Huon Valley Council has completed a major transformation of the Port Huon Sports and Aquatic Centre, with all community members invited to come and see the result for themselves.
A major two-stage transformation has completely renewed the much-loved facility. Stage 1 delivered new pool tiles, an all-accessibility hoist, comfortable bench seats, and an upgraded ventilation system to keep swimmers comfortable year-round. The recently completed Stage 2 has added new family changerooms, fully compliant accessible toilets and showers, a dedicated accessible bathroom, an upgraded sauna, a new hallway ceiling, and a refreshed upstairs multi-purpose room. Contractors stripped the old facilities back to the bare bones and rebuilt them from the ground up with new interiors, fittings and fixtures throughout.
“These are not just cosmetic improvements, this is a complete transformation of the heart of the Centre,” Mayor Sally Doyle said. “We are so lucky to have two public pools in the Huon and seeing this loved but ageing asset efficiently renewed into high-quality, inclusive infrastructure, makes me extremely proud. I want to thank everyone in the Huon Valley community for their patience throughout the construction period. The wait has absolutely been worth it.”
The upgrade is a gamechanger for community members living with disability. Vic, who uses a wheelchair, makes the trip from Hobart specifically because the centre offers accessible facilities he simply cannot find closer to home. With the latest upgrades, the experience has improved even further. “The new changerooms mean I can shower after the pool, use the toilet, and go home dry — it suits my needs. And the Pelican hoist is a beauty; it’s purpose-built and really effective.”
Regular Aqua Duck participants have also noticed the difference. “There’s a lot more room in the showers, the floors are not slippery, and there’s a lot more privacy as you come in through the doorway,” said Leanne.
For families, the upgrade has addressed a long-standing gap. Kylie, who brings her young children to the centre regularly, said the new facilities had made an immediate impression. “When we first walked into the new changerooms, we were really excited — they’re spacious, tidy, and there are so many more options. No more waiting for showers.”
The project was jointly funded by Huon Valley Council and a grant through the Department of State Growth’s 2023-24 Tasmanian Active Infrastructure Grants Program — Large Stream.
Council encourages everyone across the Huon Valley to visit the centre and experience the new facilities for themselves.
Front row (left-to-right): Councillor Mark Jessop, builders Kym Sgarbossa, Luke Ashlin, Cameron Ashlin (Ashlin & Mcdonald builders), Centre Officer and Lifeguard Karen Fry, Aqua Ducks Andrea Whittle and Leanne Roberts, Team Leader Recreation Services Sharon Smith, Capital Works Project Officer Sandy Rustell
