Townsville pool to become aquatic show piece

Townsville's Kokoda Pool is to be transformed into a "total aquatic solution" as part of a complete remake of the neglected facility.

Explaining the development, Townsville Mayor Les Tyrell, said that despite a tough financial situation, he was determined to see a remake come to fruition, stating "there is no doubt this pool is well placed to serve the community but we cannot continue to neglect it and expect the facility to enjoy a strong future."

The future of the Kokoda Pool will be revealed as part of a total Aquatic Facilities Master Plan to be considered by the City Council. The plan discusses the need for multi-million dollar upgrades to the Tobruk and Long Tan facilities, and a total remake of Kokoda.

Townsville City Councillor Ray Gartrell said the upgrade was years overdue and could help introduce the facility to thousands more people, saying "I am obviously most keen to see a pool remain for families but I am also lobbying for a hydro therapy pool to be included in the remake.

"There are many elderly residents living nearby including a nursing home across the road and the thought of a recovery pool which could serve our seniors as well as accident victims and sports enthusiasts is very exciting to me."

Mayor Tyrell recently explained that the first step in the redevelopment involves calling for expressions of interest to undertake the work, with a preferred developer chosen early in 2009. The redevelopment is expected to be completed in 2010.

Discussions are set to begin between Council, the lessees of the city's public pools and user groups to find alternative accommodation until the Kokoda redevelopment is finished.