Council & Business
31 July, 2023
Council endorse $4 million expression of interest for outdoor pool funding
The Central Goldfields Shire Council has endorsed an expression of interest for $4 million in federal funding for the Maryborough Olympic Pool. At its ordinary council meeting last week, councillors voted in favour of the $4 million expression of...
The Central Goldfields Shire Council has endorsed an expression of interest for $4 million in federal funding for the Maryborough Olympic Pool.
At its ordinary council meeting last week, councillors voted in favour of the $4 million expression of interest to round one of the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program, which if successful would cover half of the costs required to restore the heritage asset.
The outdoor pool was deemed to be at its end of life stage last year, resulting in its indefinite closure until it could be demolished and rebuilt, in total an $8 million project.
Speaking at last week’s meeting, councillor Chris Meddows-Taylor said the funding program was an opportunity council couldn’t “afford to miss”.
“There has been a lot of community concern and anxiety around whether project to reopen the pool will happen and we know how difficult it is to fund a project of this nature,” he said.
“The opportunities to fund this are remote and difficult so it’s pleasing to note that this project does meet the requirements and is shovel ready.
“This pool has really served us well and I think this is an opportunity we can’t afford to miss.
“This is a one-off opportunity to have a shot at doing something which is incredibly important for our shire, our region and Victoria’s heritage.”
According to the report tabled to council, the Maryborough Olympic Pool Complex was one of four assessed by officers for the expression of interest.
Others included the Princes Park Grandstand, Deledio Recreation Reserve Pavilion and Maryborough Tennis Complex court redevelopment.
The report states each of the four projects varied in terms of the grant funding criteria, with the pool and grandstand projects identified as the most competitive.
The pool was nominated as it had the highest level of project readiness, with planning and design work now in advanced stages, according to the report.
Councillor Liesbeth Long opposed the motion, arguing that the pavilion at the Deledio Recreation Reserve in Dunolly should instead be put forward.
“The pavilion it is such an eye sore and hazard that it brings real shame and embarrassment when hosting clubs,” she said.
“The toilets are a disgrace, women and girls are not adequately catered for with unsanitary features.
“One of the female toilets, when not shut properly, will actually lock the occupant inside.
“As for disabled facilities — forget it, if you’re elderly, have a loss of mobility or are in a wheelchair and need to use a toilet you have to leave the premises.”
Cr Long said she understood the interest in reopening the outdoor pool sooner rather than later, but questioned the facility’s value as a year-round asset.
“Deledio Reserve is used all year-round and this cannot be said about the Maryborough Outdoor Pool, which generally only opens in November and runs for four or five months, but only on days over 25 degrees,” she said.
“I’m respectful of the fact that the pool is a better candidate and is more competitive for the round one expression of interest, but I ask — how do I explain that to a young girl who’s getting changed in a car because the facilities in Dunolly are so substandard?
“To not have an EOI when round one opens will be a real sucker punch to everyone who has worked so tirelessly with an unwavering commitment for such a long time.”
Councillors voted in favour of the outdoor pool complex being put forward for funding, noting work will continue on other priority projects including at Deledio Recreation Reserve.