Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said the decision to move to a new site was made following information received during the final authority approvals for the previous site on Lot 900 Coronation Drive, Tannum Sands.

“Council conducted various inspections and surveys of the previous site along with Traditional Owner representatives, the Port Curtis Coral Coast (PCCC) Trust Cultural Heritage team and an archaeologist,” Councillor Burnett said.

“Earlier clearances were provided throughout each stage of the project. However, Council learnt the Coronation Drive site holds cultural importance while outworking a Biodiversity Rehabilitation Plan, which was a requirement of the development approval.

“Once we gained a greater understanding of the land’s cultural importance, we knew progressing with construction of a pool on this site was no longer the right decision for our community and Council will continue to partner with the PCCC to make sure any Aboriginal cultural heritage is proudly recognised, protected and conserved.”

Gladstone Region’s Registered Native Title Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBC) Chair Kristin Sarra said Council’s respect and support of culture is very meaningful.

“We are grateful for Council’s decision not to construct on the Coronation Drive site and acknowledge this is a significant step to enable Traditional Owners to reconnect to their traditional land and sea areas, kinship, lore, culture, customs and values,” Ms Sarra said.

“We look forward to continued collaboration with Council to develop the right cultural and land management plan together to both preserve the site and celebrate its cultural importance.”

Council assures residents the plan to progress the pool project has not changed and has worked quickly to acquire the new site, which Council purchased in October 2024.

The strategic land acquisition of the Arthur Street parcel and an adjoining parcel on Centenary Drive was part of a broader strategic land review of the region.

Cr Burnett said the aquatic centre development will only utilise a portion of the land and Council is excited for future opportunities for the remaining land.

“Council will now outwork the regulatory approvals required at the Arthur Street site,” he said.

“We appreciate the community is keen to see this project come to fruition as soon as possible and pending approvals, funding and a final investment decision, we are tracking to deliver the project in time for Summer 2026.

“We have a $15M Australian Government funding agreement through the Priority Community Infrastructure Program towards the construction of the first stage of the project, and we are actively seeking additional funding as part of Council’s advocacy.

“It’s important to understand projects like this can take some time to be construction ready, but as a Council we remain committed to growing the Gladstone Region and we will continue to proudly play our part in advocating and planning for a brighter future.”

For more information*, visit conversations.gladstone.qld.gov.au/projects and click on the Boyne Tannum Aquatic Recreation Centre heading.

*Information available via Conversations from 9am, Thursday 21 November.

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