APPROVAL has been given for the construction of the proposed $80 million Wet 'n' Wild Park in Prospect which will give western Sydney a tourism boost.
When completed the recreational park on a 25-hectare site at Reservoir Road is expected to attract 900,000 visitors a year and create 300 new jobs.
Highlights include the latest water rides and attractions, support facilities, landscaping, water cycle management, a three-storey hotel and car parking.
Last week project director Chris Warhurst said the applicant, Village Roadshow, was now preparing its construction schedule plan after getting the green light from NSW Department of Planning.
He said all major concerns raised by the department, Blacktown Council and community groups had been dealt with by them.
"We are now preparing our construction schedule and choosing the water attractions to be installed," he said.
"Everything is moving according to schedule. I am very confident the park will open as scheduled in late 2013."
Village Roadshow director Clark Kirby said his company would build "the best water park in the world".
Sections of the business community and young residents have embraced the project but groups including Blacktown and District Historical Society, Mt Druitt Historical Society, Friends of St Bartholomew and the Blacktown and District Environment Group have concerns about the preservation of the policeman's cottage and the woodland between Reservoir Road and St Bartholomew's Church.