Home of Australian swimming stars gets new Olympic pool

A new Olympic-sized swimming pool in Beenleigh, delivered by Logan City Council, is set to give budding young gold medallists a headstart on their careers.

The 50-metre, eight-lane pool opened in March at the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre. It is the second in the City of Logan that is Olympic-sized.

Mayor Jon Raven said the $24.7 million redevelopment could be the starting point for future local Olympians.

“The City of Logan is where the likes of Mollie O’Callaghan and Jodie Henry started their Olympic journeys. Now, the next generation of local Olympians will have the same opportunity to swim in elite conditions,” he says.

“The upgraded Beenleigh Aquatic Centre has arrived well ahead of the 2032 Games and will service our city well into the future.

“This milestone is a win for our entire community, not just our competitive swimmers. Between new barbecues and a play area for the kids, our new Beenleigh Aquatic Centre will be an attraction for families to enjoy on weekends, school holidays and hot days.”

The upgrade includes an expanded children’s water play area, shaded seating areas, barbecues, modern changeroom facilities, a kiosk, and accessible and family-friendly amenities.

New solar panels have been installed and stormwater harvesting enabled to ensure the centre is sustainable into the future.

The new centre also has additional accessibility features for people living with a disability, with a pool ramp designed to improve safety, independence and compliance.

The $24.7 million project was funded through the SEQ Liveability Fund under the SEQ City Deal, with Logan City Council investing $15 million, alongside a combined $9.7 million in funding from the Australian Government and Queensland Government.

The centre’s previous pool was the city’s oldest. Built in 1964, the non-metric pool was just 33-and-a-third yards long, or about 30 metres.

At the time, completing three lengths of the pool was the equivalent of the then Olympic 100-yard race.

The Beenleigh Aquatic Centre, located on City Road, is now open and operated by City Venue Management.

IMAGE: The new Olympic-sized swimming pool in Beenleigh