A water fight could be about to take place on Australia’s Sunshine Coast after theme park operator Village Roadshow announced it is set to acquire the Aussie World park and plans to turn the site into a Wet ‘n’ Wild-style water park.

However, an application for a similar proposal was lodged with Caloundra City council 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, opposite Sunshine Coast turf Club on Caloundra Road.

Village Roadshow’s purchase of Aussie World and development of the water park scheme is expected to cost around AUS$60-70m (£29-34m, US$58-67m, 37-43m euro).

Chair of Village Roadshow, John Kirby, said: “Our vision is to construct a water park on the property which will provide the Sunshine Coast residents and tourists with the latest water-based rides and attractions. The park will feature 10 state of the art rides including an uphill water coaster and the highly successful Tornado Bowl Slide.

“This will be an exciting new development and a major tourist attraction for the area.”

The company has said it anticipates the new water park could be open as early as September 2009.

Aussie World covers 24 hectares of freehold property, including a ride park, retail outlets and the Ettamogah Pub.