Moree Plains Shire Council has decided to give up on the current site of the 50m pool, and move ahead with a feasibility study of construction a new pool at Taylor Oval.
The big call follows a strategic review of the beleaguered redevelopment of the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC), which has had a number of setbacks and challenges due to the old infrastructure at the site.
“We are deeply sorry for the length of time it is taking to deliver the 50m pool at the MAAC,” said Mayor, Cr Susannah Pearse.
“We know the community is beyond frustrated.
“Council has taken its obligations to the community seriously, to not only deliver necessary community infrastructure, but also set the region up for long term growth and liveability.
“We have considered the challenges faced at the current site over many years, weighed up the options, and in turn, agreed that it is time to let common sense prevail and look at a new site – one which has also been talked about in the community for some time.”
Various council motions back as far as three years, including approval for a contract worth almost $10m to Crystal Pools to construct a new 50m pool in 2023 after an initial tender process failed, detail the challenges Council has had in getting the main pool rebuilt. The project attracted near full funding under the Australian Government Growing Regions Program, minimising impact on ratepayers. How much of that has been expended and how much will be forfeited in the decision in unknown, as the financial implications were in a confidential report, but it is believed the amount lost on the project thus far is insignificant in comparison to the blow out in project costs.
It is understood the decision is in part the result of the impact new interim General Manager, Natalia Cowley, an expert in getting the budgets and projects of Councils in to ship-shape, has had on Council, with a new dedication across the organisation to doing things right and with cost effectiveness always top of mind.
The reaction of locals was swift and harsh, with most of the 93 comments on Council’s Facebook post deleted before they locked the post, most complaining about the long history of wasting money at Council. However, some welcomed the separation of the large olympic length pool from smaller training and therapy pools, as well as the artesian baths, arguing it may result in both improved safety and enjoyability of both facilities.
“It’s really hard to watch the little ones and keep them safe when there’s hundreds of kids running around jumping in and out of the the big pool,” said one local.
“I think I like the idea of being able to go to do my aqua aerobics and have a coffee and not have a school carnival worth of kids to deal with,” said another.
Pearse said this decision reflects the Council’s consideration of key factors such as providing high quality and value for ratepayer money infrastructure, driving CBD activation, fostering tourism and economic development, supporting future population growth, and addressing the current needs of our residents.
“While changing course may be challenging, it is a necessary step to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of this vital community asset,” said Cr Pearse.
In its deliberations, Council also considered the future of the MAAC, noting its historic significance and value to the tourism industry. Cr Pearse reassured the community that “Council is committed to planned improvement works to the hot artesian pools at the MAAC”.
“As part of our review, Council will be exploring the best options to keep the important tourist attraction and significant community asset open.”
Cr Pearse applauded the recently appointed Council in strategically tackling the big issues early on.
“This was not an easy call for the council to make. But it is the right call.”
Top image: Mayor Susannah Pearse and Deputy Mayor Wayne Tighe on site at the MAAC where the 50m pool once was.
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