Council Projects

Council has secured $19.5 million in external funding contributions for the redevelopment, including:

• $9.5 million – Australian Government
• $5.0 million – Queensland Government
• $5.0 million – Council / Origin APLNG Workers Transition Agreement

Council has also committed $12.5 million through:

• A $7.5 million Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC) loan
• $5.0 million in Council cash

This project represents a once-in-a-generation investment in local recreation and community wellbeing. Years of planning and community consultation have shaped this major infrastructure commitment, which was formally included in the 2024/25 Council Budget.

• March–April 2025: Contractor engagement, procurement of long-lead items, site preparation
• Friday, 4 April: Final day of operations at the existing facility
• Saturday, 5 April: Tree removal within the site commences
• 5–17 April: Salvage of reusable items and relocation of community group materials
• Tuesday, 22 April: Pool lease officially vacated
• Wednesday, 23 April: Sod Turning Ceremony and Community Information Evening
• Monday, 28 April: Demolition works begin

22 March 2025

With the contract for the redevelopment of the Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre now awarded, final planning for construction is well underway.

Council is committed to keeping the community informed, providing regular updates on project milestones, anticipated impacts and key developments once they are finalised with the contractor, Hines Construction.

Commencement of Early Works

As part of the early construction phase, tree removal and site preparation will be necessary to facilitate the main building works. This step is essential in reducing the risk of soil moisture issues on what is a predominantly black soil site.

Tree Removal and Site Preparation

While Council is committed to retaining mature trees wherever possible, the redevelopment requires the removal of all trees currently located on-site.

Council has demonstrated its commitment to preserve trees across a number of recent projects, including the Duke Street Upgrade, Campbells Park, the Bigger Big Rig and also the Roma Pump Track project, where trees were either relocated or retained and incorporated into the final designs.

Recognising the importance of trees in our community - not only as part of the natural environment but also as valued features of shared spaces - a professional arborist was engaged to undertake a comprehensive assessment of all trees on the property. 

Read the full announcement.

22 March 2025
With the contract for the redevelopment of the Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre now awarded, final planning for construction is well underway.

6 March 2025
Council has selected the successful contractor for the redevelopment of the Denise Spencer Aquatic Facility, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of this vital community project.

28 February 2025
The Queensland State Government has committed $5 million towards the redevelopment of Roma’s Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre

29 January 2025
With the highly anticipated upgrade of the Denise Spencer Memorial Swimming Pool set to proceed, Maranoa Regional Council has set the date the pool will close.

9 January 2025
The Denise Spencer Memorial Swimming Pool is set for a major upgrade with a $9.5 million funding injection from the Federal Government.

A range of timing options were considered, including delaying the closure until after the holidays. Closing at the end of Term 1 allows time for handover of the facility and ensures construction starts as soon as possible, minimising the overall disruption and reducing the risk of the project overlapping with a second summer season.

The closure also aligns with the seasonal shutdown of other regional pools, including Wallumbilla, Injune, and Surat.

The facility is expected to be closed for approximately 18 months, with construction starting in April 2025.

Council understands this may cause inconvenience to some residents, but closure is essential to safely and efficiently deliver the redevelopment. The end result will be a modern, accessible aquatic centre that will serve the region for generations to come.

Comprehensive assessments dating back to 2009 have confirmed that major elements of the existing pool infrastructure have reached or exceeded their design life.

Issues include:

• Significant water leakage
• Aged and failing pipework
• Outdated filtration and water circulation systems
• Inoperable or unreliable heating systems

The facility has become increasingly expensive and difficult to maintain. Independent feasibility studies found that full replacement was the most cost-effective and sustainable option for the long term.

Council explored options to stage construction or relocate the pool. However, extensive community consultation revealed strong support for retaining the existing location, even if that meant a temporary closure.

Staging the build would extend the project timeline, increase costs, reduce efficiency, and pose safety risks. Attempting to keep parts of the existing pool open would also leave the community vulnerable to unexpected closures if safety issues arose.

Yes. Council operates four 25-metre pools across the region, all open seasonally from September to April:

• Wallumbilla – 41 km (approx. 30 min)
• Surat – 80 km (approx. 50 min)
• Mitchell – 90 km (approx. 1 hr)
• Injune – 91 km (approx. 1 hr)

Additionally, the Great Artesian Spa in Mitchell is open year-round, excluding Christmas Day and Anzac Day.

Council is also working on a suite of initiatives to help support the community during this period. Some of the support measures being considered include:

• Extended operating hours at regional pools in Wallumbilla, Surat, Mitchell, and Injune (seasonal)
• An increased focus on water play activities as part of Council's school holiday programs
• Education programs promoting water safety and water confidence for young children
• The introduction of low-impact, land-based fitness and wellbeing sessions for those who normally rely on water-based therapy
   

Further details will be communicated in the coming weeks. 

Learn to Swim programs are available at all regional pool facilities, and Roma also has a private provider.

• Surat & Wallumbilla
  Outback Swim School
  Contact: Mel Sutton
  Phone: 0429 637 880
  Email: outbackswimschool@icloud.com
  Facebook: Outback Swim School
• Mitchell
  Swimming 101
  Contact: Melanie Skelton
  Phone: 0475 058 546
  Email: swimming101.contact@gmail.com
• Roma
  Plush Babies Water Education
  Contact: Kirby Johnston
  Phone: 0402 576 371
  Email: plushbabies111@gmail.com
  Facebook: Plush Babies Water Education

Council is working closely with the successful contractor, Hines Constructions, to ensure there are meaningful opportunities for local businesses, suppliers, and tradespeople to be involved in the delivery of the project.

To support this, and along with other initiatives, we are planning a supplier engagement session in mid-April, in conjunction with Hines Construction, Roma Commerce and Tourism (RCAT), and the Department of State Development. Further details will be communicated once finalised.

Council is considering operational options for the new facility. The operating model will need to reflect the size, features, and running costs of the new facility, while also ensuring it remains accessible and welcoming for all members of the community.

Council is committed to open communication on these decisions and will continue to provide updates as this part of the project develops.