Cash pool: ‘Generational’ project gets $6.6m from Bundaberg Regional Council budget

Plans for a state-of-the-art aquatic centre at Bundaberg West remains afloat with a multimillion-dollar funding allocation in the budget: Here’s what we know about the project so far.

BUILDING BUNDY: Design images for the new Bundaberg Aquatic Centre.

Plans for a state-of-the-art aquatic centre at Bundaberg West remain afloat with the Bundaberg Regional Council allocating $6.6m to the project.

The council funding was outlined in the 2021-22 budget on Tuesday and follows the State Government’s $13m in Works for Queensland funding for the first stage of Bundaberg’s planned aquatics centre in June.

A Bundaberg Regional Council spokesperson said the first step for this project was to complete the detailed design.

The spokesperson said the council was yet to seek tenders on this process. All stages are expected to be delivered in three years.

“Stage one of the project is expected to cost about $30 million,” the spokesperson said.

“Anzac Pool will remain operational during construction until a transition timeline to the new aquatic facility can be finalised.”

BUILDING BUNDY: Design images for the new Bundaberg Aquatic Centre.

In light of the budget adoption earlier this week, Bundaberg Mayor said Dempsey said during his time in public office, thousands of people had told him they want a new state-of-the-art pool for health and wellbeing.

“It’s a genuine pleasure for me and my fellow councillors that we’re going to deliver this important generational project over the next few years,” he said,

“The regional aquatic centre will benefit all members of our community, including the disadvantaged and people with disabilities.”

The site pegged for the Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre is near the Bundaberg Multiplex.

Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd previously stated this project would be a “fantastic, long-lasting asset for the community of Bundaberg”.

BUILDING BUNDY: Design images for the new Bundaberg Aquatic Centre.

“It will be a facility that is to FINA standard, a 10-lane, 50-metre swimming pool that will be all-accessibility available as well,” she said.

Stage 1 of the proposed works, outlined on the Our Bundaberg Region site, include: a covered FINA standard, 10 lane, 50m heated swimming pool including ramp and sling equitable access; entrance station and staff administration area; covered space for marshalling, timing and judge’s area and a cafe, open space and playground.

A grassed spectator seating area is also among the listed proposed works for stage 1.

The NewsMail previously reported, economic modelling suggests the project will create 126 full-time equivalent jobs during construction.