Park Ready For Action

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday December 20, 2008

By GREG ELLIS

VISION, foresight, extensive marketing and a long-term plan are helping Jamberoo Action Park buck industry trends.

These elements have also put the owners of the state's largest theme park in a position to plan for the future, despite the impact of the global economic climate.

Father and son entrepreneurs, Jim and Dax Eddy, have an extra reason to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the park this month.

They are enjoying a 4 per cent increase in visitor numbers on the same time last year.

The 2007-2008 season was a record one for the park after the completion of the Taipan ride.

And if the weather is warm this summer and petrol prices stay down, Jamberoo Action Park could be in for its biggest year ever.

The Eddy family has begun to revise its 10-year plan following a positive response to the new major attractions.

Buoyed by the spring figures, the Eddys have added more exciting water rides and activities to their wish-list for the park.

However, many of those plans are still in the concept stage and some other issues will have to be attended to first.

But within a decade, the Eddy family is confident a new themed adventure area, located on and above the site of the old grand prix track, will feature even more water rides and play areas.

The new activities will be suitable for many age groups.

The Eddys had already planned to build a magnetic levitation water ride, which can pull thrill-seekers uphill as fast as they go down, as well as a giant 16m-wide funnel called the Tornado.

But the latest concept plan features another major water attraction, which looks like a giant snail shell.

The Eddys aim to build on the park's Australian theme while also doubling its size.

More on the park's 30-year history, future plans and changes to Illawarra tourism industry since it began operating will appear in the first edition of Enterprise for 2009.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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