SPLASH INJECTION
LAGOON PLAN TO REVAMP STRAND
A MASSIVE man- made lagoon has been proposed for The Strand in an attempt to breathe new life into the city.
The 6ha lagoon would be filled with water pumped from the sea and would cover an area from the front of Tobruk Pool to Gregory St.
The proposal is included in a report by Pure Projects, commissioned by Townsville City Council which is looking for ways to reinvigorate the city.
Pure Projects chairman Don Morris said a lagoon would have a huge impact on the city, acting as a magnet for both locals and tourists.
NO R T H E R N Au s t r a l i a ’ s largest man- made lagoon could be constructed on Townsville’s iconic Strand.
The lagoon is cited as a potential development in a report commissioned by Townsville City Council, which is looking for ways to reinvigorate the CBD and suburbs.
The report was developed by Pure Projects, with the 6ha lagoon, stretching from the front of Tobruk Pool to Gregory St, seen as a development that would transform the city.
Three locations were proposed, including next to the new stadium and near Dean Park, however The Strand was identified as being the most effective in providing greater tourism benefits.
Pure Projects chairman Don Morris and director David Williams were responsible for developing the Townsville Master Planning Strategic Analysis and Reporting document, which includes the lagoon proposal and will be presented to the council tomorrow.
Mr Morris said the lagoon would have a huge impact on Townsville, being a drawcard for both residents and tourists.
“It’s the notion of being able to swim in a beautiful location on The Strand all year round,” he said.
“It would use the saltwater from the sea so there would be no impact on Townsville’s water supply whatsoever.”
During Pure Projects’ community consultation period, it was found that while many locals enjoyed The Strand – which is now 17 years old – a lack of amenities and food options were noted.
The Rockpool was also seen as a piece of infrastructure that was dated and dirty.
The new facility would be built by Crystal Lagoons and be monitored, controlled and operated remotely by the international company’s control centre.
The Crystal Lagoons pool would have soft liner base and use “100 times” less chemicals than other similar systems.
Constructing the lagoon would also require far less work than a normal pool as no concrete is used.
Mr Morris said the technology was amazing.
“The pool is always crystal clean and sanitised,” he said.
“There would be no stingers or any form of nasties.
“It will totally and utterly transform you ( Townsville).”
The Pure Projects plan identified a range of potential developments that could untap Townsville’s tourism and investment opportunities, including the importance of the millennial generation.
“There is a lot of detail on millenials – Townsville is unusual in that it has a very young median age of about 31,” Mr Morris said. “Millenials are now the largest single demographic in this country and indeed the world.
“They want to experience a life of quality rather than sitting in a boring job and they’re more inclined to go travelling and go out to enjoy things.”
Mr Morris said the lagoon would cater to every demographic, including millenials.
“They are dramatically less expensive than a traditional lagoon and Townsville’s would be far bigger than Airlie Beach’s and Cairns’ lagoons,” he said.
Crystal Lagoons Oceania director German Rocca said there had been a number of conversations with consultants regarding Townsville’s proposal.
“They have been showing some interest in talking to us to provide a solution for the council,” he said. “The pools we look to activate aim to bring the community together around the water.”
Mr Rocca said the opportunities were endless.
“You can have retail, restaurants and floating cinemas,” he said. “It’s a blank
IT WOULD USE THE SALTWATER FROM THE SEA SO THERE WOULD BE NO IMPACT ON TOWNSVILLE’S WATER SUPPLY WHATSOEVER. DON MORRIS
canvas depending on who the owner would be.”
Mr Rocca said if approved, a study of the waterfront and the ocean conditions would be needed. “We can use any sort of water,” he said. “We are excited to be in Australia.”
The plan cited that there had not yet been any interaction with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to determine legal issues.
However, if the council endorsed the concept, Pure Projects said it would start discussions.
A NEW proposal to create Northern Australia’s largest man- made lagoon along The Strand could be a game- changer for Townsville.
The whole concept of creating a swimming hotspot using sea water is very exciting.
Imagine all the benefits that such an attraction could bring to our already great city.
A project like this could help put Townsville on the tourism map, grabbing the attention of national and international travellers looking for a great tropical escape.
The lagoons at Airlie Beach and Cairns are always busy with locals and tourists, and the one proposed for Townsville would eclipse them both in size.
The Strand location is also a winner, with Magnetic Island and the ocean as stunning backdrops.
This project would revitalise The Strand and give us a novel, new boast- worthy attraction.
The Strand is a wonderful asset for Townsville but we must remember that the world’s greatest cities are always evolving.
It’s not enough to have a great asset if we don’t work to improve and continually better ourselves.
This is the kind of idea that could lift our city to the next level and help us embed Townsville in the consciousness of tourists.
Townsville residents would flock to the lagoon, which could also be the location for cafes and restaurants, making it a bustling precinct during the day and night.
It is hard to see any downside to such a lagoon and it is now up to Townsville City Council to get behind the proposal and make it happen.