Carnes Hill Aquatic and Recreation Centre

Since the original funding application in 2022, the design has been refined with input from specialists and more detailed planning. The initial concept included an outdoor 50-metre, 8-lane pool. But after taking a closer look, it became clear that this option would cost more than the available budget.

The 50-metre pool will be delivered at a later stage, subject to additional funding.

Please see the Carnes Hill Recreational Precinct (Revised Stage 2) Master Plan for further information.

The aquatic centre staging has been planned to ensure that all members of the community, regardless of age and swimming ability, can enjoy the first stage of delivery. The 25-metre pool will be less deep and warmer, supporting year-round swimming for a range of abilities.

Future stages will build on these initial facilities to provide a wider range of aquatic experiences and opportunities.

Several activities must be completed before construction can start, including:

• Finishing the detailed design
• Getting all required planning approvals
• Appointing a construction contractor
• Confirming the builder’s delivery program
• Assessing and managing site conditions
• Making sure materials and workers are available

Based on where things are at now, construction is expected to start by the middle of 2027.

We’ll keep the community updated as timelines are confirmed and the project progresses.

Council aims to complete the project by the end of 2028. This is dependent on planning approvals, resourcing, weather and site conditions.

We understand this project is important to the community and will keep this web page updated.

Although the funding was announced in 2022, the formal funding agreement was not finalised until late 2023. The project could not start until this was in place.

Since then, lots of important work has been happening behind the scenes, including:

• Setting up a dedicated project team
• Carrying out site surveys and technical testing
• Revising the masterplan
• Moving through concept and detailed design
• Reviewing costs and financial planning
• Lodging the Development Application

The project is now at the advanced design stage, with detailed plans and technical documents in place.

This stage has helped to:

• Finalise the layout and structure
• Work through engineering and compliance requirements
• Provide more accurate cost estimates
• Prepare documents needed for approvals and construction

Large infrastructure projects like this take time to get right. There are strict safety, design and approval requirements, especially when public funding is involved.  It’s important that all this work is done properly before construction begins.

All of the funding is still allocated to this project and is being used as planned.

The funding for this project comes from the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants (WSIG) program, with activity based, milestone payments made in stages as the project progresses. This is a standard funding approach for major infrastructure projects.

Funding is used over time for activities such as:

• Planning and design
• Technical investigations (such as soil testing)
• Engaging specialist consultants and project management services
• Preparing detailed construction documents
• Building the project and completing final handover

All project expenditure is monitored and reported, with strict auditing to ensure compliance with the NSW Grant Administration Guidelines.

In 2022, Council’s application for $53.4 million NSW Government funding through the WSIG program, was approved. The total approved funding amount was $53.4 million.

This funding was based on an early master plan and preliminary cost estimates, prepared before detailed design work had been completed.

Since then, Council has undertaken further planning and design work and like many infrastructure projects across Australia, the project has been impacted by significant increases in construction costs.

After the funding agreement was signed in 2023, Council progressed into the detailed design phase.

During this time, Council has:

• Reviewed how feasible the original masterplan is
• Clearly defined what the project will include
• Ensured the design meets all technical, operational and compliance requirements
• Updated costs estimates to reflect current market conditions and construction industry cost increases

As a result of this more detailed work, the overall cost is now higher than originally expected.

In November 2024, Council committed an additional $4.3 million towards the project, bringing the total available funding to $57.7 million.

It’s important to note that cost increases are a normal part of major infrastructure projects, as plans move from early concepts to detailed, ready-to-build designs.

Access to the new Carnes Hill Aquatic and Recreation Centre will be via Pacific Palm Circuit.