- intouch Magazine
EOIs Open for Iconic Lake Mac Adventure Tourism Sites
Lake Macquarie City Council is poised to partner with tourism operators and investors to create ‘iconic’ adventure sports and tourism attractions targeting domestic and international visitation.
Expressions of interest are now open for the long-term lease of three Council-owned locations at Booragul, Glendale and Teralba.
Each site is classified as operational land and close to existing transport connections, commercial centres and other infrastructure.
Lake Macquarie City Council Executive Manager Future City Precincts David Antcliff said Lake Mac was well-placed to capitalise on the burgeoning adventure tourism sector.
“We have the Watagans, some of the best mountain bike trails in NSW on both sides of the city, and then all the on-water activities the lake provides,” he said.
“Expanding this offering will create jobs, attract visitors and put us firmly on the map for adventure sports and tourism.”
The first site, at Booragul, comprises 4.3ha of waterfront land between the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, and Marmong Point.
The second is a 6.1ha former quarry on Reservoir Road at Glendale, while the third sits on the bend of Cockle Creek at Teralba, covering 16.6ha off Griffen Road.
“These are prime sites with the potential to create iconic regional tourism attractions,” Mr Antcliff said.
“At this stage, we really are open to all adventure tourism possibilities available that are suitable for the sites, and we don’t want to confine ourselves to any specific activities or ventures.
“The preliminary pieces are in place to establish some really exciting venues. That could be anything from a water park, wave pool or golf park, to a bike or skate park, or climbing, jumping or zip-lining attractions.”
The EOI is open to proponents who are financed and development-ready. Interested parties can submit an EOI for a single site or more than one.
Mr Antcliff said Council would consider offering leases of up to 30 years, or potentially longer depending on the nature of the proposal.
“Proposals should be suitable for the site, be for adventure sports or tourism, and meet our objectives and desired outcomes,” he said.
They include developments that:
Enhance the area’s amenity
Increase the city’s tourism potential
Complement existing adventure sports and tourism attractions
Can be established quickly and efficiently
Provide a unique tourism advantage
Expressions of interest close on Monday 11 July. Go to lakemac.com.au for more information.
