Project Status
On 21 March 2023, Council, at its General Meeting approved the Material Change of Use Development Application for the Boyne Tannum Aquatic Recreation Centre (BTARC) securing a key regulatory approval that must be obtained prior to commencing the development.
In December 2022, Council submitted its referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 to assess the BTARC development impact on any matters of national environmental significance. A notice of outcome regarding the referral is anticipated in late April / early May 2023.
Council is now progressing work on development of Detailed Designs and the preparation of documents suitable for construction stage procurement and delivery.
The Concept Design adopted by Council focuses on providing a facility that can meet both current and future aquatic recreation needs of the Boyne/Tannum community, and includes:
- FINA standard, 8 lane 50 metre outdoor heated pool with bulkhead
- Distinct recreational zone with a twin waterslide attraction
- Kiosk and general amenities, green space with shaded turf seating areas and spectator embankment
- All abilities access (pool ramp) and pool shading for sun safety and comfort
- Carparking and landscaping.
Once the design phase and relevant regulatory approvals are received, Council will proceed to consider its final investment decision on the project.
Council has also received its invitation to submit to the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program to secure the $15M Australian Labor Government election campaign commitment made towards the BTARC project.
Next Steps
Council will:
- Continue to pursue various options to fund the delivery of this project, including continued advocacy to secure further external capital investment
- Progress and complete detailed designs.
Pending Council's final investment decision:
- Tender and award construction
- Anticipated construction timeframe (12 - 18 months).
Access to a public swimming pool has been identified as one of the highest priority social infrastructure needs for the Boyne Island and Tannum Sands community. The closest public swimming pool is a minimum 25 minutes’ drive to Gladstone. With an unfavourable distance of travel and limited public transport between the urban centres, equitable access to a public swimming pool continues to be an ongoing disadvantage for a community that has a higher composition of families with children, youth, and a projected population growth.
There is continued advocacy for this project within the community and sentiment remains firm and passionate towards a local pool being an important place to socially connect, recreate, build fitness, learn, and have fun.
As a year-round, multi-use facility BTARC will service a diverse group of users, attract economic opportunities and enhance the health and fitness, recreational, tourism and visitor experiences in the region.
In March 2018, Council resolved to consider options for an aquatic recreation centre to service the Boyne Island and Tannum Sands area.
Community consultation was undertaken to help shape the Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre Recreation Feasibility Study which was adopted by Council in January 2019.
In June 2020, after further community consultation and input, a site selection process was undertaken and Council selected Lot 900, Coronation Drive in Tannum Sands as the preferred site.
In January 2021, Council engaged consultancy group GHD to review the 2020 preliminary Master Plan and develop Concept Design options for an aquatic recreation facility.
On 15 March 2022, Council, at its General Meeting adopted the Concept Design proposed for the Boyne Tannum Aquatic Recreation Centre (BTARC).
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
- What is the background of work Council have undertaken to get the project to the current stage?
- Why does the Boyne/Tannum community need an aquatic recreation facility?
- Why is Council looking to construct a new pool instead of upgrading the Gladstone Aquatic Centre (GAC)?
- Why was Coronation Drive, Tannum Sands selected as the preferred site for the facility?
- What facilities will be available?