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The Sunshine Coast Council has adopted an aquatics strategy that will guide the planning, development and management of the aquatics network across the region over the next 15 years.

The Sunshine Coast Aquatics Plan 2011-2026 is part of council's ongoing 'Our Place, Our Future' campaign to develop a strategic approach to planning the future of the Sunshine Coast region in partnership with the community.

Statutory and Regional Planning Portfolio Councillor Russell Green said council's focus for the plan was to address the ideas, aspirations and concerns of aquatic facility users and the broader community, and identify solutions for now and into the future.

Councillor Green explained that "aquatic facilities are unique community assets, which contribute towards significant health, fitness and social benefits for the whole spectrum of the region's population base.

"The vision of the plan is to provide a diverse range of quality aquatic facilities and infrastructure across the region which positively contributes towards the Sunshine Coast's character, identity and vibrancy, and helps attain physically active and healthy communities.

"In a time of rapid population growth and change, it is important that we understand the role of each of the 12 council owned aquatic facilities, and how we can improve and provide the best match between the local demographic population and what each aquatic facility offers."

The plan is based on an assessment of current council aquatic infrastructure, demographic planning, contemporary pool design and management trends and extensive community consultation and customer feedback. Some of the key recommendations from the plan include:

• Improved benchmarking and planning of current aquatic facilities, including preparation of master plans and design options;
• The adoption of standards of service to provide guidance for future facility upgrades and the development of new facilities;
• New aquatic facilities at Palmview and Caloundra South in line with growth;
• The recognition of aquatic centres as social spaces, incorporating contemporary design features.

The plan features council owned land where aquatic programs and ancillary services are delivered, or where council has a defined role in the delivery of an aquatic facility. The plan was not required to address natural areas such as beaches, rivers, man-made or natural lakes.

The Sunshine Coast Aquatics Plan 2011-2026 was undertaken concurrently with the Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026.

20th October 2010 - SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL PUBLISHES DRAFT AQUATICS STRATEGY

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