Australian Labor Party announces $15M for a new aquatic centre at Boyne-Tannum

With the election looming, the Australian Labor Party has committed $15M towards an aquatic centre in the Boyne-Tannum area. Read more here:

With Brisbane set to host the 2032 Olympic Games, the Gladstone region is set to become a swimming powerhouse if the Australian Labor Party is successful at the Federal Election.

An Anthony Albanese Labor Government has promised to invest $15 million to deliver a new aquatic centre at Boyne Tannum.

Currently, locals across Boyne and Tannum only have access to the single, 25 metre public swimming pool.

As a growing community of nearly 10,000, you do not have to spend long there before you see there is demand for increased facilities.

Labor says it will partner with the Gladstone Regional Council to deliver a new aquatic facility, including an Olympic-sized pool along with aquatic play and exercise features for the whole family.

Shadow Minister Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Catherine King said the Labor would invest in the sort of infrastructure which delivered a better life to Central Queensland people.

Labour's pledge of a $15M aquatic centre for the Boyne-Tannum area will be delivered if the party win the seat of Flynn at the next election.

“‘For years this community has been crying out for a new aquatic centre. Only an Albanese Labor Government will get on with delivering it,” Ms King said.

ALP candidate for Flynn Matt Burnett said he had been working on securing funding for the project for years.

“This facility will be suitable for the whole family – from the kids right through to our seniors,” he said.

“This funding will go to developing a 10-lane Olympic-sized 50 metre pool that includes a bulkhead, as well as a splash pool and a water slide.

“I’m proud of my track record of delivering infrastructure, local jobs, and community services for the community of Boyne Island and Tannum Sands.

“With the support of the community and as the Member for Flynn, I will fight every day for the needs of all Central Queenslanders.”

President of Boyne Tannum Bullets Swimming Club said if there was a future Olympian in the region’s ranks, this promise would make it possible to build their potential in the Gladstone region.

“Having an Olympic-sized swimming pool that our club can train in, host regional events at, and build a future from is so important for Boyne Tannum,” he said.

“A facility like this also helps to improve water safety along with the health and wellbeing of our community. Swimming is not just a sport, it’s an essential life skill.

“Our club and the community around us have been growing continuously for years; it’s great to see this investment in our future.

“We thank Matt who has been a tireless advocate for our club and our community over many years to get this project underway.”

Gladstone’s Deputy Mayor Kahn Goodluck said council had invested considerable funds and undertaken substantial work to develop plans for an aquatic recreation centre in the Boyne Island and Tannum Sands area, as this project has been one of Council’s major strategic focuses over the past four years.

“Council has consulted with the community, completed the feasibility study and identified the most suitable parcel of land to construct an aquatic recreation centre in the Boyne/Tannum area, work which has been happening since 2018, so it’s great to see such a significant funding commitment from the Federal Opposition,” Cr Goodluck said.

“We undertook significant community consultation to help shape the feasibility study in 2019 and we are now eagerly waiting on concept design options.

“This is a positive step forward for the project and is another great example of our Council working with all levels of government and funding bodies to support our major projects, which means better outcomes for our communities.”