Council Projects

Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre Redevelopment

With work soon to commence on the construction of the Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre, Mayor Wendy Taylor recently wrote to all households to provide a full overview of the project. If you missed it, you can read it here.

The redevelopment of the Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre is set to commence in April 2025, delivering a brand new, inclusive aquatic facility for the Maranoa community.

In March 2025, Hines Construction Pty Ltd was awarded the $29.2 million construction contract to undertake the works, which include:

  • Demolition of the existing pools and supporting infrastructure
  • Construction of the following key features:
    • An 8-lane, 50-metre outdoor pool with grandstand seating
    • A 25-metre indoor program and lap pool
    • A 10-metre twin waterslide
    • A zero-depth splash pad, toddler pool, and junior water play area
    • A new entry building, incorporating a kiosk, multipurpose room, and fully accessible amenities
    • Indoor changerooms and amenities for increased year-round comfort
    • Shaded areas throughout the facility — not only for pool users and spectators, but importantly, for event officials and volunteers supporting swim meets and community events

The appointment of Hines Construction follows an extensive tender process that began in early 2024. The company brings significant experience in delivering high-quality recreational facilities, including multiple aquatic centres across regional NSW.

We will continue to keep the community updated here as the project progresses.

For further information or enquiries, please email council@maranoa.qld.gov.au.

  • 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

Latest Updates

You can find links to the latest project updates here. You can also follow the project development through the Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre Facebook page.

  • 16 April 2025
    Following advice, two of the most prominent palm trees have now been carefully relocated to the open space reserve directly opposite the current pool entrance. A third has also been recovered.

    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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

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