have investigated the potential of a western Sydney waterpark only to see their plans thwarted by the high cost of land and the limitations of returns from a probable five-month operating season.
The economics behind the recent announcement that Village Roadshow are to develop a waterpark at Sydney's Eastern Creek waterpark appears to have been made possible by Village having secured a long-term lease on NSW Government owned land that will be rezoned for recreation.
The end result, Wet'n'Wild Sydney will be an impressive attraction.
However, it is worth contrasting the backing that the NSW Government have given to Village Roadshow with the experience of Jamberoo Action Park owner Jim Eddy as he attempts to expand the water and amusement park that currently services Sydney and the Illawarra region. Eddy’s multi-million dollar development plans are currently on hold as a result of Kiama Municipal Council’s concerns over traffic issues, water management and re-zoning of rural land for a new car park.
Jim Eddy had hoped to start work on the $15 million first stage of Jamberoo’s expansion earlier this year but now sees that his plans have now been set back at least two years.
At the present time, the Council and Eddy are working together on a 'gateway process' application for the NSW Planning Minister that could see the land rezoned through amendments to Kiama's local environmental plan.
Reflecting on the process, Eddy told local media “having spent $650,000 (on legal costs) in three years (this) is starting to wear me out.
"It doesn't matter whether it's Kiama ... or wherever you are, you go through this nonsense. The planning process is a lot more complicated than it has to be. Not just for me, but for everybody."
Nigel Benton, Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management. http://www.ausleisure.com.au
