The New South Wales Government has opted not to proceed with the development - which would also have included a swimming pool - in the village of Lennox Head.

Members of the public in the area had opposed the plans, with the height of the ramp one concern.

Australia has enjoyed success in freestyle sports despite not boasting a winter climate, with a first facility in the country seen as key to improving even further.

A search is now underway for a new site.

"Without a facility such as the one proposed, Australians continue to be at a competitive disadvantage - always at the mercy of international training facilities and unable to recruit and develop young Australian athletes in cross sport transfer programs who wish to compete, or experience different sports, because the cost of training overseas is prohibitive," said Lassila, the freestyle skiing aerials Olympic gold medallist at Vancouver 2010.

"With an Australian facility, we will be able to develop our own Australian coaches rather than rely on international coaches.

"Elite athletes working, eating, studying and living in the local community. 

"A place where you can cycle or walk to training. 

"A place where an athlete can focus on their sport, yet find balance in life.

"I would hope a regional community will support this facility and become an integral part of it."

As well as aerials, moguls, big air and slopestyle athletes would also be able to use the ramp.

The project is a collaboration between the New South Wales Government, the Australian Olympic Committee, the Australian Sports Commission and the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia. 

Lassila also won Olympic bronze at Sochi 2014.

She took time off after the Games in Russia, returning to training in November 2016 and targeting a place at next year's Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in South Korea.