Community Invited to Celebrate Official Opening of Aquatic Centre!
Published on 18 May 2026
After much anticipation and excitement from across the region, Livingstone Shire Council is proud to announce the official opening date for the Brian Dorey OAM Capricorn Coast Aquatic Centre (Cooee Bay Pool).
With construction now complete and final touches in place, the community is invited to celebrate this significant milestone on Friday 29 May from 3.30pm to 6.00pm.
The official opening event will feature a free sausage sizzle and drink for attendees, a community BBQ and live DJ entertainment, with lifeguards on duty to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Livingstone Shire Mayor Adam Belot said Council is thrilled to welcome the community back to the transformed facility.
“We sincerely appreciate the community’s patience as these important construction works have been carried out,” Mayor Belot said.
“We understand the wait has been difficult at times, particularly with delays caused by consistent wet weather in recent months, but this is a huge milestone and a historic moment for our community and the wider Livingstone region.
“We can’t wait to see this facility back in action, welcoming both residents and visitors for health and fitness, as well as leisure time with family and friends. I encourage everyone to come along on opening day and experience this world-class aquatic centre for themselves.”
The project is a joint initiative between Livingstone Shire Council and the Australian Government, with the Australian Government contributing $13 million toward the development.
“Council extends its sincere thanks to the Australian Government for this vital investment, delivering a much-needed, high-quality facility upgrade that will serve the region for generations to come,” Mayor Belot said.
The redeveloped Aquatic Centre represents a transformative upgrade of the previous Cooee Bay site, featuring a new 50-metre pool, expanded amenities, pool heating, swim wall, shade, car park, improved accessibility including wheelchair access, and a range of modern facilities.
“This project is a significant, long-term investment in the health and wellbeing of the Capricorn Coast community,” Mayor Belot added.
Recently appointed as the manager of public swimming pools across the Shire, PCYC Queensland will oversee operations at the facility, reinforcing Council’s commitment to delivering consistent, accessible and high-quality aquatic services.
Mayor Belot said PCYC Queensland would continue to deliver the popular Learn to Swim programs, with a staged approach to implementation at Cooee Bay.
“PCYC are pleased to continue offering Learn to Swim programs across Livingstone Shire aquatic facilities, however these will commence at Cooee Bay at a later date while minor works are undertaken on the Learn to Swim pool,” he said.
“In the meantime, Learn to Swim programs will continue at Zilzie’s Seaspray until the end of June to support families during this transition period.
“Swimming pools are highly regulated environments, and community safety is our highest priority. PCYC Queensland is taking all necessary steps to ensure the facility is fully compliant and ready to support the same user groups, activities and programs our community relies on.”
Council looks forward to welcoming the community to celebrate this exciting new chapter.