General News
28 July, 2022
Last resort for outdoor pool
Maryborough’s heritage listed 50-metre outdoor pool will be demolished and rebuilt and the entire pool complex closed for the foreseeable future in a “last resort” bid for council. At this week’s ordinary meeting, Central Goldfields Shire...
Maryborough’s heritage listed 50-metre outdoor pool will be demolished and rebuilt and the entire pool complex closed for the foreseeable future in a “last resort” bid for council.
At this week’s ordinary meeting, Central Goldfields Shire councillors moved to endorse the closure of the pool until it can be demolished and rebuilt and to seek up to $6 million from the state and federal governments to undertake the build.
The decision follows a further assessment of the pool which found its condition had declined since a previous assessment in April last year, with the pool reaching the “end of life” stage, according to the report tabled to council, and cannot be re-opened until it is demolished and rebuilt.
The report tabled to council states there were three options presented to council; $745,000 patchwork that would last for weeks to months, repair of the pool base and membrane at a cost of $2 million for a 10-year lifespan or the demolition and reconstruction of the pool, costing up to $5 million, for an expected lifespan of 60-85 years.
Speaking during the meeting, councillor Geoff Lovett said the decision to close and rebuild the pool was a “last resort”.
“Many people throughout our community will be shocked by this decision to close Maryborough’s outdoor pool,” he said.
“This decision has not been taken lightly and is an absolute last resort after considering multiple reports by structural engineers.
“One report stated that if radical action is not taken, there is a possibility in the near future that there could be catastrophic failure of the 50-metre pool.
“Although this decision is correct, it must be stressed the closure is not permanent — the pool will be reopened when it is safe for community use.”
The entirety of the Maryborough Outdoor Pool complex is heritage listed, with council using $2 million in funding to upgrade the octagonal pool, plant room and main entrance building alongside Heritage Victoria.
Council will also work with Unified Community Sport and Leisure to create opportunities for residents to access alternative pool facilities during the upcoming summer season.
Free entry at the Dunolly and Talbot outdoor pools will be offered with extended opening hours and free entry vouchers for young people (through the FReeZA and Engage program) will be offered at the Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre.
According to the report tabled to council, local schools should also be provided with financial support to enable them to host carnivals at other facilities, with a recommendation the Maryborough Swimming Club should also be provided with the hire fee to enable its tournament to be held at a different venue.
Cr Lovett said council would leave “no stone unturned” in rebuilding the pool.
“Historically our pool has lasted 80 years and I believe realistically, it’s probably remarkable that our pool has lasted so long,” he said.
“The outdoor pool is not only important to Maryborough and the Central Goldfields Shire, but also to the state of Victoria.
“Maryborough is the only art deco swimming complex still operational in the state.
“Throughout this process council will be working very closely with Heritage Victoria and together, we will ensure all heritage elements are preserved.
“Council will leave no stone unturned to ensure the total rebuild is carried out so that our community can look forward to using the complex for the next 80 years.”