Rammed earth walls constructed from local materials
Whilst the community is set to take home gold when the new Blackwater Aquatic Centre opens in early 2017, Central Queensland businesses have been first off the blocks with over 55% of expenditure so far going locally.
Hutchinson Builders were awarded the contract to construct the new modern aquatic facility on behalf of Central Highlands Regional Council in January 2016; however Council’s local content focus has ensured that local businesses have been the real winners.
“Council has a strong desire to use regional resources on projects and is delighted another large project is delivering benefits to local business,” Central Highlands Regional Council CEO Scott Mason said.
The big winners have been concreting and quarry materials, civil works, and accommodation providers, and at any one time there can be over 12 different trades onsite.
“A great example is the rammed earth walls which surround the facility. There is approximately 600 tonnes of material all sourced from near Sapphire,” Mr Mason said.
With funding from the Australian Government, Central Highlands Regional Council and BMA, the new facility will feature a 50m x 10-lane partially covered pool, as well as a 25m covered and solar-heated pool, a zero-depth splash pad features and all of the associated buildings and structures. The project is on track to be completed early 2017.
