The Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre is set to receive a significant upgrade thanks to more than $1 million in funding from the Australian Government.
As part of the upgrade, Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Mayor Geoff McDonald said Council will be replacing the existing gas-fired heating systems for the swimming pools with high-efficiency electric heat pumps.
"By making this a fully electric operation it gives us the opportunity to use solar power more effectively which in turn will reduce our carbon emissions," Mayor McDonald said.
"This will allow us to more efficiently heat the 50m outdoor pool which gives us the flexibility to review our current swim season with the possibility of extending the swim season into the cooler months for our community.
"As well as being a more environmentally friendly alternative this will result in lower maintenance and operational costs.
"Council is grateful to the Australian Government for its contribution to this project which delivers a great result for our community."
The Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre Electrification Project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Toowoomba Regional Council. Australian Government funding of $1,083,907 is being provided through the Community Energy Upgrades Fund.
Senator Corinne Mulholland said the Australian Government was proud to partner with Toowoomba Regional Council.
"We're delighted to provide over a million dollars for this big upgrade at the Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre through our Community Energy Upgrades Fund," she said.
"Pools take a lot of energy to operate, especially during those chilly months up on the range.
"We know that every dollar local government saves goes back into the community, which is why we're backing energy-efficient upgrades to Council facilities.
"It will mean lower bills, lower emissions, and a beautifully heated pool for the Toowoomba community to enjoy."
The project is expected to begin in mid-2026 and will modernise thermal plant infrastructure, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and optimise electricity use through load flexibility and smart controls.
Once the new systems are commissioned and operational, the gas connection will be permanently removed from the site.
