Queensland's future Olympic champion swimmers will have a better place to learn to swim thanks to a major upgrade to the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre - one of 80 projects to share in almost $86 million from the Palaszczuk Government.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Steven Miles said the Aquatic Centre would be upgraded as part of the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP).
"The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will have benefits right across Queensland," Mr Miles said.
"An upgraded Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre will encourage more participation in swimming, where Australia will be a clear favourite.
"A $3.557 million grant will deliver a new splash pad and water-play areas and upgrades to the undercover 25-metre pool, surrounds of the 50-metre pool, lagoon pool waterslides, viewing decks, change rooms and other amenities."
Mr Miles said the grants program is designed to support councils to deliver priority infrastructure projects that improve the liveability of communities and support economic growth and employment.
"The successful projects tick all the boxes, with the 80 approved projects expected to create approximately 1,800 jobs in areas where they are most needed," Mr Miles said.
"That's a terrific result for local economies, the councils and their communities, and there are many more projects to be announced."
Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre upgrades would be great for introducing younger kids and families to water play and swimming.
"An upgraded Aquatic Centre is a big win for our local community, creating jobs and helping aspiring Olympians along the way," Mr Tantari said.
"Across Wide Bay infrastructure projects funded by this program are expected to create almost 220 jobs.
"The $3.557 million redevelopment will upgrade the undercover 25-metre pool with improvements to walls and roofing, including opening glass walls and there will be additional investment in an elevated, shaded viewing deck.
"A new splash pad and water-play areas will be constructed, as well as a shade structure, concourse and retaining wall to create a fantastic space for younger kids and families.
"There'll also be upgrades to lagoon pool waterslides and other features as well as elevated viewing areas.
"The surrounds of the 50-metre pool will also be improved with new shade structures and other features.
"The first stage will also include a substantial investment in change rooms and other amenities as well as plant, filtration and water reticulation systems.
"This will be a great start to the aquatic centre's master plan that will improve the centre in stages over a number of years to minimise disruptions to swimmers."
As well as going towards new infrastructure, the LGGSP is also aimed at extending the functional life of existing infrastructure and improving asset management, helping councils stretch their budgets.
Other Wide Bay projects include stage 2 redevelopment of Moore Park delivering new buildings for a Men's Shed and the local Scouts, expanding the Gympie Southside sewer network, re-roofing the Blackbutt Memorial Hall, expanding the Mundubbera landfill and developing detailed designs, scope of works and costings for the Cherbourg Community Centre and Council Offices Precinct.
Projects can commence from 1 July 2022 and must be delivered by 30 June 2024.
