Onkaparinga secures $5.4M for Noarlunga Aquatic Centre refurbishment

A $10.8 million refurbishment of the Noarlunga Aquatic Centre is a step closer today after the City of Onkaparinga secured $5.4 million in federal government funding. 

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the funding, through the Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program, will help ensure the much-loved facility continues to serve the community for years to come. 

“The Noarlunga Aquatic Centre has been a place for the community to stay healthy, active and connected – and help people learn essential swimming and water safety skills – for more than 30 years,” she said. 

“As with any facility of that age, a time comes for important renewal work, and we’re incredibly thankful for the federal government funding to help us carry out this work while delivering better outcomes for residents and ratepayers.” 

The council, which took over the centre’s management in 2021, has already made significant upgrades, including unisex and accessible changerooms, a modernised gym with new equipment, and improved pool lane ropes and starting blocks. 

The next phase of works – subject to Council agreeing to match the federal government funding at its 10 December meeting – will focus on renewing the building and pool and modernising the filtration and disinfection plant. 

Planned upgrades include replacing the existing roof and ceiling, painting, the installation of a 99kW solar power system, a new pool liner, and a modern water filtration system.  

The lagoon pool will be separated from the main pool, and an accessible ramp will be added to enhance inclusivity for all users. 

Onkaparinga CEO Phu Nguyen said detailed project designs are expected to be finalised this month, and the project will require an extended pool closure, which could start as early as mid-2025, lasting up to 12 months. He said facility users will be notified well ahead of time with full details on the closure. 

“We understand the inconvenience this closure would have on the centre’s users, but this investment will lead to a more modern facility that better meets the community’s expectations,” Mr Nguyen said. 

“Once reopened, the pools will have a more consistent temperature, require fewer chemicals and be more comfortable to swim in; with reduced need for costly ongoing repairs, and significant reductions in emissions and energy costs."

Onkaparinga-based Coromandel Valley Ramblers Cricket Club was also named in today's announcement as a recipient of funding through the Thriving Suburbs Program. It will receive funding for multi-use change room and public toilet facility in neighbouring Hawthorndene.