The Australian Government’s $7.5 million election commitment towards Casuarina’s new Aquatic and Leisure Centre continues to progress, with construction underway and federal funding flowing.

The Australian Government’s $7.5 million election commitment towards Casuarina’s new Aquatic and Leisure Centre continues to progress, with construction underway and federal funding flowing.

The new centre for the City of Darwin will see a significant rejuvenation of the Casuarina Pool, which opened in 1977.

The new facilities will include an 8-lane, 50-metre pool, a resort-style lagoon pool, learn-to-swim pool, café and BBQ facilities, wet and dry play areas, and a swimming club and community room.

Along with unlocking physical health benefits, the facility will deliver further health services by providing new specialist rooms for allied health services, a gymnasium and a basketball 3-on-3 court.

This centre has brought significant employment benefits, including 194 jobs during construction with a potential of up to 54 jobs upon completion.

The $26.8 million project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 and is funded under the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program (PCIP), with a $19.3 million contribution from the City of Darwin.

Quotes attributable to Member for Solomon Luke Gosling:

“The Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre will be so much more than a pool.”

“This redevelopment is delivering a modern, safe, and family-friendly sports and recreational facility that will improve health and wellbeing outcomes in the local community.”

“I cannot wait to take my kids to the resort-style lagoon pool and I look forward to seeing the difference this community infrastructure makes to working families in Darwin and Palmerston.”

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

 “During the 2022 election campaign the Australian Government committed to improving local infrastructure projects that make a difference in communities and I’m thrilled to see the new Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre continue to progress.

“The facility will encourage community members to stay active and provide opportunities to improve crucial water safety skills.”

Quotes attributable to City of Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis:

“We are thrilled that the funding agreement for the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre project has been finalised and we thank the Australian Government for their support of this project.

“The project is making great progress. If the wet season weather doesn’t cause significant disruptions to construction, we anticipate we’ll be able to open the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre prior to the initial projected completion date of late 2024.”

“Having a modern, accessible, recreational space to play, swim, eat and relax fits so many of our strategies, including having a Safe, Liveable and Healthy City, and a Cool, Clean and Green City.

“The centre is a major new development for our city and will be a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.”