Maryborough Aquatic Centre to reopen after inundation during two flood events

The Maryborough Aquatic Centre, which experienced two floods events during the early months of 2022 that left it inundated with muddy water, is set to reopen on 27th June.

The facility’s pools were first restored after going under during the first flood in January 2022. However, less than six weeks later, another flood hit the Fraser Coast town causing a five month closure as repairs were carried out.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour thanked the community for its patience while the work was underway, with residents to be offered free entry on reopening day.

Mayor Seymour stated “the Maryborough Aquatic Centre suffered considerable damage as a result of the recent floods with repairs required right throughout the centre.

“Work needed to be done on all three pools while repairs were also required on the toddlers’ water play area, the gym, the toilets and change facilities, the external showers, the kiosk, the first aid room, the meeting room and the office.

“Constant wet weather slowed down the works, but we are pleased the Maryborough Aquatic Centre can reopen to the community at the end of the month, just in time for the school holidays.

“To celebrate and to thank residents for their patience, we are offering pool patrons free entry on the reopening day of June 27.”

However, while the 16 metre indoor program pool, outdoor 25 metre pool and the toddlers’ water play area are all set to reopen on 27th June, the Centre’s outdoor 50 metre pool is not expected to be ready for use by mid-July.

Explaining this, Mayor Seymour added “the 50m pool will be filled later this month, but we need about two weeks to test and treat the water to the standard required for swimming.”

To prevent future flooding events, Fraser Coast Regional Council is reported to be considering a building a floodproof levee around the Centre or an earth wall to prevent flood waters from entering the central area of Maryborough.

Images: The Maryborough Aquatic Centre (top) and the Centre during flooding earlier this year (below). Credit: Fraser Coast Regional Council.