Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre Master Plan Upgrades
What happened: The Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre underwent a long-term redevelopment guided by a 10 to 15-year master plan. The upgrade modernised the facility, enhancing safety, and catering to the community's needs for the next 40 to 50 years.
Stage 1A included new changerooms, an improved enclosure for the 25-metre pool, and upgrades to essential infrastructure like plant rooms and chemical storage.
Stage 1B included a new interactive splash pad, a new activity tower and wet play equipment in the lagoon pool, new shade structures and floodlights for the 50-metre pool, as well as landscaping works.
Why: The Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre has been a community favourite since 1988. The redevelopment ensures it continues to meet modern standards and serves the region for generations to come. The upgrades focused on improving safety, reliability, and usability while laying the groundwork for future enhancements.
When: Stage 1A was completed in November 2024. Stage 1B was completed in September 2025. The master plan will guide further upgrades over the next 10 to 15 years, depending on funding availability.
How much did it cost: Stage 1A cost $4.1 million while Stage 1B cost $5.5 million, with the Queensland Government providing a $3.557 million grant through the Local Government Grants and Subsidies program towards Stage 1A and 1B.
Community impact: The upgrades were timed to minimise disruptions, with major works occurring during cooler months. The upgraded lagoon pool and splash play area opened with a free pool party at the commencement of the Spring school holidays.
For more information, including the master plan and community consultation details, visit Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre Master Plan.
