A $1.5 million 'Aerial Adventures' high ropes course has opened for climbing at the Sunshine Coast Recreation Centre.
Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the course opening coincided with the imminent start of construction on a $8.9 million indoor court complex supporting 26 jobs for the Palaszczuk Government's Covid 19 Economic Recovery Plan.
"The 16-metre-high Aerial Adventures fortress is a must visit attraction for the entire family to enjoy these Christmas holidays on the Sunshine Coast," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"All up, there are more than 45 challenging obstacles and if you're brave enough to make it to the top, the spectacular views are well worth the climb."
Students from Talara Primary College were the first to put the new adventure course through its paces.
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the fortress added to a feast of activities at the Sunshine Coast Recreation Centre this summer.
"I've fondly remember spending many hours enjoying the recreation centre because this is where my dad worked for more than a decade," Mr Hunt said.
"The Aerial Adventures course is new to the adrenaline-packed school holiday program starting on 13 December for young Queenslanders aged five and up including rock climbing, archery, bodyboarding, canoeing and stand-up paddle-boarding."
Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said assembly of the fortress had supported five trade jobs.
"With tourism operators reporting strong bookings on the Sunshine Coast this Christmas, the aerial fortress is one more adventure to add to the family bucket list, and the region's visitor economy," Mr Skelton said.
Mr Hinchliffe said initial works for construction of the indoor multi-purpose courts project were expected to be underway before Christmas.
"This $8.9 million addition will help the centre cater for a new generation of schools, clubs and teams," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"Two multi-purpose indoor courts are being built alongside the existing court.
"Sprung timbers floors are included in the plans making the indoor courts perfect for basketball, netball, futsal, pickleball, wheelchair sports and fitness classes.
"The Sunshine Coast Recreation Centre is one of three - including the Gold Coast and Townsville - undergoing $40 million in transformations for our Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
"I can't wait to see the completion of all three centres inspire more Queenslanders to get active with a terrific line up of new energetic activities for all ages and abilities to enjoy."
Construction of the Sunshine Coast's new indoor multi-courts is expected to be completed by late 2022.
The project follows the centre's $5.7 million accommodation upgrade including 28 new cabins and jobs for 120 contractors during the pandemic.
