Lifestyle

Tobruk Memorial Baths redevelopment progressing swimmingly

Refurbishments to the Tobruk Memorial Baths are progressing swimmingly with crews making good progress on the upgrades.

 

Works completed include the excavation of the old pool, the first concrete pour for the balance tank and a fresh coat of paint going on the building.

 

Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Mark Molachino said the $11.3 million refurbishment is already breathing new life into the Memorial Baths.

 

“The Tobruk Memorial Baths are a massively loved public asset and these refurbishments will revitalise the area and emphasis the heritage of the pools,” Cr Molachino said.

 

“Jackson + Semler are an extremely reputable company and have worked on some big projects across the city and so far, it is looking fantastic here.

 

“These upgrades are expected to support over 120 jobs and is a major infrastructure project that is part of our $409.1 million infrastructure spend for building our city’s future.”

 

The redevelopment includes the installation of a new 50m pool, a new toddler pool, improved disability access, shade awnings and new landscaping.

 

Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said she’s thrilled by the progress being made on the redevelopment of the Tobruk Memorial Baths.

 

“We’re so lucky to have such an incredible pool right along The Strand and the history there can’t be understated so it’s nice to see how well the work is coming together,” Cr Greaney said.

 

“This is a massive job and so far, everything is pulling together really nicely – it’s looking good for a reopening in February.

 

“This project did get pushed back after the unprecedented monsoon so I would like to thank the community for being so patient while we get this completed.”

 

Townsville signs on as first North Queensland Welcoming City

Townsville is now the 40th Welcoming City in the country.

 

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has signed on to the Welcoming Cities program, which helps councils and communities become more inclusive of all newcomers to the city.

 

Townsville’s strong liveability attributes make the city an attractive destination for migrants, 25,574 people who were living in the Townsville City Council in 2016 were born overseas, and 20% had arrived in Australia within the 5 years prior to 2016.

 

Cr Hill said Council was proud to sign on to the program, as it helped establish the city as having a positive reputation.

 

“Townsville is more multicultural now than ever before, and this is something we should celebrate,” Cr Hill said.

 

“The diversity of the local community is one of the things that makes Townsville such a vibrant place to live and work.

 

“We want to do everything we can to welcome and support migrants who choose to make Townsville their new home.”

 

Cr Hill said making the commitment allowed Council to become better informed about how to support migrants into the Townsville community.

 

“Becoming a Welcoming City gives Council new tools to help integrate migrants into the community,” she said.

 

“Council is constantly looking at how it can improve the experiences of newcomers to the city, which as we know can have positive effects on our economy and society.

 

“Being a Welcoming City will help Council see how it’s tracking with cultural diversity and inclusivity.”

 

Townsville joins Brisbane, Livingstone, Balonne, Central Highlands and Toowoomba in becoming a Queensland-based Welcoming City.

 

Lessons I’ve Learned With Age

By: Jennie Scott

As I write this, I’m sitting in a coffee shop, alone. Of course, there are other people in the building, so I guess I’m not technically alone, but I came here without anyone else, on purpose.