New Olympic pool opens with a splash at Beenleigh
A new Olympic-sized swimming pool in Beenleigh, delivered by Logan City Council, is set to give budding young gold medallists a headstart on their careers.
The 50-metre, 8-lane pool officially opened on 20 March at the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre and is the second in the City of Logan that is Olympic-sized.
Mayor Jon Raven says the $24.7 million redevelopment could be the starting point for future local Olympians.
‘The City of Logan is where the likes of Mollie O’Callaghan and Jodie Henry started their Olympic journeys. Now, the next generation of local Olympians will have the same opportunity to swim in elite conditions,’ Mayor Raven says.
‘The upgraded Beenleigh Aquatic Centre has arrived well ahead of the 2032 Games and will service our city well into the future.
‘This milestone is a win for our entire community, not just our competitive swimmers. Between new barbecues and a play area for the kids, our new Beenleigh Aquatic Centre will be an attraction for families to enjoy on weekends, school holidays and hot days.’
The upgrade includes an expanded children’s water play area, shaded seating areas, barbecues, modern changeroom facilities, a kiosk, and accessible and family-friendly amenities.
New solar panels are installed and stormwater harvesting is enabled to ensure the centre is sustainable into the future.
The new centre also has additional accessibility features for people living with disability, with a pool ramp designed to improve safety and independence.
The $24.7 million project was funded through the SEQ Liveability Fund under the SEQ City Deal, with Logan City Council investing $15 million, alongside a combined $9.7 million in funding from the Australian Government and Queensland Government.
The centre’s previous pool was the city’s oldest. Built in 1964, the non-metric pool was just 33-and-a-third yards long, or about 30 metres.
At the time, completing 3 lengths of the pool was the equivalent of the then Olympic 100-yard race.
Division 12 Councillor Karen Murphy says she is excited for families to enjoy the upgraded facility.
‘Our community has waited patiently for this project, and I’m thrilled we’ve delivered a modern, accessible and sustainable facility that residents will be able to use and enjoy for years to come,’ Cr Murphy says.
‘This brilliant new centre is now home to the City of Logan’s second Olympic-sized swimming pool and will benefit professional and recreational swimmers alike.
‘A lot of hard work and planning has gone into this upgrade, and I can’t wait to welcome families, swimmers and community groups to this revitalised space.’
Federal Member for Forde Rowan Holzberger says the Australian Government is working closely with Logan City Council and the Queensland Government to deliver meaningful projects like this beautiful new facility in Beenleigh.
‘When planning and investment come together, we can deliver real outcomes for Logan,’ Mr Holzberger says.
State Member for Coomera Michael Crandon says the Queensland Government is committed to supporting councils across the state.
‘We are helping create better access to more open spaces and infrastructure like this magnificent 50 metre pool, that is accessible all year round,’ Mr Crandon says.
‘Projects like this are about building a strong community legacy that extends beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, while delivering real benefits for locals today.’
The Beenleigh Aquatic Centre, located on City Road, is now open and operated by City Venue Management.
More information on the city’s aquatic facilities is available at: logan.qld.gov.au/sports-fitness-and-aquatic-centres
PHOTO AT TOP: From left, Federal Member for Forde Rowan Holzberger, City of Logan Mayor Jon Raven, Division 12 Councillor Karen Murphy and State Member for Coomera Michael Crandon at the redeveloped Beenleigh Aquatic Centre.
