Council-owned aquatic centres
A Council-owned aquatic centre is defined as a formal, controlled, and supervised aquatic centre in which the Council is the asset owner.
A payment of entry fees or a membership is required to access these facilities.
About the Strategy
Why do we need a strategy?
Public swimming pools and other aquatic facilities are an important service to the Cairns community. Many of our current facilities were built decades ago and no longer meet the needs and expectations of today’s users.
A strategy helps Council plan smarter, avoid duplication, and invest where it matters most.
The aim of the strategy is to ensure that:
- our facilities are modern and meet current community expectations
- even distribution of access to aquatic facilities and services across our region
- we are planning ahead for our growing population
- future investment is spent where it benefits the community the most
How was the strategy developed?
Council looked closely at the current data usage data and cost of each facility. We also considered challenges that may arise from future population growth.
- How many residents use each facility?
- What aquatic options are available in each area, and are there alternatives to public pools?
- What do residents expect from modern aquatic facilities?
- What’s the cost of maintaining our facilities?
- Where should we invest to best benefit the community?
By understanding community needs, population growth and funding constraints, the strategy sets out a path to improve aquatic services across Cairns in a fair and sustainable way.
Aquatic facilities in our network
We have different types of facilities in our network that all play their part in addressing community demand for aquatic facilities and services.
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Aquatic leisure facilities
Aquatic leisure facilities may be natural or artificial. Typically, aquatic leisure facilities are not used for formal programs or activities. Entry fees are only charged for artificial aquatic leisure facilities.
Aquatic leisure facilities include patrolled beaches, artificial lagoons (like the Esplanade Lagoon), natural swimming spots (like Babinda Boulders), water play areas (like Muddy's) and water parks (like Sugarworld).
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School pools, private pools & learn to swim
These facilities help provide some level of access to the community. They directly impact the demand for aquatic facilities and services in different parts of our region.
For example, a neighbourhood where backyard pools are common will have less demand for publicly available facilities like public pools.
Proposed works
This strategy includes proposed works to the following facilities. These works may include upgrades and renewal works to existing facilities and the construction of new facilities and infrastructure.
Give feedback
The aim of this strategy is to balance the needs and wants of the community, time and budgetary constraints, and the challenges that come with our evolving and growing population.
Now we want to know if you think we got the balance right. Please use the form below to provide feedback on the Cairns Aquatic Facilitates Strategy.
The extended consultation period for public feedback is open from 10 December 2025 to 30 April 2026.
