The Surf Lakes site in the seaside town of Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast in central Queensland has been authorized by Livingstone Shire Council for a premium recreational and lifestyle area.

Surf Lakes Yeppoon, which boasts a world-first wave-generating surf pool, is set to become a major tourist destination after the Council approved the Surf Lake Local Plan and Stage 1 of the $187 million project.

The Surf Lakes tourism precinct was designed by Place Design Group in partnership with Liquid Blu, a firm that specializes in aquatic settings. Stage 1 will include cabins, camping and caravan sites, a skate park, restaurant, scuba pool, and solar farm. The first phase of development includes a huge entry pavilion for the Surf Lakes site. The next stage will include a 75-bed boutique hotel, a town green, and an aqua park.

"We see this as a tremendous opportunity for the Capricorn Coast, and we can't wait to see a sea of happy faces riding our waves," says Aaron Trevis, Founder and CEO of Surf Lakes.

"We are real about producing a truly community centered asset that will give enormous value to the broader Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast areas and their people, aside from the obvious physical and mental wellbeing benefits of surfing."

The facility, according to Livingstone Shire Mayor Andy Ireland, would be a great drawcard for residents as well as interstate and international visitors.

"Council recognizes the enormously positive impact this development will have on the Livingstone Shire region, putting us on the national and international map for world-class tourism facilities while also providing a massive economic benefit through job creation during construction and after it opens," he says.

"The material given by the firm, which includes everything from the masterplan to traffic, noise, and environmental evaluations, as well as Cultural Heritage Assessment and Native Title Duty of Care, was satisfactory to councillors and officers."

Associate Planner Frazer Sandwith of Place Design Group said the firm is thrilled to be working on the project.

"This is a game-changing catalyst project for Yeppoon and the Capricorn Coast Region, bringing economic growth and job opportunities directly to communities who will benefit from the increased tourists."