Fun-tastic

CONSTRUCTION of a new $235 million water park and resort on the former Paradise Palms golf course site at Kewarra Beach is to start soon.

By Nick Dalton

An artist’s impression of Reefsedge Resort and Waterpark, which incorporates the former golf clubhouse at Kewarra Beach. See full gallery on line at cairnslocalnews.com.au Picture: Supplied

After Cairns Regional Council waived nearly $2m in infrastructure charges for stages one and two in a closed session on Wednesday, Reefsedge Resort and Waterpark director Darren Halpin told Cairns Local News that work would begin in a few weeks.

Reefsedge includes giant slides, splash zones, luxury cabins and caravan sites, with the aim of opening at Easter 2027. The first two stages are costed at $188m.

Mr Halpin said the council decision meant “Reefsedge is now going bigger, better and faster, with upgraded attractions, expanded water play areas and wow-factor features planned for the grand opening”.

It will include upgrading the existing clubhouse, all carparks, 138 villas and 127 ensuited-caravan sites.

“I’m happy that we are about to start,” Mr Halpin said. “It’s good to see a development-friendly council providing incentives for catalytic developments,” he said.

“Reefsedge will be a world-class playground for kids and grown-ups alike, right here in Cairns, and will reshape the tourism landscape.”

It will provide hundreds of jobs.

The construction phase, involving FGF Developments (civil works) and Keir Queensland Design and Construct (building), will provide 175 jobs while 380 people will be employed to run and operate Reefsedge.

“This is the kind of place we used to drive days to find. Now it’s being built in our own backyard,” Mr Halpin said.

“Reefsedge is all about fun, family and making sure the next generation of kids in Cairns can grow up with something pretty amazing just down the road,” he said.

“(The) council hasn’t just ticked a box – they’ve backed a bold local vision.

“They understand that a project of this scale doesn’t land in a regional centre without genuine support.

“Their decision shows leadership, belief in what Cairns can offer and a commitment to delivering something incredible for locals.”

Once complete, Reefsedge is expected to attract more than 400,000 visitors each year and support over 1300 ongoing jobs throughout the region – many of them entry-level roles for young locals starting their careers.

“This will be where your teenager lands their first job, where your little one learns to swim, where Nan books the cabin and the cousins all pile in for school holidays,” Mr Halpin said.

“And the best part? It’s being delivered by a local team, backed by a visionary council, for the people who live here.”

“This is the kind of tourism investment that doesn’t just boost the economy, it energises the whole city.

“Cairns has a track record of delivering experiences that rival anywhere in the world. Reefsedge is the next bold move.”

Opening during the Easter school holidays in 2027, Reefsedge is the heart of the broader Palms precinct, which will also include homes, an over-50s lifestyle resort and a new commercial hub.

Follow the journey at

https://bit.ly/3Uo2KsC or @reefsedge on social media.