Community contributes to final design of Rockhampton’s new Mount Morgan aquatic centre

Rockhampton Regional Council advised that a community information session held in November 2022 provided key feedback to help determine the final design of the new Mount Morgan pool.

The ageing pool had reached its end of life and was experiencing significant leaking problems. This, in addition to the water restrictions, meant that the pool needed to be closed.

Rockhampton Regional Council confirmed the allocation of $2 million included in the 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24 Budgets for the redevelopment of the Mount Morgan Aquatic Centre.

The new aquatic centre is planned to include a new 25-metre, eight-lane pool with starting blocks and an all-accessibility ramp, as well as a splash pad, change rooms, shade structures, amenities, and portable grandstands, entry kiosk, landscaping, fencing, car park resurfacing and lighting.

The community had the opportunity to complete a survey and have input on different design elements of the pool.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said he was pleased that the design will incorporate feedback from the survey and shared “we will be giving the Mount Morgan community what they want.

“Every option that we are going with is the most preferred option by the community which is a fantastic outcome.

“The community voted to have a mining/gold rush theme in keeping with Mount Morgan’s history which I am really looking forward to seeing come to life.

“We will also be going with the roof style that the community voted for as well as keeping the timber from the eastern grandstand and using it in the restoration of the western grandstand.

“We can appreciate the importance of the old grandstands to the community so it was great to receive feedback through this survey that has allowed us to incorporate it into the new pool design.”

Divisional Councillor Cherie Rutherford and Councillor for Parks, Sport and Public Spaces is thankful for the community’s participation in the process.

Cr Rutherford added “It was really interesting receiving the survey results and seeing the community input in this key project for Mount Morgan’s future.

“It goes to show how important it is to have your say when we give these opportunities because we have taken all of this feedback on board and the community’s say has now determined the future of the pool.” 

The Mount Morgan pool is funded by the Queensland Government’s Resources Community Infrastructure Fund and Rockhampton Regional Council.

Image top: Mt Morgan Pool - Artists Impression of wet play area – example only, not final design; Image above: Current Mount Morgan pool facility