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.”
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.