Aquatic centre building costs in outback Queensland doubled in 5 years

A local council in regional Queensland is putting a much needed infrastructure project on hold due to high costs. 

Quilpie, located 1000 kilometres west of Brisbane, has been planning an aquatic centre for over 20 years to replace the actual pool.

Before COVID, costs to build the centre were $20 million. Now the amount has doubled, leaving plans on hold until further notice, or until the State government supports the project. 

Image: Image supplied by Quilpie Shire Council

Produced By: Eduardo Jordan

Featured In Story: Ben Hall – Mayor of Quilpie Shire Council

First aired on The Wire, Friday 28 November 2025