Local jobs and the region’s rehabilitation and training capabilities have been given a significant boost with the head contractor for the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre announced.
TF Woollam and Son Pty Ltd was the successful tenderer for the $75.8 million (excluding GST) project set to deliver state-of-the-art and year-round training, learn to swim and remedial facilities.
The contractor was selected for its proven experience with delivering facilities of this scale and its demonstrated commitment to engaging local companies in the construction process.
Local sub-contractors and suppliers are set contribute to about 40 per cent of the overall project delivery.
Local businesses were given the opportunity to participate in the project through contractor information sessions in March and are encouraged to contact the TF Woollam and Son Pty Ltd to enquire about potential opportunities to participate in the project.
Head contractor to start work on generational project
Construction on the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is expected to be underway within two months and when complete will boost economic, social and health outcomes for community members young and old.
The generational project will feature a FINA standard Olympic pool complete with grandstand seating and digital scoreboard and indoor 25 m lap pool specially designed for aqua aerobics, learn to swim and school-based programs.
A heated program and learn to swim pool will cater to a warm water program for activities including water-based physiotherapy.
Multipurpose rooms for hire, a central courtyard and café complete the facility’s offerings.
With the excitement of the 2032 Olympics in Queensland much of the focus of the project so far has been on its training capabilities but Mayor Jack Dempsey said its health credentials could not be ignored.
“The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is a facility with the ability to cater to the region’s health needs now and into the future,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“We recognise the importance of learn to swim programs, we know we have skilled athletes who can excel even further with access to facilities like these and we’re excited about the economic opportunities a facility like this creates by attracting large events.
“We also understand residents need access to water for health benefits like remedial therapies and aqua aerobics.
“That’s why we’re planning for the future today to deliver this legacy project.
“It has been custom designed to meet these needs for our community.
“The benefits of this facility will be felt by community members for many, many years to come.”
Mayor Dempsey said accessibility was a key feature of the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre.
“All pools will feature a ramp entry option and the two competition pools will be fitted with lifts.
“The amenities will also incorporate an adult accessible changing table to ensure the entire facility can be enjoyed by all.”
Anzac Park redevelopment
As the head contractor prepares to turn the sod on the new Bundaberg Aquatic Centre work continues to progress on the redevelopment of Anzac Park with the awarding of a tender to Loftus Contracting for the demolition of Anzac Pool and the appointment of Niche Environment and Heritage as memorial curation consultant.
Council announced in June that work to revitalise the Bundaberg riverside would progress, in another major project set to provide long-lasting social, economic and wellbeing benefits.
The redeveloped Anzac Park precinct will protect and enhance the Anzac legacy and increase community use of the central area.
Additional facilities will cater to a wide range of community members from adventure-style playground and zero-depth water play to an outdoor event space with a stage and improved riverside access.
The Aquatic Centre has been partly funded through Works for Queensland and the Anzac Park redevelopment has received support through the Building Better Regions Fund.
Great to see both these legacy projects progress! The social benefits of both projects will be felt for generations to come.
what will entry COSTS BE $$$$$$
Why no costings for the demolition of the Anzac Memorial Pool? The contract has been awarded – so the cost would be known and should also be public. What is the status of the $5m grant for the Anzac Park redevelopment. Also many of the 25,000 swimmers who used the ANZAC Pool were vulnerable citizens – some aged, some disabled and some veterans who used if for rehabilitation purposes. What happens to them for the next couple of years?? Surely our Councillors won’t sign off on this….but on past performance – perhaps they will. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME
How dare you this is not for the future of bundaberg it is to line your pockets the anzac pool may have been old but when ian managed it was a big social place for families and at least the elderly could stand in that pool which they cant in the norville pool, what you have done is abhhorent and you have taken thousands of choices away,shame,shame,shame.
do we really need memorial to a failure’s ego. all old Bundaberg People must recall what the pool was about. gee, i can still recall Saturday Mornings visits and the Jones Twin girls were there. Now, who was their father, any guesses.
I can see the future benefits of this new aquatic centre as long as the heritage from those who sacrificed so much is kept and honored. On another note, I am unsure why these developments always seem to be plagued by these mind bending cost blowouts. Surely these costs can be controlled with greater efficiency other than doubling the original cost estimates?
Ramps and lifts to get access into the pool is a good step forward for pwd etc but how do we get them into a lift or on another chair if that person can’t physically transfer maybe the option of a mobile hoist or 2 would be beneficial to acheive that?
Very pleased to see this progress. The new facililty will be welcomed by many. This will be much more inclusive than the old pool.
Great work, this will be an awesome facility