The consultants examined five different possible site locations for the Aquatic Facility and assessed their suitability based on 21 different criteria. The resulting preferred site was recommended as 35-41 Villiers Street, which is the site of the former Cypress Pines Caravan Park.

At the January 2024 Council meeting, Council endorsed that the new Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct be developed at this site which is directly across the road from the current facility. Read the full story here...

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.

Council established a stakeholder reference group to provide advice to guide and support the project development process for the Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct replacement project. The Terms of Reference of the group are available here.

Chaired by Cr Sophie Bougoure with Cr Peter Saxelby and Council staff in attendance, the Reference Group met on 13 and 27 May 2024 in Chinchilla. Chinchilla community invitees included:

• Julieanne Bannister, Chinchilla Sharks Swimming Club Inc
• Kim Priem, Chinchilla & District Sport Committee
• Cath Brandon, President Chinchilla Historical Society Inc
• Colleen Forde, Southern Queensland Rural Health
• Robyn Haig, Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry
• Richard Turnbull, Goondir Health Services
• Warren Barker, Chinchilla Lions Club
• Jo Rayner, Goondir Health Services
• Louise Judge, Chinchilla Community Centre
• Ray Hicks, Rotary Club

The group workshopped, discussed and provided input to Council on their preferences for considerations to be included in the design brief to be given to two architects who will develop concept options for the Aquatic Precinct.

Read the Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct Reference Group - Terms of Reference here.

In November 2024, Stakeholder Reference Group advocates were invited to discuss a draft concept masterplan for this project with architect Stephen Johansson from Facility Design Group.

These sessions were a great opportunity for the advocates to go over proposed concepts with Stephen and provide feedback that would best assist each groups needs for the precinct.

Involving the Stakeholder Reference Group throughout the process allowed Council and designers to create a draft concept masterplan to inform the first round of broad community consultation on the precinct concept design thoughout December 2024 and January 2025.

This community feedback and Council's investigations into future operational costs of the new precinct have informed the final detailed design shared with the community in December 2025.

A series of drop-in sessions to discuss the draft concept masterplan with community members and stakeholders were held at the Chinchilla Aquatic Centre on 15-16 January 2025.

These sessions offered flexible opportunities for the community to discuss the draft concept masterplan in greater detail with Council staff. At Council, our aim is to provide open spaces and community facilities that are alive with activity and connect our communities.

Our focus is for proactive, sustainable planning for the future and these sessions provided an opportunity for meaningful conversations with the Chinchilla community to shape their new aquatic precinct.

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.