New site for Chinchilla Aquatic Centre endorsed by Western Downs Regional Council

A location for the new Chinchilla Aquatic Centre has been endorsed by Western Downs Regional Council, as the project enters the concept design stage. See where the new site will be here.

A new site has been revealed for the new Chinchilla Aquatic Centre after the new precinct project was granted permission to proceed to the concept design stage.

The project, which has recently been fully endorsed by the Western Downs Regional Council, will replace the existing ageing Chinchilla Pool.

The new precinct will be on the site of the former Cyprus Pines Caravan Park at 35-41 Villiers St, which is directly across the road from the existing centre.

Chinchilla Aquatic Centre Picture: WDRC

Western Downs Regional Council Strategic Communities and Council Facilities spokeswoman Megan James said that choosing a new location was the first step in replacing the region’s current facility, with a facility more aligned with the needs of the community now and into the future.

“Council’s Aquatic Facilities Strategy has identified the Chinchilla Pool is approaching the end of its usable life and needs to be scheduled for replacement and this is the first step in the journey to deliver a new facility for the region,” Ms James said.

“More than 200 people have provided their valuable input by visiting community drop-in sessions, taking part in stakeholder engagement forums or completing our community surveys late last year.

“Thanks to the community’s input, our consultants gained a thorough understanding of the community’s needs, which has been used to inform a proposal for where the facility could be located and possible facility inclusions for consideration by council.”

The aquatic centre is a well-used community asset, which promotes health and wellbeing in many ways. With the new centre likely more than two years away, minor remediation works have been scheduled for the existing facility in the meantime.

“Our Aquatic Centres offer endless opportunities for competitive sport, health and wellbeing, recreation, rehabilitation and other occupational therapy, education, and social connection and all of these uses will be considered as part of ongoing planning,” Ms James said.

“Using community input, expert research and analysis, and industry best practice, the revitalised precinct concept will consider an outdoor/indoor 50m pool with eight lanes, indoor aquatic hall with learn to swim and separate toddler pool, aquatic support areas, health and fitness areas, cafe, amenities and change areas, multipurpose areas, outdoor precinct areas, and a multipurpose centre.

“We still have a long way to go and we will continue to keep the community updated about the progress of this major project for the future of Chinchilla and the region.”