Council to upgrade local pools over winter break
Published 23 April 2021
Two of Moreton Bay Region’s most popular pools are set for a facelift over winter.
Ferny Hills Aquatic Centre will get a $470,000 overhaul of an upgraded pool heater a year early, and the recently reopened Redcliffe War Memorial Swimming Pool will be getting top-of-the-line $624,000 heating and filtration equipment for the indoor heated program pool by September.
Mayor Peter Flannery said refurbishing Council’s pools and aquatic centres over winter would ensure the region is ready to make a splash in summer.
“If there’s one thing we learned from COVID-19 it’s the importance of staying active, not only for our fitness levels but our mental health, and swimming is one of the best ways to stay fit in body and mind,” Mayor Flannery said.
“The new heating systems in Ferny Hills and Redcliffe will enable kids to keep up lessons during the cold winter months and allow other pool users to exercise all year round, further cementing Council’s commitment to creating healthy and active communities.
“We want to see families getting back outside and staying active, and the best way Council can support that is by investing in parks, playgrounds and essential infrastructures like pools.”
Councillor Matt Constance (Div 10) thanked the State Government for their $100,000 support for the Ferny Hills Aquatic Centre revamp through the Works for Queensland COVID-19 funding program.
“The Ferny Hills Aquatic Centre is a community favourite, so we’re excited to see a new pool heater installed a year earlier than expected to ensure the centre is enjoyed by residents all year round,” Cr Constance said.
“The accessible facilities are also getting a facelift, which will help make a difference to locals living with a disability and complement the work we’ve done to make the nearby Leslie Patrick Park an award-winning all abilities playground.
“Another pool in Division 10 is also getting a facelift, as we kicked off the renewal work at the Albany Creek Aquatic Centre.
“Albany Creek will soon be home to the region’s first ever Changing Places-compliant high needs change facility as part of a top-to-bottom amenity upgrade.
“A new refurbished water slide tower and new pool concourse will also be delivered by the end of July.
“This is great news for my community, and we are working hard to ensure that the active lifestyle in Moreton Bay Region is accessible to everybody, regardless of their level of ability.”
Councillor Karl Winchester (Div 6) said it was an important investment in the local economy, as the region continues its COVID recovery.
“This injection of funds will support local jobs and provide a lasting benefit to residents who use this facility,” Cr Winchester said.
“The project will also improve the performance and reliability of mechanical equipment at the Redcliffe War Memorial Swimming Pool, making it an even more enjoyable experience for patrons to use the pools.
“The addition of an access lift to the warm water program pool will also provide further opportunities for people with disabilities to access Council’s facilities.
“For all the pain that COVID has caused, I hope that these kinds of investments will help get life back to normal as quickly as possible on the other side.”
To find out more about Council's pools and leisure centres, https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Sport-Recreation/Pools