Today’s grand opening of the redeveloped Tobruk Memorial Pool means Far Northerners can now benefit from an affordable, high-standard and accessible aquatic facility that meets the needs of a growing regional city.
The project was driven by Cairns Regional Council which invested $18.9 million, supported by the Coalition Government which provided an additional $4.8 million.
Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said the Tobruk Memorial Pool redevelopment would provide first-class facilities for budding local swimming champions.
“Providing facilities such as the Tobruk Memorial Pool in our regional towns and cities is part of creating communities that our children and grandchildren want to stay in, or come back to,” Minister Nash said today.
“The facility includes new 50 metre and 25 metre pools, a Flow Rider leisure water area and Kid’s Wet Play Area, and an upgraded hydrotherapy pool.
“Council constructed new buildings to house the reception, a café and shop and change rooms, along with a new plant room to service the pools.
“Shade structures were installed providing sun protection in all of the pools and flood lighting was erected.
“I’m also pleased this project created 44 ongoing jobs and 50 construction jobs as well as employing 14 local businesses.”
Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch was at the opening celebrations today.
“Council’s swimming complex will provide modern facilities for our local athletes to train while encouraging members of the community to get outdoors and enjoy a more active and healthy lifestyle,” Mr Entsch said.
“Originally built as a memorial site funded with the help of the Rats of Tobruk Association, the community worked proudly together to reinforce the significant link between the pool and our local veterans of the Tobruk campaign.
“Not only has the project upgraded this wonderful heritage listed red brick façade and clock tower but it has also allowed enhancement of the ANZAC elements of the precinct including the landscaping of ANZAC Walk.”
Located in the rapidly growing North Cairns Sporting Precinct with the Cairns International Tennis Centre, Cairns Netball Association and the world class Hockey Centre, the pool will help attract major sporting events to the region providing better competition for local swimmers and increasing tourism.
“It will also help attract training squads who can utilise our connectivity through our world-class international airport, the scientific resources of JCU’s Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, and our ability to accommodate large numbers of visitors in the summer months with over 26,000 hotel rooms, highly?skilled hospitality staff, and restaurants and ancillary services through our established tourism industry,” Mr Entsch ended.
