Redevelopment of Bundaberg ANZAC Park

The ANZAC Park Bundaberg will create new recreational spaces, a flexible outdoor event space and a memorial avenue commemorating the region’s service personnel.

This investment will increase amenities within the Bundaberg CBD and represents one facet of the Riverside Masterplan and the Civic & Cultural Precinct Strategic Vision.

This project focuses on creating an active space, strategically located in the CBD on the banks of the Burnett River.

State and Federal Government funding is being sought to complete this major project, which will honour our service personnel and create a vibrant recreational space next to the Burnett River.

Development features

• Memorial commemoration space

• Zero-depth water play

•Adventure-style playground

• An outdoor amphitheatre for ANZAC services and events

• Improved access to the riverside walkway

Benefits

• Honour and enhance the ANZAC legacy

• Activation of the CBD and increased visitation

• Encourage new community events and festivals in the CBD

• Encourage physical activity and use of the riverside walkway

• Encourage investment in the CBD

• Impact on Gross Regional Product during construction. Direct: $6.1 million, Flow-on: $9.3 million, Total: $15.4 million

• Impact on Gross Regional Product at year 5 post construction. Direct and Flow-on: $5.7 million (maintenance and induced spend)

• Employment during construction. Direct: 47 full time equivalent, Flow-on: 58 full time equivalent, total: 105 full time equivalent

• Employment at year 5 post construction: 28 full time equivalent direct and flow-on (maintenance and induced spend)

• Cost Benefit Ratio of 2.34

How Can I Get Involved?

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Update May 2022:

The decision regarding the timing of the Anzac Pool demolition as part of the redevelopment of the Anzac Park precinct has been deferred.

Following Council’s request to the Federal Government for an extension on the timeline of its grant for this project, we have been advised that a decision in relation to this request will not be made until after the election.

As such, Council will be undertaking the usual maintenance work at the pool during the winter closure.

This will ensure that the option to reopen the pool remains viable as per normal timeframes once Council receives and assesses the response.

Council remains committed to the redevelopment of Anzac Park which will link the riverside with the CBD, create a vibrant and accessible community space and invigorate the heart of Bundaberg.

Update 14 June 2022:

The revitalisation of the Bundaberg riverside has been given certainty as Bundaberg Regional Council confirms it will move forward with the Anzac Park redevelopment.

Council has made the decision to progress the redevelopment after a project analysis revealed the significant financial impact of further delaying the project. Current estimates show that leaving the Anzac Pool open for another season would add an additional $1.3 million to the cost of the overall project.

While an application had been made for an extension to the timeline of a Federal Government grant for the project, all Councillors were provided with details of this projected increase in costs and the decision was made to progress the project. Considerations included the cost escalations of further delay, the time the new Federal Government would take to establish new departments and the fact that the project was already a number of months delayed.

The decision means the Anzac Pool, which in its current format was officially opened in March 1956, will not reopen for another season.

Anzac Pool has been a much-loved community facility in its 66 years and you can read more about its history, including the 50th anniversary celebrations held in 2006, here.