Oliver Riddle 
Plans have been unveiled regarding the development of ‘Break, Surf & Stay’ wave resort, offering modern wave technology, accommodation, as well as retail outlets in an effort to boost local tourism.
The idea was brought to life by the projects founders, Ben McCarthy, Richard Sheppard, Leigh Gapp, and Dwight Stuchbery who all have expertise in property finance, engineering and surf park technology.
The site of the development will be on Tuit Road, Port Willunga, right next to the Port Willunga Tourist Park. The City of Onkaparinga recently approved the proposal, declaring the proposed development “is considered to enhance and protect the region’s tourism attributes while contributing to the economic, social and physical wellbeing of the community.”
Construction is set to begin next year, with planned completion by mid 2026. The South Australian Government is planning for an estimated 320,000 tourists each year, with Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison saying, “the ‘Break, Surf & Stay’ wave resort will add another layer of wellness and surf-inspired tourism for the region, while also driving economic and social outcomes for the local community.”
When speaking to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mawson, Leon Bignell, he says “I think it’s a great idea. As a former Tourism Minister I know people travel for as many different activities as possible in the one spot. I see the wave resort as another potential draw card for the local area.”
When asked about the possible benefits of the wave resort, Mr Bignell declares, “this project will provide more tourism, a boost for our economy and more jobs for local area.”
Mr Bignell also spoke about the importance of keeping up with sporting infrastructure stating “Surfing is an Olympic sport now, and I know people who fly interstate to use surf parks.” He also believes that as we invest in skate parks, another Olympic sport, we should help aspiring surfers as well.
Mr Bignell was also quick to point out that this is a private development. “The argument I don’t understand is from the ill-informed who say this is a waste of 100 million tax payers dollars, this money isn’t coming from tax payers,” says Mr Bignell. However, the argument of where the money is coming from isn’t the only point of contention.
Friends of Willunga Basin (FOWB) are a not-for-profit, community-based group dedicated to preserving the environment, agricultural, beauty and significant heritage values of the Willunga Basin region. They claim, “a specific issue is how the wave resort sits within the local landscape when considered against the provisions of the Character Preservation Act 2012.”
The Character Preservation Act 2012 precludes the creation of inappropriate residential development in the McLaren Vale and Aldinga region to halt urban sprawl.
FOWB explain that, “the wave machine and pool constitute a substantial piece of infrastructure,” and the size of the pool is the same as three Olympic sized swimming pools (150m). “It is the scale and the underlying character of the facility that gives principal cause for concern.”
However, MP Leon Bignell disagrees, saying, “I am the architect of that act, and it’s all about construction that’s positive towards tourism and agriculture. The Character Preservation Act is designed to stop urban sprawl, and this doesn’t create urban sprawl.”
As previously discussed, the ‘Break, Surf & Stay’ wave resort will be situated on Tuit Road, right next to the Big 4 Port Willunga Tourist Park. When speaking to the owner of the tourist park, Dan Orken, he says, “I suspect the ‘Break, Surf & Stay’ wave resort will bring a lot of extra people to the area which will be good for our business.”
Orken has received plenty of feedback from locals and guests of his Tourist Park claiming “Most people are quite excited about it, however a couple of our permanent residents don’t like the idea of the wave resort, they would prefer the land to remain undeveloped.”
When asking Orken his personal thoughts on the wave resort, he says, “it will be great for the community and economy due the jobs created and the new activities that are available. It should provide a big boost to the whole region.”
It is clear the ‘Break, Surf & Stay’ wave resort has a lot of interest, both for and against. Nevertheless the City of Onkaparinga Council has approved the proposal, and Port Willunga look set to be the host of South Australia’s first wave resort.
Image courtesy The Break | Surf + Stay – Adelaide Surf Park & Wave Pool
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