Meeting papers

Executive Summary
The Noosa Aquatic Facilities Strategic Plan 2026-2036         Broader industry trends reinforce these priorities.
sets a clear direction for ensuring that Noosa’s aquatic      Universal design is now standard in contemporary
network remains accessible, sustainable and responsive        aquatic facilities, enabling participation for people of all
to the community’s evolving needs. The Strategic Plan         ages and abilities.
establishes how Council will maintain, improve and
                                                              Demographic shifts in Noosa mean demand for warm-
future-proof aquatic assets over the next decade,
                                                              water exercise, rehabilitation, wellness and low-impact
focusing on accessibility, financial sustainability,
                                                              fitness will continue to grow. Rising energy costs and
community benefit and environmental performance.
                                                              climate pressures require investment in solar generation,
Noosa’s aquatic network comprises the Noosa Aquatic           water recycling, heat recovery and other efficiency
Centre (NAC), supported by three Department of                measures. Modest population growth forecasts for
Education (DoE) pools at Tewantin, Cooroy and                 Noosa mean that optimisation and renewal, rather than
Pomona, as well as the Tewantin Splash Park and the           large new facilities, are likely to deliver the greatest
Hinterland Adventure Playground. These facilities are         benefits.
complemented by six pools outside the Shire that are
                                                              This Strategic Plan responds to these challenges and
easily accessible to Noosa residents, meaning almost
                                                              opportunities through four guiding principles:
all residents live within a 15-minute drive of a public
aquatic facility. However, these assets are ageing,            ● Accessible: future upgrades should embed universal
predate universal design standards and face rising               design, accessibility elements and inclusive
maintenance, energy and compliance costs. The NAC is             amenities
at capacity during peak periods, and school-based pools        ● Diversified: programs should support recreation,
offer only supplementary access with limited hours and,          fitness, wellness, rehabilitation and pathways for
in many cases, ageing infrastructure.                            elite competition
In line with this strategic plan, Council will also develop    ● Well-maintained: assets should be renewed
a dedicated NAC Upgrade Plan to deliver future                   proactively to remain safe, functional and fit for
improvements to this key facility, ensuring it continues to      purpose
meet demand and provide high-quality services for our          ● Future-proofed: sustainability, climate resilience
growing community.                                               and energy efficiency should underpin facility
Extensive community and stakeholder engagement                   upgrades and operations
throughout these processes has highlighted consistent         These principles ensure that this Strategic Plan provides
themes: a strong desire for more accessible and inclusive     a balanced, realistic and community-focused pathway
facilities; dynamic programming that meets Noosa’s            for managing and improving Noosa’s aquatic facilities.
changing demographic needs, reliable access to school         It positions Council to meet the Shire’s changing needs
pools; and environmentally responsible operations.            while ensuring these valued community assets remain
                                                              accessible, sustainable and impactful over the next
                                                              decade.
                                                                                                      NOOSA SHIRE COUNCIL | AQUATIC FACILITIES STRATEGIC PLAN 2026-2036 | 3
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