General News
11 April, 2025
Federal Labor Government pledge $4 million to reopen outdoor pool if re-elected
The Australian Labor Government has made a splash this week, announcing $4.5 million to help reopen the Maryborough Outdoor Pool if re-elected.
Senator Jana Stewart was joined by Mallee Labor candidate Greg Olsen, Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, the Friends of the Maryborough Outdoor Pool Precinct, and Central Goldfields Shire councillors on Thursday to welcome the election commitment to aid the pool’s reopening.
The Maryborough Outdoor Pool was closed in July 2022 after significant faults were found with its facilities.
Council has since been seeking funding to reopen the pool, including a recent application for $3 million to the Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports and Infrastructure Fund, with a co-contribution of $1.5 million from council.
The project has been broken into two stages, with stage one to allow the partial reopening of the Octagonal Wading Pool and the 25 metre pool.
Stage two consists of the redevelopment of the Olympic sized pool, but requires funding beyond Council’s application earlier this year.
The government’s election promise, if fulfilled, would support the reopening of the pool facility in full — an endeavour estimated to cost over $10 million.
“I am so pleased to be here and announce that a re-elected Labor Government is going to commit $4.5 million dollars to the Maryborough Pool Precinct,” Senator Stewart said.
The project will also include the redevelopment of changeroom facilities to accommodate people with disabilities.
Ms Haylett said this election promise ensures the Maryborough Outdoor Pool Complex could be revived.
“Maryborough deserves an outdoor pool it can be proud of. I have been working closely with my federal colleagues to get this done and am committed to securing money from our State Labor Government to save our outdoor pool too,” she said.
Mr Olsen agreed that this would be a win for the local community.
“I’m thrilled to see the announce-ment of this election commitment for the Maryborough Heritage Olympic Pool Complex. The community deserves world-class facilities, and this funding will help us make that a reality. I look forward to seeing the pool complex transformed for everyone to enjoy,” he said.
“It’s about building the future and preserving the past. This is a great example of a facility that is integral to community.”
The Maryborough Pool project is expected to cost $10 million. After numerous funding applications, Ms Haylett said this announcement is a step towards ensuring that amount.
“We now have a commitment from the federal government of $4.5 million, we’ve also got a grant application in to the State Government for $4 million, and the council is wanting to contribute as well,” she said.
“If we can get all tiers of government to back this project, it would be fantastic for the Maryborough community.”
The delivery of this project will be in accordance with the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
The federal election is set to take place on Saturday, May 3.