Preliminary approval has been granted by Sunshine Coast Council for a $90 million dollar water park and resort in Glenview, which will include the world’s largest wave pool.  The “Sunshine Park” site covers 24 hectares along Steve Irwin Way, and if all approvals are met, Stage One of construction could begin as early as this year.The concept is for a world-class water park featuring a wave pool for surfing, water slides, pools and lagoons, themed restaurants and food outlets, retail, function centre and resort style accommodation.Subject to the relevant Council approvals, it will be one of the biggest developments in the Sunshine Coast region’s recent history, and when complete it is predicted to be one of south-east Queensland’s leading tourist attractions.The project’s economic report states that approximately 430 jobs will be created in the construction period with approximately 250 jobs during operation.  The value-added economic benefit to the Sunshine Coast region during construction and operational period has been estimated at in excess of $50 million.A spokesperson for Sunshine Coast Council said that, “the preliminary approval does not authorise assessable development to occur and subsequent approval development permits for material change of use and operational works are still required before the development can proceed.“That will include the applicant providing a flood study to address flooding from the Mooloolah River and a local catchment.  The resort complex must also be integrated with the tourist attraction on the site and cannot open before the water park.”Divisional councillor Rick Baberowski said the resort and water park would complement Sunshine Coast’s strongest international brand in Australia Zoo as well as The Big Kart Track and Aussie World, which are all located within close proximity.“This is one of the most important tourist attractions council has considered in a long time,” Cr Baberowski said.  “The world’s first hi-tech wave pool will be valuable in our quest to promote the region as a national and international destination.”Planning portfolio councillor Christian Dickson said a number of conditions had been included in the preliminary approval to address water, sewerage and flooding issues.“While the development approval process still has some way to go, this is an example of this council doing everything it can to pull down the brick walls to attract these projects to the Sunshine Coast,” Cr Dickson said. “There is extremely positive sentiment in the community for this project which is at the right spot at the right time. "