Water park creates splash among neighbours and elders
BUTCHULLA elders and neighbours have raised concerns about a proposed Urangan water park.
The Chronicle reported last week council was considering an application for a $28 million amusement facility.
Dubbed Splash Bay Waterpark, it would feature 11 rides and a capacity to host an estimated 300,000 people each year.
But while the announcement attracted much positive feedback throughout the community, some local residents are unhappy.
Noeleen Blatchley, who recently bought a townhouse in the Seashells complex next door to the proposed site, said paradise would be lost if the development went ahead.
"Why not consider the other end of town where WetSide is?" Ms Blatchley said.
"I'm not against development, that's progress; it's just that this will be detrimental to this area. There is a lot of native wildlife and a lot of history here that could be at risk.
"Honestly, I've got a pain in my chest. I will not be able to resell - who would want to buy here?"
Ms Blatchley said her biggest fear was that noise would travel straight through her back door from morning until night.
Butchulla elder Aunty Marie Wilkinson is also apprehensive about the proposal. She said land around Pulgul Sthad much significance to local aboriginals and more consultation was needed with traditional owners.
