Maryborough Aquatic Centre to reopen after floods

After the muddy Mary River inundated Maryborough’s aquatic centre twice, the reopening of the centre is planned for late June, but the 50m pool will remain off-limits for longer. Read why and see how the centre looks now:

After two floods in 2022 left public pools at the Maryborough Aquatic Centre full of mud water, the facility is finally poised to reopen on June 27.

However, the 50m pool at the centre is not expected to be open until next month.

The pools had almost been restored after going under during the first flood in January 2022.

But then, less than six weeks later, another flood hit Maryborough.

The centre was closed for five months as repairs were carried out.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour thanked the community for its patience while the work was underway, with residents to be offered free entry on reopening day.

The Maryborough Aquatic Centre was closed for five months as repairs were carried out and will reopen on June 27.

“The Maryborough Aquatic Centre suffered considerable damage as a result of the recent floods with repairs required right throughout the centre,” Mr Seymour said.

“Work needed to be done on all three pools while repairs were also required on the toddlers’ water play area, the gym, the toilets and change facilities, the external showers, the kiosk, the first aid room, the meeting room and the office.

“Constant wet weather slowed down the works, but we are pleased the Maryborough Aquatic Centre can reopen to the community at the end of the month, just in time for the school holidays.

“To celebrate and to thank residents for their patience, we are offering pool patrons free entry on the reopening day of June 27.”

Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott told the Chronicle at the time that the impact of two natural disasters had “knocked” the pool around.

The Maryborough Aquatic Centre in the aftermath of the February 2022 floods.

Mr Truscott said he would support exploring options to prevent future flooding at the centre.

He said that could mean a floodproof levee around the aquatic centre or an earth wall at Queens Park to try to prevent flood waters from entering the CBD altogether.

Mr Seymour said the 16m indoor program pool, the 25m pool and the toddlers’ water play area would all reopen on June 27, while the 50m pool was expected to be ready for use by mid-July.

“The 50m pool will be filled later this month, but we need about two weeks to test and treat the water to the standard required for swimming,” he said.

Mr Seymour said residents with annual passes would be offered an extension of time on their passes.

“Council will start processing pass extensions from Monday, 27 June and the preference is for this to be done by sending an email to [e-mail],” he said.

“Being flooded twice in two months and carrying out major repairs during a building boom has been challenging, but we are looking forward to welcoming patrons back to the Maryborough Aquatic Centre soon.”