Residents of Boyne Island and Tannum Sands have access to a diverse range of locally based sport and recreation facilities, parklands, and natural open spaces to support an active lifestyle and to enhance their physical health and wellbeing. Notwithstanding the broad range of sport and recreation facilities available, access to a public swimming pool remains a minimum 25 minutes’ drive to Gladstone, the nearest urban centre. With the unfavourable distance of travel and limited public transport between Boyne/Tannum and Gladstone, equitable access to a public swimming pool continues to be an ongoing disadvantage for residents. For the reasons outlined, development of a public swimming pool has been long identified as one of the highest social infrastructure needs for the Boyne/Tannum community.

In 2019, Council sought community views on developing an aquatic recreation centre having completed a feasibility study to verify the need. Over 95 per cent of residents who responded to the survey support the development of a public swimming pool in the Boyne/Tannum community.

Based on current and projected community demand for likely users, a 50m outdoor heated pool was evaluated to be the most adequate size, taking into account forecast demographic changes and population growth over the next 40 years.

A 50m pool was also identified by the Boyne/Tannum community as the number one facility component during community consultation.

To make the most of a 50m pool, the following features have been included to further support the needs of the community:

• Pool size to support current and future demands for swimming club and aquatic sports development

• Pool specifications to be built on FINA standards to attract/host regional swimming competitions, carnivals and aquatic sporting events

• Pool heating to increase year-round access, patronage, and general comfort

• Access ramp and shaded sections for all abilities access and sun safety and comfort.

Council undertook a strategic land review to identify parcels of land for future growth. The Arthur Street location provided the right features for an aquatic centre facility, while also providing land to cater for future opportunities. Determining the location involved assessing the physical and technical site characteristics that would support development and operational viability. A multi-criteria assessment validated the suitability as an appropriate alternative site.

Council purchased it in October 2024 as part of Council’s long-term strategic land objectives, with funding set aside in the capital budget.

The total purchase price was $5.1 million excluding GST.

Approximately one third of the total land purchased will be dedicated to the pool project, and capitalised to the cost of the project.

There was extensive community consultation in 2019 which detailed multiple land options considered. Arthur Street and Centenary Drive were considered however was not the preferred option at the time as the land was not Council owned.

The vacant lots had been identified as a potential purchase for the community, given the small amount of vacant strategic Freehold Land held by Council in the Boyne/Tannum area. The circumstances at Coronation Drive presented the opportunity to get immediate benefit to the community from a purchase given the pre-existing approvals.

It was a requirement that the builder contracted to undertake the Building Work be accredited under the Work Health and Safety Accreditation Scheme, established under the Federal Safety Commissioner Act 2022.

This was a mandatory requirement of the grant funding conditions.

The project is supported by a $15 million Australian Government commitment through the Priority Community Infrastructure Program.

Some elements of the facility have changed since Council adopted the Concept Design at its March 2022 General Meeting.

A fiscally responsibly decision was made to adjust elements of the facility to offset construction cost increases outside of Council's control.

While water play features are not included, Council will still deliver a high-quality aquatic centre with modern amenities and playground area while ensuring we achieve the best possible value for ratepayers.

Features of BTAC will include:

• Heated Olympic-standard 50m pool
• Retractable shade at the shallow end
• Path and change rooms to meet Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliance
• Kiosk
• Locally themed children’s play area
• Rubber surface on playground for wheelchair access
• Barbecues and picnic shelters with tables modified for wheelchair access
• New bus stop on Wyndham Avenue
• Safter pedestrian connection with new concrete footpath from the John Oxley Bridge, along Wyndham Avenue linking to existing footpath on Arthur Street.

Some elements of the facility have changed since Council adopted the Concept Design at its March 2022 General Meeting.

Water play features are not included due to construction costs and noise compliance considerations.

Council will be required to implement a Traffic Management Plan to mitigate and manage traffic impacts to the surrounding road network on commencement of construction. This includes traffic impact notices to the community in advance. Council will also be required to adhere to all general conditions to be prescribed under updated regulatory approvals.

Noise impact was considered as part of the Development Application assessment associated with the new site to determine the likely noise conditions on the surrounding residential areas that may come from the proposed facility. Council will also be required to adhere to all general conditions to be prescribed under updated regulatory approvals.

The facility has been designed to complement existing aquatic centre facilities in the Gladstone Region. It is also intended to encourage participation in physical activity that value adds and supports local businesses providing fitness and wellbeing services. As part of operationalising this facility, Council will look to deliver the right balance of programs and services that meet community needs.

The Boyne Tannum Bullets Swimming Club is a key user group identified for this facility and has been consulted for their advice and expertise to help inform the development.

Once project planning enters the phase of work that requires Council to consider the management and operational models for this facility, the needs of key user groups will be negotiated to ensure Council is in position to support the club’s access needs.

The decision to move to a new site was made following information received during the final authority approvals for the previous site on Lot 900 Coronation Drive, Tannum Sands.

Council conducted various inspections and surveys of the site along with Traditional Owner representatives, the Port Curtis Coral Coast (PCCC) Trust Cultural Heritage team and an archaeologist.

Earlier clearances were provided throughout each stage of the project. However, Council learnt the Coronation Drive site holds cultural importance while outworking a Biodiversity Rehabilitation Plan which was a requirement of the development approval.

Once Council gained a greater understanding of the land’s cultural importance, it was clear progressing with construction of a pool on this site was no longer the right decision.

An archaeologist confirmed the site holds cultural importance.

The cultural importance enables Traditional Owners to reconnect to their traditional land and sea areas, kinship, lore, culture, customs and values.

Council supported Traditional Owners by respecting when they wished to share more.

Earlier clearances were appropriately provided throughout each stage of the project. Council learnt the Coronation Drive site may have held cultural importance while outworking a Biodiversity Rehabilitation Plan.

Additional inspections including by satellite and LIDAR led to further inspections and surveys of the site along with Traditional Owner representatives, the Port Curtis Coral Coast (PCCC) Trust Cultural Heritage team and an archaeologist. These studies confirmed the cultural importance of the site, and led to Councils decision not to proceed.

In October 2024, Council-owned fencing was installed around the boundary of Coronation Drive to allow Council and FNBGGGTB RNTPBC the opportunity to develop a cultural and land management plan together.

While plan development is continuing, it was agreed that external boundary fencing could be removed with internal fencing installed instead to protect the areas of cultural importance. This work was finished in January 2026.

On 4 March 2026, Gladstone Regional Council, in partnership with the First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, Taribelang Bunda People Registered Native Title Prescribed Body Corporate (FNBGGGTB RNTPBC), were proud to confirm the identification of a culturally important ceremonial site on land situated on Lot 900 Coronation Drive, Tannum Sands.

View here the media release issued for more information.