Green light for Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre as tender is awarded

Published on 17 March 2026

Gladstone Regional Council has reached a significant milestone regarding the Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre (BTAC) following the announcement of the successful construction tender at today’s General Meeting.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said Queensland-based company Paynters will undertake construction of the new aquatic centre including site clearance, all associated infrastructure, civil works, roadworks, landscaping and associated environmental works.

“Features of BTAC include a heated Olympic-standard 50m pool with a retractable shade sail at the shallow end, change rooms, kiosk and a locally themed children’s play area,” Mayor Burnett said.

“Construction is anticipated to commence in May 2026 with expected completion about mid-2027, weather and site conditions pending.”

Located at Lot 5 Arthur Street, Boyne Island, BTAC has been a long-term priority for Council and a highly anticipated project for the region with nearly 95 per cent (94.61 per cent) of respondents in favour of the development according to initial community engagement.

IMAGE: Lot 5 Arthur Street, Boyne Island.

Mayor Burnett said the project is supported by a $15M Australian Government commitment through the Priority Community Infrastructure Program.

Cr Burnett said the project went out to tender in September last year and today’s decision to award the contract to Paynters means we can now shift our focus to putting shovels in the ground.

“This is generational infrastructure and an investment in the health and wellbeing of the Gladstone Region for many decades to come,” he said.

IMAGE: Carpark and entry to proposed Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre.

About the Project

• Council purchased the Arthur Street site in 2024 following a culturally significant discovery at the Coronation Drive site
• The project was accelerated since the decision in November 2024 to move to the Arthur Street site from the previous site at Lot 900 Coronation Drive
• Since then, Council completed the Detailed Design phase and has been updating the necessary regulatory approvals
• Some elements of the facility have changed since Council adopted the Concept Design at its 15 March 2022 General Meeting to offset construction cost increases outside of Council’s control.

Visit Council’s Conversations website for more information and to keep track of this project.

TOP IMAGE: The proposed eight-lane, 50m pool for Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre.