Upgrade of Chinchilla Aquatic Centre on the way following first meeting of Reference Group

Members of the Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct Reference Group have been working with Western Downs Regional Council to provide input on the design brief of the new aquatic centre.

Chinchilla Aquatic Centre Picture: WDRC

Members of the Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct Reference Group met for the first time last month to discuss the ongoing Chinchilla Aquatic Centre Project.

In January 2024 the Western Downs Regional Council endorsed the site of the former Cyprus Pines Caravan Park at 35-41 Villiers St, directly across the road from the existing centre. as the desired location for the new centre.

During the consultation five different possible site locations for the aquatic centre were assessed on their suitability based on 21 different criteria before the former Cypress Pines Caravan Park was selected.

This followed council’s Aquatic Facilities Strategy which identified the Chinchilla Pool was approaching the end of its usable life and needed to be replaced.

Council facilities spokeswoman councillor Sophie Bougoure said following the site selection council established the Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct Reference Group to guide and support the project concept development process.

“The establishment of this reference group was well considered to ensure we had broad representation of the community and those who use the facility,” she said.

“We have engaged a range of community stakeholders with representatives from the Swimming Club, Chamber of Commerce, Historical Museum and education, health, and community sectors.

“The group has since met twice to workshop, discuss and provide input to council on their preferred site inclusions for the design brief which will be provided to two architects to develop concept options for the future aquatic precinct.

“The reference group’s inclusions were also informed by the broader community engagement feedback which was undertaken by experienced pool consultants in November last year.”

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

From the research 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.

“Contracts are set to be awarded in June for two architects to draft concept design options. In the months following, the designs will be presented to council and the reference group, as well as the broader community to allow another opportunity for our residents to have their say and provide feedback on a facility that will service our region for generations to come,” Ms Bougoure said.

“Council is committed to providing our residents with modern infrastructure and essential services and community input is vital to making that happen. We continue to take them on the journey as this project progresses and residents are encouraged to visit council’s Have Your Say website for regular project updates.”

The next step will be presentation of the concept options in October.