Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council opens consultation on proposed changes at Googong Sports and Aquatic Centre

A proposed change by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council to plans for Googong's new Indoor Sport and Aquatic Centre have been opened to public consultation.

The Council is proposing cutting two lanes in the yet-to-be-built 25m pool and a wading pool inside the innovative aquatic centre project in Googong in favour of a larger warm water area that would provide a “larger and more versatile alternative” which will operate at a higher temperature than a normal lap pool.

Googong Township believe this change to the wading pool will be more suited to catering to a larger number of community groups and would allow for learning to swim classes, warm water relaxation, use by parents and babies along with hydrotherapy activities.

Explaining the change, Googong Township Mayor, Kenrick Winchester stated “the original scope for the centre included an 8-lane 25m indoor pool and a 50 metre² children's wading pool and the proposed changes are to replace the wading pool with a larger and potentially more versatile warm water program pool and to reduce the size of the larger pool to a 6-lane 25m indoor pool.

“The warm water program pool could operate at higher temperatures than a normal lap pool and be suited for learn to swim classes, warm water relaxation, use by parents and babies and hydrotherapy.

“The Googong developer is building this facility as part of the local planning agreement. They've made this offer to change the facility and we're interested in the feedback of Googong residents who will use the facility, to make sure that the space can benefit them for years to come.”

Developers told council the reduction of pool lanes from eight to six could be reversed if they use additional rope anchors but with a 1.5m width instead of 2m, allowing for eight, albeit thinner lanes.

Council also conceded the proposed changes may not be seen as beneficial for the community, noting it would be the second pool facility in the area with the lack of a dedicated children’s “wading pool or splash deck”.

The aquatic centre is part of the $1.8 billion Googong master planned suburb on the ACT and NSW border which will include five neighbourhoods and a town centre retail area.

Comments are invited by Monday 27th November 2023.

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Image: Plan for the Googong Indoor Sport and Aquatic Centre. Credit: Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council.