Rockhampton Regional Council commits to redevelopment of ageing Mount Morgan Aquatic Centre

With the current facility falling into disrepair, Rockhampton Regional Council has voted to move forward with plans to redevelop a new Mount Morgan Aquatic Centre.

The Council has already been promised $4.5 million for the project in Round 1 of the Queensland Government’s $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund, in addition to $2 million allocated in the council budget.

The new aquatic centre is planned to include a new 25-metre, eight lane pool with starting blocks and an all-accessibility ramp, as well as splash pad, change rooms, shade structures, amenities, portable grandstands, entry kiosk, landscaping, fencing, car park resurfacing and lighting.

The future of the facility was discussed at the Rockhampton Regional Council meeting on Tuesday (22nd March), with questions raised about water efficiency as well as the project’s $6.5 million budget, maintaining heritage character and the pool’s ability to meet the needs of the town’s ageing population.

With Morgan under level six water restrictions the new pool will need to utilise the best practices of water efficiency.

With the Council resolved to reaffirm the allocation of $2 million included in the 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24 Budgets for the redevelopment of the Centre, Rockhampton Council Chief Executive Evan Pardon was authorised to execute a funding agreement from the Resource Communities Infrastructure Fund in the sum of $4.5 million to be allocated towards the redevelopment of the centre, while the council continues to advocate for external funding and commitments from candidates at the 2022 Federal Election.

The next step will see the Council move ahead with plans to create a concept design in consultation with the community.