Here is the first look at the draft concept masterplan for the new Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct

After extensive and valued feedback from the Stakeholder Reference Group and design groups, Facility Design Group and Rounsefell Design, the Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct has progressed to the concept design phase. The community is at the heart of this project, and we are excited to share the first look at the draft concept masterplan.

The design showcases the need for a modern facility that does not impact on the natural surroundings of the Botanic Parklands, and we will continue to involve stakeholder groups and the local community to ensure every detail of the design is reflective of the community's needs.

An important aspect of this phase of the project is to determine community's perspective to the concept design. The Aquatic Precinct is a vital facility for the broader Chinchilla community and it's vital the community has their chance to offer feedback.

The Aquatic Precinct's concept design phase, during which Council is seeking community feedback, is expected to run until the end of January 2025. During this time, Council will use this feedback to finalise the concept design for the precinct. Once concept design is completed, the next step will be to progress to the detailed design phase.

We will continue to engage with the community and the Stakeholder Reference Group to ensure the concept design is reflective of our community's needs.

Council encourages the community to help shape the future of the precinct by providing feedback below.

Following the adoption of the Aquatic Facilities Strategy 2023-2038 to guide future direction for inclusive and enjoyable facilities for the region, Council has commenced the exploration of replacement options for the Chinchilla Aquatic and Fitness Precinct.

As identified though the Aquatic Facilities Strategy, the Chinchilla Pool is reaching end of life and needs to be replaced to ensure it can continue to meet the community's needs for years to come.

As part of the early planning process, Council heard from pool users and the broader Chinchilla community about how they use the facility and what features are most important to them for the future of this popular community facility.

Council engaged experienced aquatic centre consultants to undertake community engagement and propose a potential site and facility inclusions for future project planning. Community input is an integral part of planning for this project, and we were proud to see such great uptake from the Chinchilla community who were keen to be a part of the conversation.

The planned inclusions for the Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct Replacement Project were investigated by the consultants who:

• examined past stakeholder engagement meetings and surveys conducted as part of the Aquatic Facilities Strategy 2023-2038;
• researched future community, stakeholder and industry demographic forecasts, trends and preferences;
• conducted stakeholder and broader community engagement (surveys, drop-in sessions at the pool and interviews);
• conducted geotechnical testing at the preferred location;
• developed a financial operating model; and
• developed a component schedule and cost estimate.

This investigation resulted in the resolution of Council to proceed with concept planning for a precinct to include :

• Indoor/ outdoor 50m pool with eight swim lanes, boom and disabled access
• 10m x 20m indoor program pool with disabled access
• Toddler pool
• Open landscaped setting with recreation spaces for community enjoyment
• Kiosk and amenities
• Multi-purpose rooms
• Allied health rooms
• Swim club and storage
• Gym facilities
• Disabled parking