Swim-pressive! Goondiwindi Pool opens on Wednesday after $3.2 million upgrades

The Goondiwindi Memorial Swimming Pool is set to open for the summer on Wednesday, following the completion of more than $3.2 million in upgrades during the off-season.

Local swimming squads and school groups began trialling the pool upgrades last week, helping Council test out the new filtration system, in preparation for the public opening on 17 November.

The upgrades include a new filtration system and a refurbished shell, relined in stainless steel and vinyl polymer. A new wet deck area and access ramp have also been installed, along with a new larger filtration room.

Cr Lachlan Brennan holds Council’s portfolio for lifestyle, including sport and recreation, and said the pool has now been re-filled and is ready to welcome swimmers back with a splash this week.

“Good times and tan lines are only days away,” Cr Brennan said.

“I think we’re all looking forward to diving right back in for the summer, and I want to really thank the community for all their patience as this project has taken place,” he said. “Our priority now is to get the pool open as swiftly as possible, with the final steps of landscaping now underway and to be finalised in the coming weeks.”

The pool closed at the end of February for the upgrades to get under way. The project has since faced several delays due to ongoing wet weather, COVID-19 restrictions and supply shortages.

However, Cr Brennan said the improvements would be worth the wait.

“I think this final past couple of weeks has really made us appreciate our local pool even more, especially as the weather has started to warm up,” he said.

“We’re just so lucky to have an Olympic-sized swimming pool right here in town, and full credit goes to the many community members who helped to fundraise to make this a reality more than 50 years ago, to ensure generations of local children would be able to learn to swim in a safe environment.

“The Goondiwindi pool will turn 58 next month, and these upgrades will mean the community, our swim clubs and schools can continue to enjoy it for another half-century or more.

“I hope everyone really makes an effort to come down for a dip and see the new upgrades for themselves,” he said. “The new pool lining especially has made such a big difference, and the new access ramp will ensure everyone is able to enjoy this wonderful local asset.”