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...

Council has 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, Stakeholder Reference Group advocates were invited to discuss the draft concept masterplan 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 has allowed Council and designers to create a draft concept masterplan that aligns in the community's best interests for the precinct.

Results from the meetings along with community discussions throughout December and January will help to shape outcomes for the precinct in the future.