The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is set to be the region’s next great asset as construction on the three-pool project progresses.

Visiting the site, Mayor Helen Blackburn said the project had made significant progress since construction began in October 2022 and that it was important the community knew the full extent of the project cost.

“Council recently released the full budget for the aquatic centre construction during our meeting on 28 May,” Mayor Blackburn said.

“Greater detail surrounding the cost of the project is something our community has been crying out for and as part of my commitment to leading a transparent Council, it’s been delivered.”

The report outlined the full array of project expenditure including the construction contract, design contract, project management, contract administration, waste disposal and ancillary and statutory costs at a total forecast value of $89,668,823.

“Construction is scheduled for completion in early 2025 and, when delivered, will be an incredible community asset.

“The major structural steel is now complete with work focussed on the buildings and installation of services.

“It is a significant investment for our community, so it is now incumbent on us to put the pools to their best use for the benefit of our entire region.”

Deputy Mayor and Community Resilience and Connection portfolio spokesperson Cr Tracey McPhee said the accessibility of the new Bundaberg Aquatic Centre would be invaluable to many community service providers and residents.

“From an adult accessible changing table to a ramp entry in all three pools accessibility has been a major focus for this project,” Cr McPhee said.

“The two competition pools will also be fitted with lifts with 2 m depth of the 50 m pool, depth ranges from 1.2 m to 1.8 m for the indoor 25 m lap pool and a depth range of 90 cm to 1.4 m for the 25 m heated program and learn to swim pool.”

“This will ensure important community uses for rehabilitation, exercise, sport and recreation, and learn-to-swim programs can be accommodated within the facility all year round.”

Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Cr Carmen McEneany said work was underway on the grandstand for the 50 m pool which would make the Bundaberg Region an attractive destination for high level training and competition.

“It’s wonderful to see sport and recreation so well-catered to in the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre to meet the needs of residents from all walks of life,” Cr McEneany said.

“The Bundaberg Region has long been home to incredible sporting talents and knowing that rising stars will have access to a facility of this standard as they train to become the next great is an inspiring outlook.”

Bundaberg Aquatic Centre construction stats:

• Approximately 560 tonnes of structural steel

• Approximately 120 tonnes of roof purlins

• Approximately 10,000m² of surface area requiring about 6139 litres of protective paint.

The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre project is funded by Bundaberg Regional Council with over $13 million in support from the State Government Works for Queensland program.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

Bundaberg Regional Council is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) for the management of what it believes will be the best regional aquatic centre outside of South East and North Queensland.

EOIs are sought from service providers that possess the necessary facilities management skills to be shortlisted to tender for the facility management of the new Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre.

About the facility

The new aquatic centre will feature three pools, a 50 m FINA standard Olympic pool, an indoor lap pool also suitable for learn-to-swim and aqua aerobics programs and a warm water program pool to accommodate activities including learn-to-swim, aqua aerobics and water-based physiotherapy.

The state-of-the-art facility includes an on-site café, shop and central courtyard.

Several multipurpose and hire rooms are included.

The successful operator of the facility will be able to make them available for a range of out of pool activities, which are yet to be determined, such as class-based training associated with the pool, for example CPR and life guard qualifications.

Accessibility was also a key focus in the design of the facility.

The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre will have three accessible pools, including lifts, ramps and ladders.

In addition, the 25m and warm program pool will also have a hoist.

The centre will also have one accessible adult change space with a ceiling hoist. There will also be a second ceiling hoist in one of the accessible toilets.

About the aquatic centre management EOI process

Expressions of interest for the Operations and Management of Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre are invited from Tuesday 31 October 2023 and will be received at VendorPanel up to 2 pm AEST Tuesday 5 December 2023.

Applicants who possess significant experience in the management of aquatic centres are encouraged to make a submission.

The extended tender process will see Bundaberg Regional Council first accept Expressions of Interest for the operation and management of the centre.

Qualified and experienced applicants will then be shortlisted for an Early Tender Involvement process.

Find out more or submit an aquatic centre management EOI on VendorPanel here.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

With tonnes of big steel arriving on site and starting to go up the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre has already seen its first Olympian enter the pool.

Bundaberg’s star swimmer Isaac Cooper was in town and was the first visitor in the pool after taking the opportunity to tour the construction site.

There was plenty of action to impress, with a shipment of big steel arriving on site and, as it’s being erected around the three new pools, starting to give an idea of the enormity of the aquatic centre building.

To date, construction figures for aquatic centre project include:

• 8,345 lineal meters of concrete pile driven
• Approximately 3,500 cubic meters of concrete poured on site
• Approximately 600 tonne of structural and reinforcement steel installed on site

Isaac, who was in town to visit with local swimmers and keep in touch with his former club, said he was excited to see the aquatic centre delivered.

“It’s going to be great for the overall health of Bundaberg … people can come in here and use this on a daily basis just to keep fit,” Isaac said.

“There will also be a better environment as well for athletes who are looking to come through and to break through.

“Bundaberg is where I made my first nationals, broke my first national record got my first national gold so there are definitely athletes who have a lot of potential here and now they have better facilities to help get on the front leg with their careers.

“We have training camps leading into big competitions all the time and at the moment we’ve been outsourcing them to places like Mackay or Townsville.

“We’ve done one here before in Bundaberg as well but, now that we’ve got this new pool coming in, I’m definitely going to be suggesting this place.”

Mayor Jack Dempsey was pleased to invite the rising swimming star to tour the new Bundaberg Aquatic Centre.

“It’s wonderful to see this fantastic facility through the eyes of a successful Bundaberg Region sporting product and Isaac certainly has experience swimming in some of the best facilities around the country and the world,” Mayor Dempsey said.

“Walking down into the new Olympic pool was awe-inspiring and really gives you a new perspective on how impressive this centre will be.

“The rehabilitation and learn to swim pools were equally impressive and we could see the work being undertaken to develop accessible features like ramp access which are another highlight of this modern facility.”

Bundaberg Olympian tours aquatic centre

Isaac said it was the first time he’d been in a pool that wasn’t filled in with water.

“Standing in it I can almost envision what it would be like if it was full of water and there were people in the stadium and, you know, a bunch of my friends are here racing again,” he said.

“So it’s quite a surreal feeling for me to be here but I’m really looking forward to seeing how it develops.”

Work continues on the aquatic centre project with the focus of construction now on completing the remainder of the reinforced concrete concourse slabs, columns and masonry walls followed by erecting the pre-fabricated steel for the facility’s main roof structure over the three pools.

Find our more about the Aquatic Centre project, including FAQs, on the project page.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

The progress of the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre has impressed on a recent tour of the site which allowed Council’s Audit and Risk Committee to see the work first-hand.

Mayor Jack Dempsey said Councillors had also attended the tour which gave them an opportunity to see the progress in person.

“It’s really exciting to see the work occurring on site at the new Bundaberg Aquatic Centre,” Mayor Dempsey said.

“The pools are in and as the structures start to rise out of the ground the community will start to get a true sense of the scale and significance of this wonderful facility.

“Right now, the buildings that are being erected will house activity rooms.

“The final outcome for the use of these rooms is a decision for the successful operator when we get to that stage, but they can be made available for a range of out of pool activities.

“That might include things like training opportunities for CPR or life guard qualifications.”

Mayor Dempsey said the project team was available to answer questions during the tour.

“This project is being undertaken with the highest level of oversight and scrutiny by relevant staff and by the Audit and Risk Committee which incorporates independent members, including the independent chair.”

Bundaberg Regional Council’s independent Audit and Risk committee chair Stephen Coates has an extensive background sitting as an executive on boards and committees, bringing his wealth of knowledge to Council as the current President of the Asian Confederation of Institutes of Internal Auditors (ACIIA) and a member of the International Internal Audit Standards Board (IIASB).

He is appointed to exercise governance, risk and compliance skills ensuring well-controlled and monitored entities and was in Bundaberg recently to join the tour.

“The Audit and Risk Committee appreciated the opportunity to tour a number of pieces of key infrastructure across Bundaberg including the site of the new Aquatic Centre,” Mr Coates said.

“The Committee values this first-hand understanding of how risks are being managed with large projects, and interacting with Council’s passionate leads at each site.

“This all helps put infrastructure initiatives into perspective for our deliberations as a Committee.

“Members were encouraged by the significant progress that had been made with the Aquatic Centre development, and with the size and scale of the undertaking.

“The Aquatic Centre promises to be a flagship undertaking for Council and will help bring further investment to the region.”

Find our more about the Aquatic Centre project, including FAQs, on the project page.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

With approximately 3,000 cubic metres of concrete poured to date and structural steel now being erected the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre continues to take shape.

The state-of-the-art and year-round facility, which will cater to training, competition, learn-to-swim and rehabilitation, is on track and the structures are now clearly visible.

The significant project is set to offer immense potential to boost the local economic, social and health outcomes for the entire community.

The 50 m international competition standard pool, 25 m pool and the program pool have now been poured with hydrostatic testing of all the structures underway.

Structural steel for several multipurpose and hire rooms is being erected, which will allow sports groups and community organisations to undertake out-of-pool activities within the facility.

The 50 m x 10 lane pool will be international competition (FINA) standard, providing state-of-the-art training facilities for the region’s elite and up-and-coming athletes.

With approximately 3,000 cubic metres of concrete poured to date and structural steel now being erected the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre continues to take shape.

With approximately 3,000 cubic metres of concrete poured to date and structural steel now being erected the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre continues to take shape.

This will accommodate and attract more regional, national and even international competitions to the region, designed with appropriate judging, timing and marshalling facilities.

When completed, all three pools in the new Bundaberg Aquatic Centre will be accessible, including lifts, ramps and ladders. The 25 m and warm program pool will also have a hoist.

The centre will also have one accessible adult change space with a ceiling hoist. There will also be a second ceiling hoist in one of the accessible toilets.

It is anticipated that construction of the structures which will sit over the pools and the buildings to service the site, including a kiosk and administration areas, will commence late 2023 or early 2024, weather permitting.

The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre has been funded with support from the Queensland Government Works for Queensland program.

Read more on the project page.

Read the whole Bundaberg Now story here.

The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre will be a state-of-the-art multi-use sports facility unique to the region, leading Council to invite industry experts to express an interest in its management.

The extended tender process will see Bundaberg Regional Council first accept Expressions of Interest for the operation and management of the centre.

Qualified and experienced applicants will then be shortlisted for an Early Tender Involvement process to develop the terms of the management process.

Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Cr Vince Habermann said it was an approach which would ensure the best value and best result for the community.

“The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is of such a size and such a significant nature to our community that we want to spend the time inviting industry experts to take part in the process,” Cr Habermann said.

“We want to challenge the business model through industry input.

“Consideration needs to be given to things including staffing numbers, the ability to facilitate supervision and really maximising the uptake of the community in regards to memberships and patronage.

“This will not only ensure greater value for money for our community but will also deliver the best possible outcome.”

Cr Habermann said Council was assured there would be no shortage of interest in the management of the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre.

“The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is so much more than just a pool,” he said.

“This is about making the most of this facility and creating an experience for every member of our community to enjoy.

“We’re not aware of another facility of this nature in any surrounding regions, the closest comparisons being in South East Queensland and North Queensland.

“Industry leaders in this field are already contacting Council to make enquiries about managing this facility and we know we will have competition in this space.

“The management of this facility will require expert knowledge and experience so to ensure we get it right we need specialised opinion and input throughout the tender process.

“By seeking this input from industry leaders we’re ensuring we’re building the capability of our region.”

He said Council had taken learnings from other leading Queensland Councils which had further reinforced that this approach to ascertaining the management terms of the aquatic centre would be the best way forward.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

The walls and floor of the region’s first international competition standard pool have taken shape in what was required to be a millimetre perfect concrete pour.

Mayor Jack Dempsey said the region’s new Bundaberg Aquatic Centre was on track and on budget and Council was pleased with the quality of work being undertaken on-site.

“Over the length of the aquatic centre’s Olympic-sized pool the measurements had to remain within a matter of millimetres across its 50 m expanse,” Mayor Dempsey said.

“We’re really pleased with the pool construction and the precision that has gone into meeting these exacting FINA standards.

“By meeting these requirements it ensures that, when constructed, the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre will be capable of hosting state, national and even international competitions.

“The walls and floors of our two program pools are also taking shape which will deliver additional learn-to-swim and rehabilitation facilities that are fully accessible via ramps and lifts.”

The new pools within the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre are taking shape, including the FINA standard Olympic-sized pool in addition to the two smaller pools which are focussed on learn-to-swim and rehabilitation opportunities.

Mayor Dempsey said there would be plenty of work continuing on-site with the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre set to represent the region’s largest capital expenditure project for the upcoming financial year.

“The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is a legacy project which will benefit our entire community from aspiring athletes to those who can utilise the warm program pool to achieve better health outcomes,” Mayor Dempsey said.

“It will be an asset for residents across the entire region and the economic, social and health benefits of this facility will be felt for many, many years to come.”

The next steps for the construction of the 50 m, international competition standard pool and the two program pools will include hydrostatic testing, which is already underway on the Olympic pool.

Council’s contractor will then commence construction of the basement plant room and pool concourses followed by tiling.

It is anticipated that construction of the structures which will sit over the pools and the buildings to service the site, including a kiosk and administration areas, will commence late 2023 or early 2024, weather permitting.

The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre has been funded with support from the Queensland Government Works for Queensland program.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

More than 30 local businesses have been involved in the build of the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre as piling finishes at the site and the next stages of construction commence.

Head contractor Woollam has been overseeing the project which, once complete, will deliver a year-round, modern facility for fitness, education, therapy and recreation users.

Project manager Richard Ash said piling works began in January and were the beginning of “construction proper”.

“Piling was completed three weeks ago with more than 800 concrete piles installed to provide the foundations for the pools and buildings,” he said.

“Moving forward, the concrete base of the 50-metre pool has been completed, with pouring of the base of the 25-metre pool and program pools commencing this month.

“Construction of the pool walls will follow.”

Richard said early-morning works were being undertaken during this time.

“There may be times over the next couple of months where work commences earlier than usual to allow for weather conditions and to ensure the safety of workers,” he said.

“The adjustment of working hours is primarily centred around concrete works, as this is a time and labour-intensive activity.

“These works will be conducted over the next couple of months and nearby residents will be regularly updated on progress.”

Local traffic management plans have been developed to ensure construction activities are closely managed to reduce impacts on local roads and the community.

About the Aquatic Centre

The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre will provide the community with a new, FINA standard, covered, 50m, heated competition pool to support regional and state level events and training camps.

Additional indoor heated pools and multi-purpose rooms will be available for fitness, teaching and therapy programs, creating a facility able to offer a range of comprehensive health and fitness services.

Council has elected to deliver the project in a single stage over approximately three financial years.

Read the full Bundaberg Now article here.

Bundaberg Aquatic Centre construction is underway in earnest as work begins on its foundations, featuring more than 800 driven concrete piles.

There has been plenty of action on the Walker Street site in recent weeks as earthworks progressed, but Mayor Jack Dempsey said the concrete pile installation was the start of “construction proper”.

“The new aquatic centre will be founded on over 800 driven concrete piles which range in length up to 18 m long,” Mayor Dempsey said.

“The piles will support the facility which will feature an Olympic sized, FINA-standard pool and two 25 m pools targeted at learn to swim and rehabilitation opportunities.

“From here we will start to see the aquatic centre taking shape as we move closer to the completion of this state-of-the-art facility.

“This centre will boost jobs, improve social and health outcomes for all and spur economic growth.

“It’s certainly a very exciting day to see construction officially underway.”

Work to drive the concrete piles will continue throughout January, February and into March however will not be occurring on the weekend.

Weather permitting, the concrete pile installation is expected to be completed in March, after which construction of the pools themselves will begin.

Council will be monitoring the noise and vibration from the site throughout this period.

“We sincerely apologise for the construction noise which will be created during these periods for what, in the long-term, will be a significant project for the entire community,” Mayor Dempsey said.

“Once the project is finished it will incorporate gardens and facilities for the community to enjoy.

“With any project of this magnitude there is always a need for extensive construction to be undertaken and I can assure residents that sound and vibration levels will be monitored to ensure compliance with all standards.”

Engineering behind concrete pile foundations

Following extensive investigations into the best site for the new Bundaberg Aquatic Centre, the Walker Street location, which had historic use as a landfill, was chosen.

It was the preferred location due to its proximity to the Multiplex with the added advantage and cost saving of already being owned by Council.

The concrete piles, which will form part of the foundations, range in length up to 18 m and take into account the depth of the former landfill.

While a detailed design was not complete for any of the other sites, driven piles would almost certainly have been required at any site due to the weight of the pools and the highly reactive nature of the soil found throughout the region.

The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre has been funded with support from the Queensland Government Works for Queensland program.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

Local contractors are carrying out earthworks on the aquatic centre site, helping to make the process more sustainable with thousands of kilograms of recycled materials.

More than 34,000 square cubic metres of dirt and 1000 kilograms of recycled, crushed concrete is being moved to the site by local contractors in the coming weeks.

Stripping of topsoil and levelling the ground is currently underway and environmental controls are in place to prevent stormwater from impacting the site while construction continues.

Council has been stockpiling material onsite from other projects to reduce costs and assist with the bulk earthworks.

There will be almost three metres of fill used in some parts of the site, with a total of 34,000 cubic square metres of soil placed overall as part of the major project.

Towards the end of November equipment will arrive to begin driving large concrete piles into the ground.

The pools and the buildings associated with the Aquatic Centre will be founded on the piles, which range in length from six metres to 15 metres.

Woollam Constructions has been assigned as lead contractor for the project while local sub-contractors will be used throughout the build.

So far, Kleicon, LCB Civil and Gorlicks Excavation have been engaged to undertake aquatic centre earthworks support and Insite SJC are surveying and setting out the works.

Bundaberg business Gorlicks Excavation on site at the aquatic centre.

Aquatic centre earthworks sees work underway

Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey said it was exciting to see the works progress.

“Through this construction, Council is taking advantage of a low interest rate and a fixed contract price that will benefit the project as a whole,” he said.

“The vision of a facility that caters for all abilities, all skillsets and all ages is slowly but surely coming to life.

“Not only is this project about attracting athletes to train here, but it is also about providing the very best for our community now and into the future.

“The benefits of the Aquatic Centre will be felt by community members for many, many years to come.”

About the Aquatic Centre

The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre aims to deliver a year-round, modern facility for fitness, education, therapy and recreation users.

A new, FINA standard, covered, 50m, heated competition pool will support regional and state level events and training camps. Additional indoor heated pools and multi-purpose rooms will be available for fitness, teaching and therapy programs, creating a facility able to offer a range of comprehensive health and fitness services.

Council has elected to deliver the project in a single stage over approximately three financial years.

With work underway on aquatic centre earthworks, find out more about the project here.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.