Central Highlands pools set to open for new swim season
Posted on August 24, 2026
As a new swim season gets underway, aquatic centres across the Central Highlands are preparing to welcome residents back following off-season maintenance and preparation works.
The region’s pools will open on:
- Emerald – Opening from 7 September 2026
- Blackwater – Opening this School Holidays
- Capella – Open Now
- Springsure – Open Now
- Rolleston – Opening this School Holidays
- Sapphire – Opening this School Holidays
‘Our pools here in the Central Highlands play an important role in the health, safety and wellbeing of our communities. They support water safety, active lifestyles, social connection and provide a much-loved place for families to come together,’ Acting Chief Executive Officer Graeme Kanofski said.
As part of preparations for the new season, renewed management contracts will take effect at aquatic centres across the Central Highlands following a competitive tender process.
In Blackwater, council welcomes back Stars Aquatics who will continue to operate the facility, while Light Aquatics, who already operate the Springsure Aquatic Centre, will expand to include the Rolleston and Sapphire centres.
Council looks forward to continuing its partnership with Streamline Swimming who will operate the Capella Aquatic Centre under the existing contract.
At the Emerald Aquatic Centre, LeisureSafe Australia has been appointed as the new operator.
‘We are all about finding the best value for our communities, as well as ensuring we continue to provide reliable, safe and fit-for-purpose facilities and services for our residents,’ Mr Kanofski said.
‘The new contracts have been designed to provide an improved experience for our community, with operators having clear responsibilities, greater flexibility to meet the programming needs of each unique community and strengthened performance measures.’
As a new operator to the region, LeisureSafe Co-Founder and Director Declan Gillard-Martin said the company was looking forward to working with the Emerald community.
‘The Emerald Aquatic Centre is an important community facility, and we are proud to have the opportunity to support its next chapter,’ he said.
‘Our priority is to create a centre that feels safe, welcoming and genuinely connected to the people who use it. Our focus will be on delivering a safe, welcoming and community-focused facility for residents and visitors.’
Council looks forward to seeing families, swimmers and visitors make the most of the region’s aquatic centres as they prepare to welcome the community for the season ahead.
For operating hours, swim school information or any other enquiries follow your local facility’s Facebook page, visit their website, or head to council’s website.
