New facilities at Kawana Aquatic Centre create ‘dynamic sporting heart’ for the community

June 18, 2024

A $14 million, multi-year upgrade of the Kawana Aquatic Centre by the Sunshine Coast Council is on track to deliver benefits to the facility’s more than 200,000 visitors each year.

Completed in April this year, Stage One of the aquatic centre upgrade included a new 20-metre, five-lane indoor heated pool, along with new structures, new plant and equipment.

Stage Two, now underway, will deliver a new entry building, amenities, kiosk and additional car parking, supplemented by a $938,000 contribution from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Explaining that the Kawana Aquatic Centre is a popular and highly valued swimming facility for the region, supporting the Kawana Sports Precinct, Sunshine Coast Council Councillor, Tim Burns stated “these elite-standard facilities, including the nearby Sunshine Coast Stadium and Lake Kawana, host many local, national and international sporting events, training camps and competitions each year.

“Sport and recreation facilities play such an important role in our local community.

“That’s why we’re investing in this dynamic sporting heart and I’m excited to see the aquatic centre enhanced and improved for our community to enjoy.

“It’s another way we’re connecting and engaging with our communities to build a better future for everyone.

“I understand there’s a period of inconvenience with temporary amenities and carparking during construction.

“Please drive slowly and watch out for pedestrians heading to the entrance, especially children going to swimming lessons.

“To all those who regularly use the Kawana Aquatic Centre for leisure, fitness and swimming lessons, thank you for your patience while we work to deliver an even better facility for you.”

Stage Two upgrade works are anticipated to be completed in late 2025.

The project has received a $938,000 contribution from the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

The Council-owned aquatic centre features a 50-metre outdoor pool, 25-metre pool which can cater for diving and water polo, and a new dedicated five-lane 20-metre indoor heated learn-to-swim facility with all-abilities access ramp.

The Kawana Aquatic Centre is one of nine aquatic centres by the Sunshine Coast Council. The other aquatic centres are located at Beerwah, Caloundra, Buderim, Cotton Tree, Coolum, Palmwoods, Nambour, and Eumundi.

All facilities are operated by Council contract partners who provide the day-to-day site operation, programming and access for the community.

Images: The 50-metre outdoor pool at the Kawana Aquatic Centre (top), an artist impression of the Centre’s new entry building (middle) and the new 20-metre indoor program pool, completed as part of Stage One upgrade (below).

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