It is a long-term plan that outlines how Council will manage, upgrade and invest in public aquatic facilities across the region. It aims to ensure facilities remain safe, modern, accessible and aligned with community needs into the future.

Community input helps Council understand local priorities, concerns and ideas. Feedback ensures the final strategy reflects what residents value most and supports informed, community-backed decisions.

All feedback will be reviewed and considered as part of the final strategy. A summary of community themes will be reported to Council before the strategy is finalised.

The draft strategy proposes upgrades across the Region’s network, including Gordonvale, Woree, Smithfield, Sugarworld Parklands, Tobruk Memorial Pool and the Esplanade Lagoon. These upgrades aim to modernise facilities and ensure they meet growing demand.

No. Access fees across the Cairns aquatic network will remain aligned with CPI, with no additional increases proposed under the draft strategy.

You can provide feedback here via the project webpage. Consultation is open from 10 December 2025 to 10 March 2026.

After consultation closes, Council will review all submissions and is expected to consider the final strategy in mid-2026.

Project updates will be shared on Council’s website, social media, and here via the project webpage.

The draft strategy proposes retiring the pool. Community consultation will help shape future decisions and identify alternative recreational or community-focused options for the site.

Council is exploring how it can support residents during any future transition, including information on alternative opportunities to enhance local open spaces. Feedback from the community will guide what support is most required.