Mackay Regional Aquatic Strategy

DATE: January 10, 2020

EXPRESSIONS of interest are being sought for a new community reference group to help inform council on redevelopment of facilities at Mackay’s Memorial Swimming Centre.

Council is seeking up to 10 community members to join the group to provide input into any potential redevelopment plans in keeping with community needs.

The Memorial Swimming Centre Community Reference Group will also consider the most efficient use of public funds and resources.

A public notice calling for expressions of interest by 4pm Friday, January 31, will be published in tomorrow’s Daily Mercury.

More information, including the expression of interest application form, is available on council’s website at mackay.qld.gov.au/msccrg

Acting Mayor Amanda Camm said the decision to form a community reference group was made at a council meeting late last year.

“At that meeting, council formally recognised the Memorial Swimming Centre as a valuable community asset in its regional aquatic strategy,’’ Cr Camm said.

“The resolution of council also recognised the Second World War memorial aspect of the swim centre site and outlined the next steps in planning for its future,’’ she said.

“That included setting up a community reference group.”

The group will ensure the views of relevant community stakeholders are reflected in discussions on any future potential redevelopment of the Memorial Swimming Centre site.

It will also actively promote discussions within the community and source feedback options on potential redevelopment.

Cr Camm said council was seeking community members who resided in the Mackay Regional Council area.

“We’re seeking people who are endorsed by a related community organisation or group and have demonstrated strong community networks,’’ she said.

“Potential members should also understand community issues relevant to the Memorial Swimming Centre and be able to represent more than just a single agenda, club or interest.”

The group is expected to make its final recommendations to council in 12 to 24 months.

DATE: September 11, 2019

THE community will play a key role in planning for the future of aging facilities at Mackay’s Memorial Swim Centre.

Council today formally recognised the Memorial Swimming Centre as a “valuable community asset” in its aquatic strategy.

It also recognised the importance of the Second World memorial aspect of the Memorial Swimming Centre site and will now take the next steps in planning for its future.

Those plans will involve the community, including relevant RSL sub-branches.

A community reference group consisting of relevant stakeholders will be established to help inform redevelopment plans.

Today’s meeting agreed the current aquatic facilities have a finite life and planning should be undertaken for their sympathetic redevelopment in keeping with community needs.

Council will also consider registration of the site on the local heritage register following the outcome of consultation on redevelopment within the site.

Contractor Belgravia’s current operating contract will be extended 12 months to October 2020, which will enable of the impact of the Mackay ARC and other facilities on patronage to be assessed.

Mayor Greg Williamson said today’s resolution recognised the Memorial Swim Centre was an important part of the City Centre and would be an integral part of council’s aquatic strategy going forward.

“We also want to form a community committee that helps the redevelopment plans,’’ he said.

“The pool itself has a finite life, so we need to be planning for the future of that site.

“It remains as a Memorial Swim Centre and it remains as a tribute to the fallen, which is the way it was designed, built and funded right at the start.

“The community committee will look at what can happen with that area that can be complementary to the fact it is an aquatic facility.

“It is a liveable green area in our City Centre and we need to get more people using that site.”