NOOSA AQUATICS CENTRE UPGRADE PLAN AND NOOSA AQUATICS FACILITIES STRATEGIC PLAN · Report

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                           6 OCTOBER 2026


7.2.6       NOOSA AQUATICS CENTRE UPGRADE PLAN AND NOOSA AQUATICS
            FACILITIES STRATEGIC PLAN


Author             Sport and Active Lifestyles Manager, Brad Chalmers
                   Community Facilities | Community Services Department
Index              Subject/72.02 Noosa Aquatic Centre NAC
Attachments        1.   Attachment 1 NAC Upgrade Plan
                   2.   Attachment 2 Noosa Aquatic Facilities Strategic Plan 2026-2036


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Noosa Aquatic Facilities Strategic Plan 2026–2036 and the Noosa Aquatic Centre (NAC)
Upgrade Plan, including the Prioritised Implementation Plan (PIP), have been prepared to establish
a long-term strategic framework for the planning, renewal and future development of aquatic facilities
across the Noosa Shire.
The Strategic Plan is informed by a comprehensive Needs Assessment and Demand Analysis,
supported by community, stakeholder and industry consultation. The assessment confirmed that the
NAC is a well-performing regional aquatic facility that is highly valued by the community and
supported by an excellent operating model. The assessment also identified key future challenges
including ageing infrastructure, accessibility limitations, asset renewal requirements and increasing
community expectations regarding safety, inclusion and amenity.
The Strategic Plan identifies the NAC as the Shire's primary regional aquatic facility and
recommends a staged approach to asset renewal and facility improvement over the next 20 years.
Key priorities include accessibility upgrades, renewal of critical infrastructure, improved customer
amenity, expanded program capacity, environmental sustainability initiatives and strengthened
support for the broader aquatic network.
The accompanying Upgrade Plan and PIP provide a prioritised framework to guide future planning,
budgeting and investment decisions. Endorsement of the Strategic Plan and Upgrade Plan will
establish Council's strategic direction for aquatic facility provision while recognising that any future
projects remain subject to detailed planning, funding availability and future Council budget
considerations.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council
   A. Note the report by the Sport and Active Lifestyles Manager to the General Committee dated
      6 October 2026 regarding the Noosa Aquatic Facilities Strategic Plan and NAC Upgrade
      Plan,
   B. Endorse the Noosa Aquatic Facilities Strategic Plan and the Noosa Aquatic Centre Upgrade
      Plan, including the Prioritised Implementation Plan (PIP);
   C. Refer the findings, recommendations and priority actions identified within the Strategic Plan
      and PIP for consideration through future Corporate Planning, Annual Budget, Long Term
      Financial Planning and Capital Works Program processes;
   D. Note that endorsement of the Strategic Plan and PIP does not constitute approval or funding
      allocation for individual projects, with implementation remaining subject to future detailed
      investigation and assessment, operational requirements, funding availability and future
      Council consideration;