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Minister to launch USC pool construction
Queensland’s Minister for Sport and Child Safety Phil Reeves will officially launch construction of an Olympic swimming pool at the University of the Sunshine Coast tomorrow.
The 10-lane, 50m heated pool will be the first phase of the University's planned Aquatic Centre to be built adjacent its existing Health and Sport Centre, sports stadium and athletics track.
The ceremony will include speeches by the Minister, USC’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill and Professor of Sport Science and Paralympic swimming champion Brendan Burkett.
The $2.1 million pool will be the first of its kind in the region – available for community use, but also designed for specialised research and testing of elite swimmers.
Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2011, with funding provided by the State Government, the University, community donations, and through in-kind support during construction.
Mr Reeves said the State Government’s contribution of $900,000 was made through its Major Facilities Program, which provides financial assistance to organisations to develop and enhance sport and recreation infrastructure.
“This is great news for the Sunshine Coast, as this significant project will provide many more opportunities to improve health and lifestyle through sport and recreation,” Mr Reeves said.
“Not only will this pool be a great asset to the University, but it will also be made available to local schools, such as Chancellor State College, and the broader community.”
Professor Burkett said the new facility would give the University an opportunity to become a national leader in aquatic research.
“The pool will enhance our teaching and research and will be able to be used for everything from rehabilitation and teaching children how to swim, to fine tuning the techniques of Olympic swimmers,” he said.
— Terry Walsh