Australia-based theme park operator Village Roadshow has submitted a development application for its planned waterpark at Aussie World on the Sunshine Coast.

The AUD$70m (£34m, US$67m, 43m euro) Wet'n'Wild Aussie World would have the capacity to entertain 850,000 guests per year and as well as rides and water attractions, will also offer an 8,000sq m indoor Billabong. It will be environmentally responsible, achieving water self sufficiency, harvesting rainwater for attraction establishment/replenishment and recycling grey water for irrigation.

Village Roadshow acquired Aussie World, which covers 24 hectares of freehold property, including a ride park, retail outlets and the Ettamogah Pub, earlier this year, and said it expected to spend AUS$60-70m (£29-34m, US$58-67m, 37-43m euro) on the purchase and development of the waterpark.

The plans have caused controversy on the Sunshine Coast however, as a similar waterpark proposal was lodged in December last year by a consortium aiming to develop the AUS$110m (£53.5m, US$105.7m, 67.6m euro) Adventure Waterpark just a few kilometres away from Aussie World.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks CEO John Menzies said: "People associate us with our 30 years of experience in building and operating quality water parks and theme parks - they have told us they support a water park on the Aussie World site and want rides for families and thrill seekers."