Gladstone council approves private development of aquatic and recreational facility in Boyne Tannum

APPROVED: Gladstone’s council has today confirmed the development of a “much needed” Boyne Tannum aquatic and recreational facility. See the full details.

The much-anticipated aquatic and recreational facility for Gladstone has today been approved by the council, with private developers winning out over the council’s own proposal.

Gladstone Regional Council voted in favour of the proposed aquatic centre — featuring an Olympic pool, water park and slides, and a gym — by real estate developer, Zen Dev.

The Boyne Tannum Pool & Aquatic Recreation Centre DA was assessed during Tuesday’s General Meeting for the proposed site at Hampton Dr and Wyndham Av, Boyne Island.

The private developer secured council approval for the project despite competing against an alternative proposal brought forward by Gladstone Regional Council.

The proposed development of Zen Dev’s aquatic and recreational facility will be debated at the council meeting on March 1. Picture: supplied.

After endorsing a feasibility study for such a project, Gladstone Regional Council engaged engineering firm GHD last year to review its master plan for council’s preferred site at Coronation Dr, Tannum Sands.

A Concept Design Report for council’s proposal was due in late January but remained unpublished.

On Monday, a Gladstone Regional Council employee told The Observer it was their understanding Council’s proposal would had paused pursuing the project while the private developer’s application was being assessed.

The Boyne Tannum Aquatic Recreation Centre Community Working Group has consulted widely and surveyed more than 1400 people who expressed overwhelming support for such a project. Picture: supplied.

Boyne Tannum Aquatic Recreation Centre Community Working Group spokeswoman, Leanne Patrick says it was so pleasing to know the community had been heard.

“Our community now looks forward to this development which will enhance and invigorate the region,” Ms Patrick said.

“A facility of this nature has been years in the making, we have consulted widely and there is overwhelming community support it,” she said.

“The Boyne and Tannum communities are surrounded by water yet we don’t even have a full-sized public pool, this facility is needed and will be great not only for locals but tourism and development.”

Following the approval, the real estate developers took to social media to thank the council and community.

“We received the approval for the Boyne/Tannum Aquatic Centre from GRC this morning and wish to thank the community for all your support and congratulate those who have been involved,” the statement read.

Sadly, Zen Dev’s Brisbane office is among many businesses impacted by the severe weather and flooding impacting large parts of southeast Queensland.

“(O)ur office fell victim to the current flood disaster occuring in SEQ ... we are busy organising the clean up and assisting friends, family and loved ones who are effected (sic).”

Gladstone Mayor and ALP candidate for Flynn, Matt Burnett last month announced that Labor would commit $15m to an aquatic centre developed by the Council. Picture: supplied.

EARLIER: In January, the Australian Labor Party (ALP) committed $15m to deliver a new aquatic centre at Boyne-Tannum.

If successful at the looming federal election, the ALP says it would partner with the Gladstone Regional Council to deliver their proposed aquatic facility.

Gladstone Mayor and Labor candidate for Flynn, Matt Burnett last month said he had worked for years to secure the funding.

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

It is understood advocates are engaging with the Liberal National Party in an effort to secure similar funding.

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