Upgrade program at Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre set to commence in March

Fraser Coast Regional Council has advised that new change rooms and an improved enclosure for the 25-metre pool at the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre will be among works set to take place in the first stage of a long-term upgrade to the facility.

The Council resolved last week to accept the tender from New State Builders for stage 1A of the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre redevelopment, with work expected to start in early March and be completed by late September this year.

Advising that the Centre is a much-loved community facility, and that the Council has adopted a master plan to guide the redevelopment of the centre over the next 10 to 15 years, Fraser Coast Mayor, George Seymour stated “the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre opened in 1988 and the upgrades are designed to cater for our community needs and aspirations over the next 40 to 50 years.

“The initial works will focus on the 25-metre pool area with new changerooms and a new enclosure, a refurbishment of the existing plant room and a new backwash tank and chlorine spill tank in the service yard.

“This first stage will also lay the groundwork for future stages with the construction of a new lagoon pool plant room and the laying of pipes to service this pool and a future zero depth splash pad, as well as the construction of new chemical storage, a lifeguard station and general storage.”

The $4.1 million first stage was partly funded by a $3.557 million Queensland Government grant through the Local Government Grants and Subsidies program.

Welcoming this, Fraser Coast Councillor, Jan Hegge stated “we are grateful to the Queensland Government for providing funding to allow Council to move ahead with these important works at the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre.

“These upgrades are about improving the aquatic centre's safety and reliability and ensuring it meets modern standards.

“The works have been timed to occur in the cooler months to minimise the disruption to swimmers.

“How and when future stages of the masterplan roll out will depend on available funding within Council’s budget and what grants are available from other levels of government.

“Council is committed to effectively managing and maintaining our assets and planning for the future, and that’s what this project is all about.

“Council is proud of our role in preserving and promoting our unique lifestyle through our aquatic centres, and we encourage residents and visitors to make the most of these great facilities.”