Yeppoon Aquatic Centre to commence closure ahead of construction works

The Yeppoon Aquatic Centre is set to close on Sunday, 15 September, to prepare the pool for draining ahead of construction.

The Yeppoon Aquatic Centre Project will involve demolishing the existing hall, building a new 50-metre pool with wheelchair access and amenities, installing new filtration equipment, and installing partial shade over the new pool.

The project is scheduled for completion by December 2025, with the Expression of Interest for a contractor now closed.

The tender will be released to selected tenderers in mid-September, with the construction contract expected to be awarded in late October.

This strategic step aims to ensure the successful and timely delivery of this significant community project, funded by a $13 million grant from the Australian Government.

Mayor Adam Belot said while demolition works won’t occur on-site until approximately mid-November, the closure was necessary to drain the pool water and allow for adequate drying of the surrounding ground.

“The 50-metre pool has been leaking for over a decade. Therefore, it's essential the ground below is completely dry before new works can begin,” Mayor Belot said.

“Safety surrounding the pool site is of utmost importance, which is why Council has planned for this closure allowing for appropriate drying time.

“I would like to reassure the community that although you may not see shovels in the ground just yet, this closure is a critical step in the aquatic centre’s construction, and we appreciate your patience while these works are carried out.

“While this closure has impacted the Learn-to-Swim program, an alternative facility has now been approved, and the program will temporarily relocate to Seaspray Health and Fitness Centre in Zilzie from the 1st of October for term four programs.

“The successful operator of the temporary facility is MPB Management Group, who also operate the Cooee Bay and Emu Park swimming facilities.

“The Yeppoon Lagoon will also open earlier following the pool closure to 5 am instead of 6 am to accommodate early lap swimmers.

“This closure is a once-in-a-lifetime inconvenience, but it also presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for swimming facilities on the Capricorn Coast.”

Council will continue to provide updates on the project as works continue to progress.