Premier promises $10 million for the Aquatic Centre upgrade

This time it was for The Goulburn Aquatic Centre, which the Premier promised $10 million towards for its upgrades.

Stage One of the Goulburn Aquatic and Leisure Centre upgrade is estimated to cost $28 million. 

Stage One includes:

“Upgrading the Goulburn Aquatic and Leisure Centre is another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to improving local sporting facilities around the State,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Hundreds of locals enjoy coming to the Aquatic Centre to swim, participate in aqua aerobics and use the gym. We are committed to promoting healthy and active lifestyles among young people across NSW.”

Liberal candidate for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said it was great news for the area.

“A number of sports groups and schools in Goulburn will benefit from the aquatic centre upgrades,” Ms Tuckerman said.

Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Bob Kirk welcomed the announcement, saying it was the full amount the council had requested from the State Government. 

“As a council, we have been working through the design stages for over two years now, and have been strongly advocating for funding for this flagship project for our region," Cr Kirk said. 

“I am incredibly pleased that the NSW Liberal & National Coalition has been able to come forward and announce the full requested amount of $10 million, which will mean we can get underway with the project and include the hydrotherapy pool our community needs.

“This is an outstanding commitment – the redevelopment of our Aquatic Centre is a wonderful project that is a significant community priority and the region deserves to see it completed in full.”

Speaking of the rest of the commitment, the council's general manager Warwick Bennett said at the Aquatic Centre pool the council is confident they are on track to have the money to complete the upgrade now.

"We are hoping to get $10 million from the Federal Government as well, which we have made an application for - and Angus Taylor has been supportive. If successful with this grant, the council will contribute the entire $26 million to complete the whole project, alongside the $20 million in government grants.

"If unsuccessful with our funding application to the Federal Government, the council will contribute the remaining $19 million for Stage One and then we would need to find further funding for the final stage of the redevelopment."

"Following on from this funding announcement, the council now proposes to start construction of the Aquatic Centre this calendar year.

"Extensive community consultation was undertaken during 2016 and the early months of 2017 before Council appointed DWP to design the project in June 2017."

Detailed design for the redevelopment has now been completed, and a development application has been submitted, but it still needs approval from the Joint Regional Planning Panel.

"We have done the assessment report and the only thing they have said back to us is that we have too much car-parking in the plans," Mr Bennett said. 

The council expects the Joint Regional Planning Panel to assess the DA in April 2019.