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The Balonne Artesian Thermal Hot Springs (BATHS), funded with $750,000 from the Works for Queensland Program, has opened at the St George Pool complex.

Located in the Shire of Balonne, 500 kilometres west of Brisbane, the new attraction was opened with a free Family Fun Day last Sunday (8th December).

Developed for use by residents and visitors, the new thermal pool features artesian spring water heated to 34 degrees.

Speaking at the opening, Queensland Local Government, Minister Stirling Hinchliffe stated "not only will (the pool) be a huge hit with residents throughout the region but I also expect it will be a great tourist drawcard for the grey nomads who are looking for that unique regional experience."

Balonne Shire Mayor, Richard Marsh added "this artesian thermal pool will be a welcome addition to the St George Pool complex and is a facility that can be used year-round by residents and visitors travelling through our region.

"This facility will offer travellers another powerful reason to stay longer in town, which will give our economy a boost (and) will put St George on the outback thermal springs trail.

"It will not only entice visitors to dip their toes in the warm western waters but will also provide some therapeutic aid for our locals.

"It'll be beneficial for older people who don't want to go into a big pool and do laps as they'll be able to get some low-impact exercise with a ramp and rail to access the warm waters.

"During the colder months, the new facility will provide locals and visitors alike with a safe, healthy way to warm up and relax."

“Our community benefits when our two levels of government work well together to create new facilities such as the thermal pool.”

Since the $600 million Works for Queensland Program began in 2017, the 65 eligible councils outside of South East Queensland have reported that more than 17,900 jobs have been created or supported so far, delivering 1,856 projects.

Across the three rounds of Works for Queensland, the Balonne Shire Council has been allocated $3.6 million

Minister Hinchliffe also handed over a $3000 cheque to the St George Men’s Shed - money raised through the Country Cups Challenge and donated through the Wippell family.

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