Works for Queensland to deliver an Olympic-size swimming pool for Bundaberg

The Bundaberg community will soon have a new Olympic-size swimming pool made possible with more than $13 million from the Palaszczuk Government’s $1 billion Works for Queensland program.

In Bundaberg to announce the project, Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd said the new Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Facility would benefit the community.

“The Works for Queensland program has been very successful at helping regional councils deliver infrastructure that will create jobs and improve liveability in communities outside the south east corner,” Ms Boyd said.

“The latest round includes 13.03 million to build a new Olympic standard 50m heated swimming pool.

“it’s projects like these that are improving communities, creating jobs and helping with Queensland’s economic recovery.”

Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said the new swimming pool would be a FINA Olympic standard pool.

“This new Olympic-size covered 50 metre pool will not only be a fantastic asset for the health and wellbeing of the people in Bundaberg community, it will provide an important training and competition facility for local kids who dream of one day swimming for Australia,” Mr Smith said.

“And what better time to build an Olympic-size pool than ahead of Queensland’s Olympic bid.

The Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Facility will be a new year-round, modern facility for fitness, training, competition, education, therapy and recreation use.  The facility includes a covered, 50 metre heated competition pool of Olympic standard (FINA), to support regional and state level events and training camps.

Mr Smith said the funding would support the region’s economy and create jobs. 

“Around 126 jobs are expected to be supported through construction of the pool,” Mr Smith said.

“This is just another great example of how the State and Local Government can work together for our community.”

Across the Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, South Burnett, North Burnett and Banana local government areas, $45.79 million has been allocated to 55 projects.

Ms Boyd said 850 local jobs would be supported across the region.

“The latest $200 million fourth round of the program will have a positive impact across regional Queensland, helping to deliver 333 projects, which will create more than 3,600 jobs outside South East Queensland,” Ms Boyd said.

“In Wide Bay, over 850 jobs will be supported across important projects like the new 50-metre pool.”

Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Jack Dempsey thanked the Queensland Government for its support.

“Works for Queensland funding has provided a substantial boost to our community in recent years,” Mayor Dempsey said.

“In partnering with the Queensland Government, Bundaberg Regional Council has been able to deliver a range of projects right across our region.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the state to deliver essential community infrastructure.”

The Works for Queensland program supports regional councils to undertake job-creating maintenance and minor infrastructure projects such as parks and playgrounds, community and sports facilities, swimming pools and water play areas, renewable energy initiatives, footpaths, roads and water infrastructure.

The eligible councils have been allocated $800 million through the first four rounds of the program, with a further $200 million committed for 2024-27.

For more information visit Works for Queensland 

ENDS

Media contact:           Amy Hunter – 0423 651 484