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Continuing its ongoing commitment to funding public aquatic facilities in remote areas, the Western Australian Government has announced that it is to commit $10.6 million in funding to meet the meet the bulk of the $14.5 million construction cost for a new 50-metre public swimming pool in the town of Kununurra in the Kimberley region.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley is contributing $3.9 million to the construction on top of the 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.

Advising that cost savings have made the development possible, Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister, David Templeman stated that the “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."

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.

Image: The water playground at the Kununurra Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

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