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.
Council engaged a consultant to review the aquatic facilities and spaces within our region. The first phase of the project considered supply, demand, distribution, conditions and costs. Consultation occurred with facility owners including schools, learn to swim providers and industry experts. This information coupled with research around industry trends, risks and opportunities including population growth and demographics informed the Draft Cairns Aquatic Facilities Strategy Report. It was endorsed by Council for broader community consultation across 100% of Cairns residents. No decisions have been made yet.
The consultant engaged with schools who own and manage pools in phase one as part of their demand and supply assessment. As part of Council’s engagement plan on the Draft Strategy, every school in the Cairns region has been provided the option to respond to a school-specific feedback survey that is open until 30 April 2026.
Cairns Regional Council engages experienced private operators to manage its public swimming pools through a competitive tender process. This approach helps minimise operating costs while allowing operators to bring private sector expertise and innovation to the day-to-day delivery of services at Council facilities.
Under this arrangement, Council retains ownership of the facilities and remains responsible for specified major repairs and capital works. The appointed lessee is responsible for the day-to-day operation, management and maintenance of the pool. This typically includes:
- Staffing and supervision
- Pool water quality management and safety compliance
- Operations and Maintenance
- Customer service and programming (such as swim lessons and activities) based on the accepted tender
- Managing opening hours and facility operations
In return, the lessee retains revenue generated through gate fees and other services provided at the facility. Council also provides an annual payment to the operator to support the management of the facility delivery of community aquatic services.
The value of this payment is determined through a competitive tender process prior to the appointment of the successful operator and reflects the cost of operating, maintaining and managing the facility while keeping entry fees affordable for the community.
We have a responsibility to all ratepayers to balance the cost of Council services with their willingness to pay. This includes delivering services efficiently and in places where utilisation is maximised.
The Draft Aquatic Strategy considers the network of aquatic services across the region and aims to ensure efficiency in future service delivery and prioritise future investment.
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.
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.
You can provide feedback here via the project webpage. Consultation is open from 10 December 2025 to 10 March 2026.
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.
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 does propose retiring the pool.
As part of the consultation process Council will consider community feedback that will help shape future decisions around investment in aquatic facilities across the region.
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.
