New $2.1 million pool for Sunshine Coast

A new $2.1 million Olympic-size swimming pool has officially opened at Sippy Downs, located in the heart of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s bustling sport precinct.
Sport Minister Phil Reeves helped officially open the new facility which coincides with the start of a two-week Australian Swimming high performance coaching camp.
“The Bligh Government is proud to help deliver this great facility with funding of $900,000,” Mr Reeves said.
“We’ve worked in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast which offers diverse opportunities for many groups – from the student population and the general public, right through to elite swimmers.
“This facility will enhance the University’s teaching and research programs and greatly improve campus lifestyle.
“It will also enable groups to undertake rehabilitation, training and water sport activities, provide space for instructors to teach children and adults how to swim, provide recreational swimming access and allow coaches to fine-tune the techniques of Olympic and Paralympic swimmers.
“Further, this facility boasts state-of-the-art underwater camera technology funded by the University of the Sunshine Coast.
“This component of the facility will no doubt complement the skill and expertise of the dedicated coaches working to mould our future champions.
“It’s a worthwhile investment which will see many positive benefits to the community both here and beyond.”

Mr Reeves also announced the site had been chosen as the Queensland arm of Swimming Australia’s national paralympic program.
“This complements the Australian Institute of Sport’s program in our nation’s capital and is of great significance for the region’s up and coming paralympic swimmers,” he said.
“What’s more, the community has the opportunity to see firsthand a national paralympic program in action, on their doorstep, which is something no other regional community in the country can lay claim to.
“As Minister for Sport, I’m very proud to see facilities like these provide such great opportunities and I wish each of these inspiring individuals who use the facility every success in their future endeavours.”
Mr Reeves said funding partnerships help effect positive change in the community by encouraging more Queenslanders of all ages and abilities to get active.
“This is further evidence of the Bligh Government’s commitment to its Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland initiative to help Queenslanders become the healthiest people in Australia,” he said.
“This is why we continue to provide support for programs which help people of all ages participate in sport and active recreation.
“Developing sport at the grassroots right up to the elite level heightens our chances of hosting events, and reinforces our reputation as the Champions State and the Events State as well.
“The Bligh Government has made the tough economic decisions to ensure we can continue to support local sport and recreation.”
$924,956 was provided by the University of the Sunshine Coast, with an additional $300,000 being provided by the University’s foundation. In-kind donations of $60,000 were also received in the form of earthworks from Hall Contracting.