Rockhampton aquatic centre set to open but second 50 metre pool plan scuppered

As Rockhampton's redeveloped Southside Memorial Pool approaches its opening at the end of the week, local Councillors have decided against a plan to build a second 50 metre pool at the swimming complex.

The $17 million redevelopment of the city's old WWII Memorial Swimming Complex is set to deliver one of only two FINA compliant facilities located outside of South East Queensland and will have the capacity to host inter-regional, state, and national events.

When complete 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.

Swimming Australia last month told the Rockhampton Regional Council that it would stand more chance of attracting top national competitions if it built a second 50 metre pool which could be used for warm-ups ahead of races.

However, the Council is to press ahead with its plan to build the 25 metre pool during stage two of the development.

Council Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Councillor Cherie Rutherford told local newspaper The Morning Bulletin "we looked at all the options. It was a tough decision but it was going to cost too much money", adding "there were no guarantees from Swimming Australia that if we met their requests that we would get any national standard carnivals." However, Councillor Rutherford is confident that the redeveloped complex will stage state and regional championships in the future as well as providing excellent training opportunities for the region's developing elite swimmers.

The Council still has to agree on admission charges to the new pools, both for recreational swimmers and clubs and is under pressure to keep costs down. Last year representatives from the clubs pleaded for charges to be affordable or risk a boycott.

The redevelopment, part of the Council's vision for the Victoria Park and Showgrounds area to develop as a 'Play Hard' precinct - a destination sporting precinct for the region, is being funded by $5 million of funding from the Federal Government's Regional Development Australia Fund, $7 million of funding from the Queensland Government and $5 million from the Council.

4th April 2011 - CONTRACT AWARDED FOR NEW ROCKHAMPTON POOL