Swimmers and water therapy patients alike now have a contemporary new pool and better amenities to enjoy, thanks to a $1.8 million upgrade of the Beerwah Aquatic Centre.
The splash-tastic works include a new 17 metre, heated and covered pool, with accessibility features including a wheelchair ramp, handrails and seating.
The new pool will complement the existing 25 metre heated pool, 12.5 metre heated pool and toddler's pool.
A fresh-look main entry from the carpark has also been constructed, along with an impressive facelift for the Roberts Road façade and refurbished amenities.
The upgraded centre was officially opened on 16 December 2019, just in time for the start of the school holidays.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the region's aquatic centres were an essential part of the Sunshine Coast's healthy, smart and creative lifestyle.
"I am confident our hinterland residents will reap many benefits from this vital health and wellbeing commitment in Beerwah," Mayor Jamieson said.
"Not only does swimming offer a host of benefits to both the body and mind but it's a fantastic activity for social interaction.
"Participating in sport and physical activity plays an important role in enabling us to lead healthier lifestyles, while at the same time, brings people together and helps to reduce social isolation.
"Our council continues to make significant investments in the infrastructure, facilities and services which support the liveability of our hinterland communities and is delighted to have delivered this upgrade to the Beerwah Aquatic Centre."
Division 1 Councillor Rick Baberowski said the district pool now looked as it should and complemented the look and feel of the local country towns.
"The upgrade means all residents of the Glass House Country area can now access warm water therapy and take part in fitness classes and improved learn to swim classes," Cr Baberowski said.
"Thanks to the new 17 metre undercover pool, more warm water therapy options will be available to those undergoing rehabilitation, the elderly and people with a disability.
"Aqua fitness enthusiasts and kids learning to swim will also have better conditions for potentially a longer season as there is now much more space for classes.
"Plus all our community will experience a bit more pride with better facilities thanks to the extensive renovations to the road frontage, entry and change room upgrades, which with some great underwater images look incredible."
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said swimming was an incredibly popular sport in Queensland and there was no mystery about why that was the case.
"We need to ensure that the opportunity to get involved is as accessible as possible to everyone in our community," Mr Wallace said.
"These upgrades will now provide the chance for people like you and me, our elite athletes, our older residents and people living with disability alike to jump in the pool, follow that black line and enjoy all the physical and mental health benefits swimming can bring.
"This is terrific for Beerwah."
The upgrade has been made possible with capital funding from the Sunshine Coast Council ($1.04 million) in a funding partnership with on-site operators Swimfit ($260,000) and with grant funding ($500,000) from the Australian Government through Sport Australia.
Swimfit's Managing Director Grant Belcher said his organisation was proud to be part of the upgrade.
"The recent upgrades to the Beerwah Aquatic Centre will provide greater community engagement extending the offering of aquatic services available at the centre," Mr Belcher said.
"This is a win/win for Beerwah and the surrounding communities."
Image: Swimfit Managing Director Grant Belcher, Underwater Photographer Justin Bruhn of Pure Underwater Imaging, Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson and Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP check out the new pool.
