Gladstone council moves Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre project

Gladstone council is moving a popular project to a new site after recognising the previous location held significant Aboriginal cultural heritage importance.

An artist's impression of the Boyne Tannum Aquatic Recreation Centre pool. The project is moving to a new site at Arthur Street, Boyne Island.

Gladstone Regional Council is moving its Boyne Tannum Aquatic Recreation Centre project to a new site after recognising the previous location held significant Aboriginal cultural heritage importance.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said today the decision was made following information received during the final approvals for the previous site on Lot 900 Coronation Drive, Tannum Sands.

“Council conducted various inspections and surveys of the previous site along with Traditional Owner representatives, the Port Curtis Coral Coast (PCCC) Trust Cultural Heritage team and an archaeologist,” Cr Burnett said.

“Earlier clearances were provided throughout each stage of the project. However, council learnt the Coronation Drive site holds cultural importance while outworking a Biodiversity Rehabilitation Plan, which was a requirement of the development approval.

“Once we gained a greater understanding of the land’s cultural importance, we knew progressing with construction of a pool on this site was no longer the right decision for our community and council will continue to partner with the PCCC to make sure any Aboriginal cultural heritage is proudly recognised, protected and conserved.”

Council assured residents the plan to progress the pool project had not changed and it had worked quickly to acquire the new Boyne Island site in October.

The proposed entrance to the new Boyne Tannum Aquatic Recreation Centre which is moving to a new site at Arthur Street, Boyne Island.

It said the strategic land acquisition of an Arthur Street site and an adjoining property on Centenary Drive was part of a broader strategic land review of the region.

Gladstone Region’s Registered Native Title Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBC) Chair Kristin Sarra said council’s respect and support of culture was important and appreciated.

“We are grateful for Council’s decision not to construct on the Coronation Drive site and acknowledge this is a significant step to enable Traditional Owners to reconnect to their traditional land and sea areas, kinship, lore, culture, customs and values,” Ms Sarra said.

“We look forward to continued collaboration with council to develop the right cultural and land management plan together to both preserve the site and celebrate its cultural importance.”

Originally published as Gladstone council moves Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre project