- Kununurra confirmed to get a 50-metre public swimming pool as part of major upgrade
- Cook Government commits $10.6 million in funding to meet the $14.5 million cost
- Construction to begin in August 2024 with new pool set to be ready by December 2025-26
Extra funding and cost savings have made it possible for Kununurra to have a new 50-metre public swimming pool, with the Cook Government meeting the bulk of the $14.5 million construction cost.
The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley is contributing $3.9 million to the construction on top of the $10.6 million in State support. Previously, $500,000 of State funds and $150,000 of council funds went towards planning and design expenses.
The new pool is part of the Kununurra Aquatic and Leisure Centre re-development project that has already seen the building of a $3.2 million water playground that opened in 2022.
The new work will now include:
- a 50-metre swimming pool with eight lanes, 2.5-metre-wide swim lanes, and depths ranging from 1.1 metres to 1.8 metres;
- associated plant room and balance tank;
- leisure pool featuring a turbo channel, three walking lanes, water features and a learn-to-swim area;
- changing places changeroom; and
- chemical storage area.
As part of the cost savings to make the 50-metre pool possible, the existing 25-metre pool will be demolished at the start of construction instead of the end, so the town will be without a pool for 18 months.
The change to the scope of the plan occurred due to community demand for the 50-metre pool option.
Construction is due to start in August 2024 and is scheduled for completion in December 2025.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
"The Cook Government will always do what is right by the people of Kununurra, which is why we boosted our funding contribution for a 50-metre pool, instead of the previously proposed 25-metre option.
"The cost savings will mean that the town will be without a public pool during the construction period, but I'm sure the sacrifice will be well worth it to see a 50-metre pool become reality for an essential and very popular public recreational facility.
"We listened to the local community and are now delivering on what will be a larger pool to accommodate the Kimberley town's growing demand, especially around training time for the annual Lake Argyle Swim.
"Kununurra is one of the hottest parts of Western Australia, so having an expanded aquatic facility is crucial to meet the increasing recreation and training needs of the local population."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"I am delighted to hear that the pool will now be 50 metres long instead of the 25 metres first proposed.
"I personally can't wait until it opens - I will be one of the first ones in! Many thanks to the Cook Government for its support, together with the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley."
