Jamberoo Action Park is step closer to being on par with a Gold Coast theme park, with another multimillion-dollar water slide in the works.
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A development application has been lodged with Kiama Council for construction of a "high adrenaline" dual waterslide, Grand Gorge Falls, and a new family water play area called Koala Kove.
It's estimated to cost between $6,615,000 and $7,500,000.
It will take the place of the aging Splash Out waterslide which was built in the early 1980s, as well as a small children's octopus play pool.
It's a capital intensive industry, we're going to continue to update the experience guests get in the park.
- General Manger Matt George
The Grand Gorge Falls would have eight individual slides, and a further two "multibump" slides - extending approximately 30 metres from the base to the top.
It's designed by Queensland architect Alan Griffith, who described the ride as an eight lane Octokraken Racer, with an overall ride length of approximately 160 metres and an elevational drop of 21.59 metres.
The Falls also incorporates two "multibump speed slides" which take off from a "Skybox vertical launch" platform, through the gorge rock strata to the splash down on each side of the Octokraken Racer.
The existing bobsled track at the park would also be incorporated and run through the middle of the attraction with a specially built tunnel.
Both the Falls and Koala Kove will have an "Australian outback theme" and a layout to complement the existing landscape, according to the DA.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE RIDES
In the last six years owners of Jamberoo Action Park have poured millions of dollars into the water park and their grand vision will continue to expand.
An approved development application in 2011 revealed plans for seven new rides and other park improvements, three of which have been completed: Banjo's Billabong, the Funnel Web and the Perfect Storm.
General manager Matt George said despite a new application before council for the Grand Gorge Falls and Koala Kove, the next 10 years would see more and more additions.
"In part of that [previous] development application we've still got further waterslides, a larger rapid river, and a water roller-coaster," Mr George told the Mercury.
"It's important in our industry, it's a capital intensive industry, we're going to continue to update the experience guests get in the park."
The park has experienced a decline in visitor numbers in recent years but owners are working to boost that for the short term, and achieve sustained visitor numbers in the long term, according to the current DA.
Mr George said past ride additions have boosted visitor numbers by 15 to 20 per cent, and anticipated the new adrenaline ride and family waterplay zone to do the same.
Although Splash Out was set for the scrap heap and may disappoint some fans, he was sure the new attractions would be suited to all water enthusiasts.
"We're conscious we want to look after all demographics who come the park, that's why as part of the DA we put in the higher adrenaline ride with the two sky drops," Mr George said.
"But you've also got the aqua play structure ... and plenty of shade and shelter around the area it will be a great precinct for families."
Mr George hoped construction on the new Grand Gorge Falls and Koala Kove would begin as soon as possible for completion by summer of 2020/21, "but there's nothing set in concrete as of yet".
"We appreciate the support we've got thus far by Kiama Council and hopefully this will do wonders for the region's tourism as well," he said.