Queensland Premier opens pool for 'city of champions'

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has opened the first stage of Rockhampton's redeveloped Southside Memorial Pool, dubbing Australia's beef capital a "city of champions" in her opening address.

The completed 50 metre FINA compliant pool marks the first stage of the $17 million redevelopment of the Rockhampton's old World War Two Memorial Swimming Complex.

Following the opening formalities, Rockhampton Regional Council representatives met with user-groups who have openly expressed fears that charges at the new facility will make it too expensive for the region's swimming clubs.

Mayor Brad Carter stated "we are committed to engaging with our community to deliver on a project that meets the expectations of the swimming fraternity and the expectations of what we can fit into a construction budget."

Mayor Carter told local media that the Council was committed to ensuring the pool was "affordable for this community", adding "we will deliver on affordable swimming in this region."

When completed in 2014, the facility will offer a 10-lane Olympic-standard pool along with a 25 metre pool with disabled access, a learn-to-swim facility, a zero depth / wading pool recreation zone, new entry building and amenities and a 90 space car park.

1st February 2012 - ROCKHAMPTON AQUATIC CENTRE SET TO OPEN BUT SECOND 50 METRE POOL PLAN SCUPPERED

4th April 2011 - CONTRACT AWARDED FOR NEW ROCKHAMPTON POOL