Private developer Zen Dev take the lead in Boyne Island Aquatic Centre project

Residents of Boyne Island and Tannum Sands will no longer have to travel into Gladstone to access an aquatic centre after a private developer recently secured council’s approval.

Real estate developer Zen Dev is forging ahead with its commitment to building a state of the art community aquatics centre on the shores of the Boyne River.

Gladstone Regional Council gave the official approval to the private developer on Tuesday after progress had previously been put on hold due to traffic congestion and road accessibility flaws.

The proposed infrastructure scheme set to transform the area in the future intends to include a 50 metre outdoor pool, play parks for children, outdoor sporting and recreation facilities, a cafe and an indoor gym centre.

Currently the land due to be developed is unoccupied.

Zen Dev hope to further expand across the land adjoining the current real estate and develop a marina parklands off the Boyne River. Picture: Zen Dev

In 2021, Zen Dev called on the public to have their say and voice any opinions or objections towards the project commencing if approved.

During this period, a total of 270 submissions were received - 267 submissions were in support and just three submissions raised concerns.

In the council meeting on Tuesday morning, Mayor Matt Burnett left the room while voting on the development application took place.

“It may be perceived that I have a conflict of interest as during my role as a Federal Labor candidate for Flynn the Labor Party made an election commitment to financially contribute to a council-funded aquatic facility,” Mayor Burnett said before stepping out.

There was no further mention of council’s previous design strategy for a proposed Boyne Tannum Aquatic Recreation Centre (BTARC).

Ariel vision of the Boyne Tannum Aquatic and Recreation Centre (BTARC) designs proposed by Council this yer. Picture: GRC