Queensland Government backs outback pool upgrade

As temperatures rise, the Aramac community now has a safe and inviting place to cool down and exercise, with a $1.99 million upgrade of Aramac Aquatic Centre complete.

Queensland Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the upgrades – which supported six jobs – have made an instant splash with locals and visitors, with the original Aramac pool built in 1951.

Minister Dick stated “this pool has been recognised as a key piece of community infrastructure in a region where temperatures soar to over 35 degrees Celsius for five months of the year.

“Supported by funding through the (Queensland) Government’s Building our Regions program, the upgrades addressed a range of issues, including water leakage, which will prove critical, particularly in times of drought, in helping make Aramac more liveable and sustainable.”

The upgrade features a six-lane, 25-metre pool, a 10-metre splash pad, and associated treatment plants.

Barcaldine Regional Council Mayor Rob Chandler said the community is excited about using the new facilities, especially with the sweltering summer months fast approaching.

Mayor Chandler stated “the Aramac Aquatic Centre is a really important part of our community, so we are thankful for the funding the Palaszczuk Government has provided in order to help us make such important upgrades to the pool.

“Facilities such as this really are the heart of our small communities, and the opening of the new pool and splash pad in time for summer will provide everyone with a fantastic shared space to escape the heat.”

The Queensland Government contributed $987,312 to the works, adding to the $1,012,311 spent by the Barcaldine Regional Council.

Through the Building our Regions program, $225 million has been allocated towards 174 critical infrastructure projects across 62 local governments in regional Queensland, generating approximately 1762 jobs.

There is another $70 million available under Round 4 of the program, with successful projects expected to be announced later this year.