Community wins as Council turns up the heat at Cooktown Swimming Pool

“From hospital staff to sporting teams and swimming enthusiasts, the community has been wanting the pool to be heated for some time,” said Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott. “Council sourced and secured $90,000 in funding through the Queensland Government’s COVID Works for Queensland program, and worked with the Cooktown Primary School to ensure the project was delivered on time and within budget. We are delighted with the result and have already received compliments and letters of thanks from grateful community members.”

In a move towards minimising ongoing operational costs with long-term sustainable solutions, the project also included installation of 20kW solar panels to offset the energy required to heat the pool; potentially offsetting more than 70% of the venue's total electricity costs.

“The installation of the solar panels is a positive step towards managing Council’s rising operational costs, but the real winners here are the community,” said Mayor Scott.

“Having a year-round heated swimming and hydrotherapy facility adds to the level of amenity of Cooktown and will help facilitate the ongoing health and wellness of the Shire for years to come.”

Pictured above: Vicky Brown and Karen Whipper enjoying their morning exercises in the warmer waters of the Cooktown Swimming Pool