The Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre continues to set the standard for regional aquatic facilities after receiving a Highly Commended Award in the Project of the Year Category at the Local Government Procurement Awards last month.
Entered in the Project of the Year category, the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre was recognised for outstanding achievement in implementing best practice procurement. Optimal procurement is carried out within a strong governance framework and takes into account financial, environmental, and social outcomes.
"This award is a testament to the expertise and effort that's gone into this project," Clarence Valley Mayor, Ray Smith, said.
"It includes environmental considerations, including solar power, water tanks, water and chemical saving filtration system and a hydronic in-floorheating system for the indoor centre.
"The award also recognises the social benefits of the facility, which offers programs and facilities for the whole community."
With more than 70,000 visits during winter alone, the Aquatic Centre has proven to be a much-loved community asset. The indoor facility includes a 25-metre FINA-standard pool, a combined program and leisure pool, and accessible amenities.
Outdoors, the Centre features an eight-lane 50-metre pool, a spectator grandstand, refurbished amenities, and an all-ages accessible splash pad, with two new slides currently under construction and scheduled for completion in December.
Clarence Valley Council's General Manager, Laura Black, expressed her enthusiasm for the new facility.
"We've had all sorts of visitors to the Aquatic Centre since it opened at the start of 2025. We've got exercise classes in the indoor facilities, as well as swimmers enjoying the outdoor pool from early morning until close now that the weather has warmed up.
"The great thing about this place is that when people are finished with their exercise class or swim, they can head to the café. People are coming here to meet, which is really good.
"We also have a lot of activities in the function rooms that aren't related to swimming, they're about bringing people together and encouraging fitness.
"We've been able to recruit fantastic staff for the facility. We've got people with a wide range of expertise, and you're in safe hands if you come to the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre.
"The great news is that from Saturday, 20 December, we'll have the water slides open, so keep an eye on Clarence Valley Council's and Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre's social media pages for more details closer to the date."
A total of $3.2 million has been allocated to create the two fun water slides, including $1.6 million in grant funding through the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program, completing the final stage of the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre masterplan.
