An upcoming information session will assist local contractors keen to help deliver the Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre, the single biggest contract in Bundaberg Regional Council’s history.
Council has shortlisted potential head contractors and will soon issue a request for tender to them for the delivery of this generational project which will require specialised skills and expertise.
The new facility will provide state-of-the-art and year-round training, learn to swim and remedial facilities to benefit every community member young and old.
With the scale of the contract bigger than anything undertaken by Bundaberg Regional Council before, Executive Director of Economic Development and Strategic Projects Ben Artup said it was more than just building a pool.
“There’s earthworks, concreting, structural steel, toilets and amenities, office areas and landscaping amongst a myriad of other trade packages involved in the project,” Ben said.
“Within this work there are countless opportunities for motivated contractors and Council wants to encourage our local contractors to apply for as many of these opportunities as possible.
“The intent of the upcoming information session is to introduce local contractors to the head contractors so that they can be included in their tender submission.”
The facility’s Olympic pool must meet FINA’s exacting standards if it is to host international standard competitions.
Ben said there was minimal margin for error to construct a pool in accordance with those standards.
“Any Olympic pool needs to be 50m long, but to qualify to host a FINA event it cannot even be a millimetre shorter than 50m and no more than 10mm longer than 50m,” Ben explained.
Cardno Civil Engineering Principal Megan Kraft, who has been leading the team of designers and expert consultants on the plans for the facility, said experience was key for a project of this nature.
“The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is a competition standard facility that includes significant architectural, structural and aquatic features,” Megan said.
“Due to the complexity of the construction methods and size of the proposed facility we would expect that a contractor with experience in delivering similar facilities within Australia will be most suited.”
Ben said it was on this basis that Council undertook an open Expression of Interest seeking head contractors with experience delivering facilities such as the Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre.
“With potential suppliers now identified Council wants to ensure they are aware of, and in contact with, local sub-contractors capable of completing a lot of the work.”
Ben said local contractors who were keen to contribute to this significant project should attend an upcoming workshop to learn more about the tender.
“It will be a requirement for the successful head contractor to demonstrate local opportunities throughout the project so this information session is about networking and ensuring local contractors are prepared to take part.
“This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of a very complex and demanding construction project which will leave a legacy for future generations.”
The session will be held at the Bundaberg Multiplex commencing at 11 am on Thursday 10 March 2022.
The Queensland Government Public Health and Social Measures linked to vaccination status Direction applies to the Bundaberg Multiplex.
In 2021 Council promised that Anzac Pool would remain open until the Aquatic Centre is operational.
Now we understand Anzac Pool is to be permanently closed in April 2022.
Does Council not understand how dangerous it will be to close Anzac Pool this year?
Norville Pool is a wonderful facility but next season it will be overwhelmed by the number of swimmers seeking access once Anzac Pool is closed.
Frustration at too many people using Norville will be high, especially if they are forced to limit numbers allowed to enter the facility.
The risk of potential collisions and other accidents due to increased numbers will be very high.
Has Council conducted a risk analysis regarding such consequences?
I ask Council to reverse their decision to close Anzac Pool earlier than initially promised.
Anzac Pool needs to remain open until the Aquatic Centre is ready.
Let Anzac Pool keep serving all the community: from school visits, kids learning to swim, disability services, scuba diving, fitness classes, hockey, lap swimmers, to locals and visitors having fun and just relaxing in the amazing space (and war memorial) that is Anzac Pool.
Zoe I agree. At an information session at Anzac Pool on 24 November 2020, we were given written and verbal assurance that the Anzac Pool would remain open until the completion of the new aquatic centre. Now I believe it will be closed on 31 March. Apparently funding has be given for the re-development of Anzac Park and has to be used by Dec 2023, hence the hurried demolition of our Anzac Memorial Pool.
Perhaps a solution is to go to Bargara or Burnett Heads & use the beaches for a while instead of Norville? Maybe we could even run extra bus services if needed? There’s also some Lakes & Monkeys Creek that can be used for Swimming.
Bundaberg Swimming Academy has some good facilities & Tom Quinn Centre also as a heated pool that can be hired by the public.