Councillors in Cairns, northern Queensland, Australia, have approved plans for a AUD$35m (£19.2m, US$31.4m, €21.4m) water park to be built at Smithfield, 12km north of the city.

Work on the Adventure Waters park could begin in May next year and be completed by April 2011.

The plans include 16 water slides, a surf simulator, pools and lagoons as well as restaurants, shops and function rooms.

Councillor Margaret Cochrane of Cairns Regional Council said: "The developer has done all the work in the planning stages with respect to creating an environmentally sound recreational facility with sensitivity to the surrounding agricultural land.

"It is currently a derelict site and this plan will give it new life as a functioning economically viable and sustainable facility for locals and tourists alike.

"The plans for this theme park have been long in the making and it is time to get on with the job of creating the reality - and having some fun."