Belgravia Leisure appointed as new operating partner for Western Downs Aquatic Centres

A five-year management agreement sees Belgravia Leisure appointed as the new operating partner for Queensland’s Western Downs Regional Council's six aquatic centre facilities in Dalby, Chinchilla, Jandowae, Miles, Tara and Wandoan following a public tender process. The agreement comes into effect on 1st July 2025.

With more than 30 years of experience in the leisure and recreation industry, Belgravia Leisure manages over 250 sport, leisure and tourism sites across Australia and New Zealand.

Following the Western Downs agreement, Belgravia will now also manage the region's two year-round venues, Dalby Aquatic Centre and Chinchilla Aquatic and Fitness Centre, as well as its four seasonal aquatic centres at Jandowae, Miles, Tara and Wandoan.

Belgravia Leisure Chief Executive, Nick Cox said he welcomed the announcement that Belgravia has been appointed manager and operator of the six aquatic venues across Western Downs.

Cox shared "Belgravia Leisure is proud to partner with Western Downs Regional Council to manage these wonderful aquatic facilities.We are looking forward to addressing many community needs and welcoming all ages and abilities, including children, families, youth, community groups, recreational and organised sports and those with special needs into the venues.

"Belgravia Leisure is also committed to supporting the local economy. This means retaining as many local staff as possible, engaging local suppliers and keeping the Western Downs economy healthy through investing in resources from the area."

Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Facilities, Sophie Bougoure said Council and Belgravia will be working closely with current aquatic facility staff to enhance user experiences and support the physical, social and mental wellbeing of residents and visitors.

Bougoure added "as we transition into the new management agreement with Belgravia, residents and visitors can be rest assured that we will continue to run high quality programs, stick to the same opening hours and have many of the same familiar faces serving our communities.

"We understand that our pools and aquatic facilities are much-loved and well utilised by our communities, and Council is committed to providing facilities that are maintained to a high standard - I am confident Belgravia Leisure will deliver this for the region.

"I'm pleased to welcome Belgravia Leisure into the region; the community will benefit greatly from having an operating partner that has extensive experience in aquatic facility operations to oversee our region's pools.

"Having one company oversee all operations ensures consistency across all communities in the region and ensures Council are effective at asset management and will responsibly maintain our community pools.

"The announcement of the new tender demonstrates Council's commitment to being a financially intelligent and responsible Council that is focusing on proactive, sustainable planning for the future."

Major upgrades announced for Western Downs' pools
The Council has advised that its quatic centres in Chinchilla, Dalby, Miles, Jandowae and Tara are set to undergo more than $1 million in upgrades and remediation works over the next few months.

Commenting on the work, Councillor Bougoure said the upgrades would be undertaken during winter closures for seasonal aquatic facilities to limit disruption to peak swimming seasons in spring and summer, noting "our local aquatic centres are invaluable community assets and we’re excited to start these important projects across the region to ensure our regional pools continue to serve the needs of our communities well into the future.

“These works are aligned with Council’s aquatic facilities strategy adopted in 2023 to ensure safe, attractive, accessible pools, splash parks and supporting amenities that cater to the enjoyment of community members and visitors to our region."

The current Chinchilla Aquatic Centre’s outdoor pools will be resurfaced over a seven-week period from next month, while Jandowae will benefit from upgrades to its hydraulics system in May.

Resurfacing works will also be undertaken for the Miles outdoor pools from June and the Tara community will benefit from a new perimeter fence incorporating the Rotary Park playground into the town’s aquatic centre grounds.

Dalby will see refurbishments to the indoor pool walls and an upgrade to the filtration system for its 50-metre outdoor pool.

Image: Tara Aquatic Centre