Western Downs Regional Council is investing in the future of the Wandoan Aquatic Centre, with a major remediation project set to deliver critical upgrades that will extend the life of the aquatic facility by at least 20 years.
The $5.7 million project will address ageing infrastructure and replace key components that are essential to the safe and reliable operation of the centre, ensuring the facility continues to serve the Wandoan community into the future.
Due to the extensive nature and specialised resources required for the project, the centre will remain closed throughout the 2026–27 summer season while remediation activities progress.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith said the temporary closure was necessary to complete the significant upgrades required to secure the facility's long-term future.
"The Wandoan Aquatic Centre is a well-loved community asset, and Council is committed to ensuring it remains a safe, reliable, and enjoyable facility for local families and visitors," Mayor Smith said.
"We know many residents will be disappointed to miss a summer at the pool, however the reality is there is strong demand for specialist aquatic contractors across Queensland as communities prepare for major aquatic infrastructure projects in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
The project follows recommendations identified through Council's Aquatic Facilities Strategy and will include replacement of critical plant infrastructure, pool relining, upgrades to filtration systems, associated pipework, and a range of improvements designed to enhance safety, reliability and operational performance.
Mayor Smith said the investment reflected Council's commitment to delivering safe and well-maintained community infrastructure across the Western Downs.
"Council's role is to invest responsibly in infrastructure that supports our communities not only today, but for decades to come," he said.
"This project is about protecting an important community facility, supporting active lifestyles and ensuring Wandoan continues to be a great place to live, work and prosper.
"Council approved additional budget expenditure for this project to ensure the Wandoan community can enjoy a safe and functioning aquatic facility for the next two decades."
To support residents during the closure period, Council will provide free general admission to all other Western Downs Regional Council aquatic facilities for Wandoan community members.
Impacted residents will need to provide proof of residency, such as a driver's licence or other suitable identification showing a Wandoan residential address, when visiting a Council-owned aquatic facility.
Mayor Smith said Council was committed to helping residents stay active while works were underway.
"We recognise how important aquatic facilities are for recreation, exercise and community wellbeing, particularly during the warmer months," he said.
"By providing free access to our other aquatic centres across the region, we're ensuring Wandoan residents can continue to use other facilities while we deliver an upgraded centre for their community."
Once complete, the remediation project is expected to provide the Wandoan community with a safer, more reliable facility that will continue supporting swimming, recreation and community connection for many years to come.
Council will provide regular project updates and maintain transparent project information throughout the construction period, via the Major Projects section of Councils website: wdrc.au/major-projects.
