By Tahlia Facer, Bundaberg Today

Bundaberg Regional Council has announced the town’s new aquatic facility will cost ratepayers over $80 million – more than double the initial estimates.

At council’s ordinary meeting Tuesday morning councillors voted that Woollam Constructions would be contracted to build the new $75.8 million (excluding GST) Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Facility.

In June last year Mayor Jack Dempsey said council was “taking the plunge” by allocating $6.6 million in the 2021-22 budget to fund construction of the then estimated $45 million project.

Now forecast to cost an additional $30.8 million (excluding GST), council will have to borrow the money, with ratepayers set to pay the cost for many years to come.

The brand new facility, earmarked for construction next to the Bundaberg Multiplex, has been received with mixed reviews by the community.

Councillor Greg Barnes was the only representative to oppose the motion, stating that while he thought it was a great project, he would be speaking against it at this time.

“A concern for me is the number of balls up in the air at the moment,” Cr Barnes said.

“I’m not convinced now is the right time to be committing to this level of funding. I know you said (delaying construction) will cost a bit more, but that’s the case with any project.

“I respect the fact that this will be a great facility for the community but I don’t agree with the timing of it.”

After scoffing that “of course” Cr Barnes had something to say, Cr Dempsey reassured his colleague that the Bundaberg Regional Council was well positioned financially to take on the significant loan, with council’s 10-year forecast undertaking extensive due diligence.

CEO Steve Johnston added that council was “extremely financially viable and able to borrow this amount of money.”

The State Government committed $13 million to Local Government through the Works for Queensland program which council will put toward this project, with Cr Dempsey saying they would continue to apply for future grant opportunities to save money where possible.

Other than the vote against the project by Cr Barnes, the motion was passed unanimously by the remaining councillors with the exception of Cr Honor who was not in attendance.

Earmarked for completion mid-2024, the aquatic centre will cater for people of all abilities and include a FINA standard pool, indoor lap pool, cafe, courtyard and multipurpose rooms for hire, a heated program and a learn to swim pool.