Western Downs Regional Council unveils future vision for region's aquatic facilities and showgrounds

Following extensive community consultation, Western Downs Regional Council has adopted two new strategies that outline the future direction for the region's popular aquatic facilities and showgrounds.

The community's input, as provided through extensive engagement activities in November 2022 and March 2023, was integral in drafting the aquatic centres and showgrounds strategies, which were endorsed by Council at its June Ordinary Meeting.

Advising that the new strategies provide a clear direction for the development and management of these facilities, Western Downs Councillor Megan James, Council Spokesperson for Strategic Communications and Council Facilities, said the new strategies provide a clear direction for the development and management of these facilities.

Councillor James explained “aligned with Council's Corporate Plan, the endorsed strategies reflect Council's commitment to providing modern, attractive, and accessible infrastructure for residents, while balancing the needs and priorities of the community.

"The Aquatic Facilities Strategy aims to ensure safe, attractive, and accessible pools, splash parks, and supporting amenities that cater to the enjoyment of all community members.

"Similarly, the Showgrounds Strategy addresses key areas and supports future master planning to ensure well-planned, well-utilised, well-governed, and well-maintained showgrounds for the benefit of residents and visitors."

Expressing her gratitude to the community for its valuable contributions during the engagement process, Councillor James added “in addition to conducting rigorous research to identify industry-leading practices, Council conducted extensive community consultation, including stakeholder meetings, visioning workshops, surveys, roundtable sessions, and focus groups, in accordance with Council's Communications and Community Engagement Strategy.

"Council has since demonstrated its commitment to addressing community needs by undertaking swim teacher and lifeguard training and planning to trial accessibility stairs next season, two key concerns which were raised during community consultation.

"In the Western Downs, it's the people that make it and the community's input throughout this process helped shape these strategies and ensure they aligned with community aspirations."

With the endorsement of the aquatic centres and showgrounds strategies, Council now enters the next phase, focusing on the development of master plans that align with these strategies.

These master plans will provide direction for future enhancements and improvements, ensuring that aquatic facilities and showgrounds meet the evolving needs and expectations of the community.

Western Downs Regional Council is located inland from Brisbane in Southern Queensland.

Images: Western Downs residents Jordan Hamilton, Georgia Wylie and Samantha McCullough undergo lifeguard training (top) and the Dalby Showgrounds (below). Credit: Western Downs Regional Council.