Millicent Swimming Lake Reconstruction

At the May 2024 meeting Council resolved to endorse a staged approach to the renewal of the Millicent Swimming Lake, commencing with Stage 1, being a temporary bitumen reseal to ready the facility for the 2024/25 Swim Season.

The remaining three stages would require Council to make application for grant funding through both State and Federal Governments, to support the reconstruction.

• Stage 2 - reconstruct the Swimming Lake (including demolition, preparation and construction of the lake walls, floor, underfloor circulation lines and drains and concrete works as per the detailed design (Estimated cost $4,46M).
• Stage 3 - Upgrade the filtration and chlorination systems and construct new pump shed. Connect all pipe work and fully commission upon filling the lake for the coming season (Estimated cost $1,28M).
• Stage 4 - Complete additional value add items such as the proposed splash park elements (Yet to be costed).

The upcoming reconstruction of the Millicent Swimming Lake presents an opportunity to not only improve water quality through upgrades to the filtration system but also undertake improvements to the entire complex. This will make the facility more attractive to users and provide a safer environment for swimmers.

Planned improvements include:

A new concrete floor and piping system - The concrete floor will consist of 49 separate concrete pours, ranging in size up to 15 x 15 m, each with a specialized joining system. All filtered water from the pump shed will be returned through an under-floor system to improve the consistent delivery across all areas of the lake.

Improved drainage - The floor of the lake will be designed for more controlled drainage, the deep end of the lake will have slight differentials in slope creating six low points. These points will have drainage vents fitted and the lake can then be drained much more effectively.

Removal of the old diving board/platform - The existing diving platform will be removed to enable the floor and piping works to be carried out. Two new filter islands will act as new diving platforms for swimmers to enjoy.

Installation of two new filter islands - The improved filtration system will use the existing 12 skimmer boxes located on the perimeter of the lake, combined with two new large standing surface suction islands. These two islands are designed to increase the return water flow to the filter shed and improve water quality but will second as new diving platforms within the lake.

Change to swimming lanes with new touch platform - The swimming lanes will be improved by reshaping the existing lake wall and incorporating a new touch platform. This will allow for easier access both ends of the swimming lanes and brings the swimming lanes closer to the edge of the lake, which will be easier to manage for lifeguard line of sight, which improves safety.

Disability access - Access at each end of the lake will be improved with handrails and flooring allowing entrance to the correct water depth. Approach pathways will be upgraded to vastly improving accessibility of the complex to the wider community.

Replacement of shade sail and flooring in children’s area - The shade sail within the lake will be removed to enable floor work to be carried out. The floor angle will be changed to meet the required standard for children and disability access. The children’s area will then be reconstructed with improved slip resistant underfloor treatment. The shade sails will be replaced with improved footings and a new fence constructed beneath.

The Millicent Swimming Lake will now open for a shortened period over the 2023/24 swim season following a decision made at the November Council meeting.

Prior to consideration of a report presented by staff, Elected Members heard a deputation from Millicent resident Tamara Cockrum and her son Chad, who pleaded the importance of the facility to the wider community. A letter from the Millicent Business Community Association reinforcing its economic benefits, was also tabled as correspondence. Community sentiment had also been heard by the members through online consultation and a stall held at the Millicent Show.

Following deliberation, including consideration of the estimated costs associated with preparing the asset for limited season opening ($100K), it was resolved that Council would open the Millicent Swimming Lake to the public between the 16 December 2023 and 29 January 2024.