The newly opened Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) in the Victorian city of Traralgon is innovating in using geothermally heated water in its swimming pool.
The first project of its kind in Victoria, with the potential to usher in new geothermal opportunities for the state, groundwater used in the Centre, with a temperature of 67°C is accessed via a 644 metre deep Burong Formation aquifer bore, with 100% injection into the same aquifer via a dedicated injection bore, 450 metre away.
Geothermal experts Rockwater designed the project, supervised drilling, construction and testing of the geothermal bores and provided ongoing project support, including the development of Victoria’s first Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Geothermal Scheme Project Plan.
With the pools inside the facility constructed using Myrtha Pools technology, the Italian-based company’s experience with artesian and thermal water when used in facilities in other parts of the world, complemented the designers’ abilities in undertaking the project.
The Centre consists of a 50 metre indoor swimming pool with a moveable boom, 25 metre outdoor pool, learn to swim pool, program pool with spa and a toddler pool.
The facility also includes a large Aqua Tower and two waterslides.
In 2019, Peter Brook, Design Director at Peddle Thorp, advised that it would “also include (an) indoor water play zone; warm water therapy pool with spa; designated learn to swim pool; sauna and steam rooms; wellness centre; café and retail precinct; gymnasium and group fitness rooms; wet and dry change facilities; 25 metre outdoor pool; and two large water slides.”
In 2016, LIWA Aquatics report on available energy technologies assessed sources including natural gas powered cogeneration, solar PV, solar thermal, geothermal and ground-source heat pumps, suggesting each had the potential to deliver significant industry savings.
Described by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a “vital, clean energy resource,” geothermal energy refers to underground heat which can be used to produce renewable energy.
The DOE adds that geothermal energy “supplies renewable power around the clock and emits little or no greenhouse gases.”
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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