An aqua park could come to Merimbula in the near future, as the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce has been working with a company interested in setting up such a park in the town.
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Earlier this year, chamber president Nigel Ayling visited an aqua park in Canberra where he spoke with its operator and said a similar park would be great in Merimbula.
"He said they were interested to explore the opportunity to open another park elsewhere and he would come and visit the area," Mr Ayling said.
"He came down with his family in March this year and had a look around and we identified some possible sites."
A spokesperson said currently the preferred location is Top Lake Merimbula, near the existing boat hire and kiosk, and discussions have already been had with the proprietors of that business who were "generally supportive" of the concept.
The spokesperson said the water location was suitable because it has minimal tidal movement, is protected from winds, has the right water depth and does not interfere with other water activities or boating movements.
Other benefits of this area are the easy access, existing parking, toilets and other facilities.
"We don't want to rush in and do this as we want to work with the local businesses and community and make sure it doesn't impact on the environment," Canberra Aqua Park proprietor Will Yeap said.
"Any proposal will have to address any environmental issues and there is a protected seagrass nearby as well as oyster leases so we need to be careful not to disturb those.
"The park itself has a very light footprint as it does not use fuel, or emit noise and once it is setup, it requires only occasional use of a small electric pump."
Mr Ayling said the aqua park would be a real asset to the area and would give families visiting the region another activity to participate in.
"The one in Canberra attracted over 16,000 people in just three months last year," he said.
"If it did go ahead, it would only be up for a few month's each year over summer and then would be packed away until the next season."
The company is currently still scoping the area and has not submitted any applications.
The spokesperson said initial talks with council suggest the proposed use for an aqua park would be defined as a "Water Recreation Structure" under the Bega Valley Local Environmental Plan 2013.
This is permissible within the W2 Zone but not the W1 Zone and while Top Lake is classified as W1 Zone, it could be considered as a temporary use under Clause 2.8 in accordance with the development standards listed for a period of 52 days, the spokesperson said.
The company has consulted with council, Crown Lands (DPI&E), Fisheries (DPI&E) and with local business and tourism representatives.
The next step would be to finalise the preferred location and apply for the Land Owner Consent, which will then allow them to submit a development application to council, the spokesperson said.
They said while the project will be mostly funded privately, the operator has also made an application for funding assistance from the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants to help with the high upfront cost and to keep the ticket prices affordable.
Mr Yeap said the Canberra Aqua Park took around 12 months to get approval for the development application, but hopes if they can submit an application soon and it was successful, they may be able to have it up and running for the 2021 summer holidays.
