Goondiwindi pool kids swimming

Council unveils $2 million project to upgrade Goondiwindi pool

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Goondiwindi Regional Council has today unveiled a $2 million project to upgrade the Goondiwindi swimming pool.

Goondiwindi Regional Council and the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland (W4Q) program will co-fund the project.

The project will incorporate state of the art assets to maximise the life expectancy of the pool including re-lining the pool in stainless steel and vinyl polymer and the installation of a wet deck area. Inlet and outlet pipes will also be replaced to ensure the ongoing hygiene, safety and efficiency of the pool. The project will also see the installation of an access ramp to ensure that all members of our community can make use of this asset.

The length and number of the pool’s lanes will be unaffected in the upgrade.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi region the Honourable Lawrence Springborg, AM, said the upgrades were essential to the longevity of the pool.

“The Goondiwindi pool is a hugely valuable asset not only to Goondiwindi, but to many communities from outside the town as well,” Cr Springborg said. “Not only is the pool a wonderful facility for recreational swimmers, tourists and families, but it also helps to develop competitive swimmers.The Goondiwindi pool also supports 13 schools from across the region with their swimming programs.”

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the pool upgrade was exactly the type of project targeted under the Works for Queensland program.

“In outback towns such as Goondiwindi, the council might not have the funds for such a major refurbishment,” he said.

“Once it’s finished, and I’m looking forward to seeing it when it is, this will make a big difference to how people spend their leisure time in this region.

“This is just one fantastic project being funded through the $600 million Works for Queensland program, which is creating and supporting thousands of jobs across the State.”

Council has sought extensive community consultation over the past few years to determine a ‘wish list’ for the Goondiwindi pool. Many users identified upgrades such as heated swimming, various new amenities, and children’s play areas as priorities, however, Cr Springborg said that those additions are simply not feasible without external funding.

“Council has received quotes of up to $18m for those ‘wish list’ projects - and I’m sure most people would agree that that’s just not something that Council can deliver without significant additional external financial support.

“The upgrades announced today, however, will ensure the longevity and functionality of our current facility and I have to thank the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program for their huge contribution to this project.

“The Goondiwindi pool has now served our community for about 60 years, and has reached a point the repairs and fixes are costing the community.  The upcoming works will ensure that it can continue to be a great viable asset for our region.

“Over the last decade Council have prioritised the new pool and amenities at Inglewood and significant refurbishment of the Texas pool, recognising the importance of quality community assets and the role of physical activity in our communities” the Mayor said.

Council is now preparing to go out to tender for this project. All works will be undertaken during the off-season in 2021 to be ready for the summer season in September 2021.

15th June 2020 at 12:00 AM