Construction commences on Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre

Construction is underway on the $75.8 million new Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre, despite a $30 million rise in the cost of the joint council-state government project.

Bundaberg Regional Council advised last year that the cost of the Aquatic Centre had risen from an original estimate of $45 million.

With Rockhampton company T F Woollam & Son awarded the tender to build the new facility, Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey advised of the Council’s ongoing commitment to the new Centre, stating "we know that it's a generational project, which will be used to benefit all the people across the whole of the region.

"It's certainly one of the best aquatic facilities outside of a capital city, particularly in Queensland.

"It's all about livability and lifestyle and the ability to attract people from right across the region to come to Bundaberg.

"We know that the Olympics are coming as well and that's just a bonus that we'll get as we head toward 2032."

Mayor Dempsey also advised a major prerequisite was creating equitable access through wheelchair lifts and hoists, ramps, and accessible change rooms.

"It's going to be one of the most accessible pool facilities in Australia.

"So, particularly with the number of senior citizens and people with disabilities in this area, they'll be really proud to tell the rest of Queensland how good this facility is."

Recreational and lap swimmers have been confined to a single pool in recent months following the demolition of the century-old Anzac Memorial Pool this year.

The new aquatic centre will deliver a covered 10-lane, FINA-standard, 50-metre competition pool, indoor pools for learn-to-swim and health programs, and multipurpose training and fitness areas with the project anticipated to be completed by end 2024.

Bundaberg swimming coach Paul Simms said the Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre would draw major competitions and told the ABC "there'll be teams that come up and train in it and the lap swimmers will just be in heaven to come here.

"To have that Olympic-standard, millimetre perfect, it means you can host a lot more competitions here, whether it's Wide Bay Championships, Pacific School Games, or Australian Titles."

According to the ABC, Swimming Australia's Executive General Manager of Sport Development Kirin Lindop said the facility had the potential to be used in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Lindop noted "we do say 'never say never' in terms of what a regional facility can be used for.

"In the upcoming Melbourne World-Short Course Championships, we've got a Dolphins pre-camp in a Bendigo regional facility, which is incredible for activation and community engagement in that region.

"So, these facilities are not only amazing for the region, but a real attraction for teams coming from overseas.

"There'll be obviously an incredible depth of countries coming into Australia for Brisbane '32, so this facility absolutely will be targeted."

Image courtesy of Credit Bundaberg Council