Published on Wednesday, 30 July 2025 at 10:46:07 AM
The Shire of Denmark is reconsidering a long-standing community aspiration: the development of an indoor heated aquatic facility.
Council have agreed to consider updated financial modelling and building plans for a proposed aquatic facility featuring a 25-metre lap pool and a programmable hydrotherapy/baby learn-to-swim pool, at a Special Meeting of Council scheduled for 12 August 2025.
Following decades of community advocacy and numerous Council discussions dating back to the early 1990s, the Denmark Aquatic Centre Committee Inc. (DACCI), in collaboration with Shire officers, has recently completed updated concept plans and financial modelling, supported by funding from the Shire’s Aquatic Facility Development Reserve and DACCI contributions.
Shire President Kingsley Gibson said, with the finalisation of up-to-date financial modelling and considering the long-standing community aspiration for a pool, Council wanted to take this opportunity to share the information openly and transparently.
“Any possible decision to pursue a pool would be among the biggest the Denmark Shire has ever made, and we owe it to our residents and ratepayers to deal with this matter thoroughly and carefully, and to maximise transparency and accountability throughout,” Cr Gibson said.
Following the review of updated financial modelling and the proposed facility plans at the Special Meeting of Council in August, councillors will then decide whether to move forward on the project or not
Councillor Gibson stressed the decision to hold the special council meeting did not indicate that Council would proceed with a pool and that all options, including not seeking to progress a pool, were available.
“Whatever decisions Council might ultimately make about the pool, it is important that all community members have the ability to appreciate the factors being considered fully.”
“An aquatic facility centred in our community would undoubtedly benefit the health and wellbeing of many people in our Shire, but just like our library and recreation grounds, an aquatic centre requires ratepayer subsidies to fund the initial construction and ongoing operational costs,” Cr Gibson said.
“It’s crucial Council understands and accepts the costs and risks of such a project before making any decision to proceed further.”
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