The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is set to be the region’s next great asset as construction on the three-pool project progresses.
Visiting the site, Mayor Helen Blackburn said the project had made significant progress since construction began in October 2022 and that it was important the community knew the full extent of the project cost.
“Council recently released the full budget for the aquatic centre construction during our meeting on 28 May,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Greater detail surrounding the cost of the project is something our community has been crying out for and as part of my commitment to leading a transparent Council, it’s been delivered.”
The report outlined the full array of project expenditure including the construction contract, design contract, project management, contract administration, waste disposal and ancillary and statutory costs at a total forecast value of $89,668,823.
“Construction is scheduled for completion in early 2025 and, when delivered, will be an incredible community asset.
“The major structural steel is now complete with work focussed on the buildings and installation of services.
“It is a significant investment for our community, so it is now incumbent on us to put the pools to their best use for the benefit of our entire region.”
Deputy Mayor and Community Resilience and Connection portfolio spokesperson Cr Tracey McPhee said the accessibility of the new Bundaberg Aquatic Centre would be invaluable to many community service providers and residents.
“From an adult accessible changing table to a ramp entry in all three pools accessibility has been a major focus for this project,” Cr McPhee said.
“The two competition pools will also be fitted with lifts with 2 m depth of the 50 m pool, depth ranges from 1.2 m to 1.8 m for the indoor 25 m lap pool and a depth range of 90 cm to 1.4 m for the 25 m heated program and learn to swim pool.”
“This will ensure important community uses for rehabilitation, exercise, sport and recreation, and learn-to-swim programs can be accommodated within the facility all year round.”
Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Cr Carmen McEneany said work was underway on the grandstand for the 50 m pool which would make the Bundaberg Region an attractive destination for high level training and competition.
“It’s wonderful to see sport and recreation so well-catered to in the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre to meet the needs of residents from all walks of life,” Cr McEneany said.
“The Bundaberg Region has long been home to incredible sporting talents and knowing that rising stars will have access to a facility of this standard as they train to become the next great is an inspiring outlook.”
Bundaberg Aquatic Centre construction stats:
• Approximately 560 tonnes of structural steel
• Approximately 120 tonnes of roof purlins
• Approximately 10,000m² of surface area requiring about 6139 litres of protective paint.
The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre project is funded by Bundaberg Regional Council with over $13 million in support from the State Government Works for Queensland program.
Meanwhile in Childers our 1950’s pool is being patched up again