International ski academy at Coolum under consideration

Oz Ski, owned and operated by water ski champion Emma Sheers, has been provisionally nominated as Sunshine Coast Council's preferred tenderer to negotiate the potential operation of a small water ski venue and coaching academy at Coolum.

Council sought expressions of interest from businesses and the community to determine the preferred long-term use of the Quanda Park Water Resource, a council-owned constructed lake in a former quarry, nestled between the industrial estate and a national park.

While Oz Ski has been selected through the tender process, the terms under which it will operate are still under discussion with council and the local community.

Division 9 councillor Vivien Griffin said further consultation needed to be undertaken just to ensure such a concept was acceptable.

"This proposal is at the negotiation stage and no final decision has yet been made as to whether council will proceed with the tender," she said.

"If council agrees to a next step Oz Ski will be required to lodge a Material Change of Use development application."

Cr Griffin said council was aware of community concerns relating to water quality as well as possible noise and amenity impacts, and any approval would require solutions to these issues.

"We also want to ensure that the community has access to the surrounding park area and has an opportunity for some input into the proposal," she said.

Ms Sheers, who currently coaches students across the world, said she understood the processes that her company and the council were required to go through,

She was looking forward to being involved in helping that process, but was upbeat on what benefits her business could contribute to the Coast’s international profile should she be successful.

"We are very excited to be working with council and the local community to develop a world-class water ski facility here on the Sunshine Coast," Ms Sheers said.

"Coolum is such a great location and I know having the academy here will attract water ski tourists from around the world to visit the area.

"My passion is introducing new juniors to this great family sport and I can't wait to unearth Australia's next water ski champion here on the Coast."