The town of Tara is set to become home to a $7.9 million aquatic facility thanks to Western Downs Regional Council’s announcement of a successful contractor to start works early in 2022.
Construction company, Taylor Builders, has been awarded the contract for the project and will now work alongside project designer, Liquid Blu, to bring the exciting plans to life.
Mayor, Paul McVeigh said the decision marked an exciting milestone for the project, which would see a new aquatic facility delivered for the community of Tara and surrounds.
“Council has approved Taylor Builders to construct the pool, which will see a new 25m pool and facilities delivered to meet a range of needs for the whole community including Learn to Swim, squad training, representative meets, and recreational swimming.”
“With a disability access lane, heating, pool blankets, a brand-new swim club room, tiered relocatable seating, relocatable shades, brand new kiosk, new amenities and new filtration systems, this project ticks so many boxes for the community,” Mayor McVeigh said.
The current children’s splash area and toddlers pool will be retained with improved self-watering grassed areas and shaded seating that enhance the experience for supervising adults and families.
Mayor McVeigh said Council had approved additional funding to deliver the project, with the total project cost now budgeted at $7.9 million.
“The existing pool is over 60 years old and has reached the end of its life. This significant decision of Council today to award the contract demonstrates Council’s commitment to providing modern facilities suitable to all current and future uses,” he said.
“The new aquatic facility will ensure the Tara community can enjoy their pool for the next 50 years, and will deliver modern, accessible facilities the whole community will enjoy.
“The existing pool was closed at the end of the swim season, and it has been great to see Tara residents taking advantage of free entry passes to all other Council pools, squad training, and Learn 2 Swim classes.
“Construction is expected to commence in the new year, and we will continue to keep the community updated as the project progresses.”
The project is anticipated to be completed during the 2022/23 swim season.