New site endorsed for ageing Chinchilla Aquatic Centre replacement

Western Downs Regional Council, located inland from Brisbane in Southern Queensland, has this week endorsed a new location and approval to proceed with concept design for a new precinct to replace the ageing Chinchilla Aquatic Centre.

The new Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct will be developed at 35-41 Villiers Street, which is the site of the former Cypress Pines Caravan Park and directly across the road from the current facility.

Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Strategic Communities and Council Facilities Councillor Megan James said the decision was the culmination of comprehensive engagement with the local community, stakeholders, and industry professionals, exploring multiple options for the future project.

James noted "Council's Aquatic Facilities Strategy has identified the Chinchilla Pool is approaching the end of its useable life and needs to be scheduled for replacement and this is the first step in the journey to deliver a new facility for the region.

"More than 200 people have provided their valuable input by visiting community drop-in sessions, taking part in stakeholder engagement forums or completing our community surveys late last year.

"Thanks to the community's input, our consultants gained a thorough understanding of the community's needs, which has been used to inform a proposal for where the facility could be located and possible facility inclusions for consideration by Council."

James said Council was focused on delivering vibrant, modern, and accessible facilities that were aligned with the needs of our community now and into the future and added "our Aquatic Centres offer endless opportunities for competitive sport, health and wellbeing, recreation, rehabilitation and other occupational therapy, education, and social connection and all of these uses will be considered as part of ongoing planning.

"Using community input, expert research and analysis, and industry best practice, the revitalised precinct concept will consider an outdoor/indoor 50 metre pool with eight lanes, indoor aquatic hall with learn to swim and separate toddler pool, aquatic support areas, health and fitness areas, cafe, amenities and change areas, multi-purpose areas, outdoor precinct areas, and a multi-purpose centre.

"We still have a long way to go and we will continue to keep the community updated about the progress of this major project for the future of Chinchilla and the region."

Council will now establish a stakeholder steering committee to guide the planning of the Chinchilla Aquatic Centre replacement project and commence the concept design process.

Some minor remediation works will also be completed over the next two years to ensure the current pool can remain operational while more detailed planning around the replacement of the facility is completed.

Image. Current Chinchilla Aquatic Centre. Credit: Western Downs Regional Council