Adelaide Aquatic Centre

The Hon. T.T. NGO (14:45): My question is to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Can the minister tell the council about the progress of the Adelaide Aquatic Centre?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:46): I thank the honourable member for their question and interest in the exciting process of the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre. We are getting closer to delivering a world-class community facility that will serve South Australians for generations to come. The new Adelaide Aquatic Centre, currently under construction, I am advised is on track to open to the public in the summer of 2025-26.

The transformation is well underway, with structural works progressing rapidly, and a fit-out to follow in the coming months. A major milestone has just been reached with the appointment of experienced operator YMCA Aquatic to run the centre. YMCA brings a proven track record, already managing the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre at Oaklands Park. They will now extend their experience to the Adelaide Aquatic Centre, ensuring the site is professionally run and welcoming to all users.

Importantly, former staff from the previous aquatic centre will be given the first opportunity to express interest in the new roles. Up to 300 jobs will be created once the centre opens, supported by more than 1,500 jobs throughout the construction phase. This is not just a refurbishment, as we know, it is a $135 million investment in a completely new state-of-the-art aquatic and wellness hub shaped by community consultation. The consultation resulted in 1,200 responses that helped guide the design to meet the needs of families, swimmers, clubs and those seeking health and wellbeing services. When completed, the centre will be a true asset for the community.

The facilities will include a 50-metre 10-lane indoor pool for swimming carnivals, water sports and recreational use; a 25-metre eight-lane outdoor pool; a dedicated warm water rehabilitation pool; a lagoon outdoor pool; an indoor learn-to-swim pool; an indoor leisure pool with splash zones and water slides; a spa, sauna and steam room; diving amenities and outdoor water play zones; barbecue areas and cafe; a gym and fitness centre; inclusive amenities and change rooms; and improved car parking and new pathways linking into the surrounding park and cycling networks.

This is a centre that will bring people together and be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, ensuring sustainability for the future. We have also worked closely with the Adelaide City Council to return more than what I believe is a thousand square metres of land to the Parklands.

The Adelaide Aquatic Centre has served the people of South Australia for over 50 years. This investment ensures we will have a modern, accessible and inclusive facility that supports community recreation and health outcomes long into the future. The new Adelaide Aquatic Centre is more than a pool, it is a legacy. I look forward to welcoming South Australians through its doors and seeing the positive impact it will have for generations to come.