Gladstone Regional Council votes to proceed with Gladstone Aquatic Centre repairs

Here is what the third stage of the Gladstone Aquatic Centre redevelopment would look like:

Gladstone Aquatic Centre rejuvenation works are being doing in stages.

The Gladstone Aquatic Centre will undergo another stage of repairs and there will be disruptions to services.

Gladstone region councillors voted to enter into a $1,517,240.95 contract with Young’s Building Contractors for works such as replacing heating systems, repairing the structure, retiling the 25m pool, fixing heat pump issues, installing a hoist and ramp, and covering the 50m pool.

In council’s recent regular meeting, it was discussed that works would begin on February 28 and were expected to be completed on May 24.

During this time, the 25m pool will need to be closed for some time.

General manager Community Development and Events Kylie Lee said swimming lessons would not be able to take place for six weeks.

Deputy mayor Kahn Goodluck asked if there were any plans for disability access to the 50m pool.

Ms Lee said there would be a hoist and ramp.

Councillor Glenn Churchill asked if this third stage would be the last.

Ms Lee said there was a report done in 2019 and these stages were addressing the issues from that report.

Mayor Matt Burnett said funding had been given for three stages, but didn’t know when funding for a fourth stage would come.

Councillor Desley O’Grady asked if the 34C temperature, which the swim classes wanted, complied with Australian standards.

“We need to comply with the Australian Standard rather than what people want,” she said.

Ms Lee said the only way to get it higher would be to run a diesel generator, which would cause noise problems.

The councillors voted in favour of proceeding with the third stage.