NORTHERN BEACHES LEISURE CENTRE REOPENS AFTER MAJOR UPGRADE

Residents can now cool off in the new Northern Beaches Leisure Centre, with the completion of a $5 million refurbishment to the complex.

Townsville company Jackson Semler replaced the modular steel-framed pool with a new concrete pool and tile finish, providing a new swimming pool for locals with increased longevity.

The community will also enjoy replaced shade sails, updated change rooms and repainted external structures.

Community Health Safety and Environmental Sustainability committee chairperson Cr Maurie Soars said the original pool reached the end of its useful life last year.

“The original pool was built during the early stages of North Shore’s residential development and Council has been able to deliver this new pool which meets regional competition standards,” Cr Soars said.

“This pool will allow local, regional and state swimming competitions to be held at the Northern Beaches Leisure Centre, helping to grow Townsville into the events capital of Northern Australia.

“As we look towards the Olympic Games coming to Brisbane in 2032 Council wants to play its part in developing the sports stars of the future, which is why having resources like this Olympic-sized pool in the Northern Beaches area is so important.

“Even if you’re not eyeing off a spot on the blocks at the Olympic Games, you can still bring the family down for a visit or add swimming to your regular exercise routine at the new pool.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said Townsville City Council had received $19.5 million in funding under the 2021-24 Works for Queensland Program that included $5 million for the pool.

“The Works for Queensland program is hugely successful and very popular for our North Queensland councils,” Mr Harper said.

“This project and others funded through the program help create good jobs for our community too.

“This is another great project being delivered for the community through Works for Queensland.”

The Northern Beaches Leisure Centre pool redevelopment was funded under the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program.

The Leisure Centre will officially reopen on Monday 13 February.

For more information on Townsville’s pools, visit Council’s website.