Aquatic centre committee gets mayoral candidates' boost

Moves to push forward planning for a new Port Macquarie Aquatic Centre have gained momentum.

The Community Aquatic Centre Committee asked candidates in the July 29 mayoral by-election to respond to a question on the centre’s future.

Specifically, the committee wanted to know if the candidates endorsed the prioritising and funding of the development of a strategic concept plan, including the selection process.

Sharon Griffiths said the key questions of location and design need to be answered before funding is allocated.

“The Port (Macquarie) pool along with Wauchope were well overdue as both were In need of major works,” Mrs Griffith said.

“The Port pool is definitely on the radar to begin the process to finding a solution to the existing facility, as you have noted by the recent resolution of council. 

“The first step has been taken and there is no reason why this should not continue to proceed.”

Lisa Intemann said council’s operational plan for 2017/18 ‘already includes provision for the steps you are advocating’.

“There is no capital allocation for that work in the OP because it is to be done in-house, to review the expert studies that were done earlier and undertake community consultation,” Ms Intemann said.

“Once the site is selected then council will need funds for detailed design, and I support a capital allocation for that purpose, probably to the order of $100,000. With detailed designs in hand, council can then apply for funding towards actual construction.”

The Greens’ Lauren Edwards says there is even more urgency to start works if the ‘swimming pool leaks’ as reports suggest.

“As I understand it, a new aquatic centre is definitely on the cards and council intends to complete a strategic concept plan this financial year,” she said.

“This is promising and I would support making this a top priority to be completed. If this (the pool leaking) is indeed the case, I would suggest there is even more urgency to start works and look to allocate capital works funding to the project as soon as possible in the next operational plan.”

Peta Pinson says she ‘understands there is a strong desire for a true aquatic centre in Port Macquarie’.

”Given that it (a new aquatic centre) was a priority for the community in 2011 and it appears to be a priority for the community in 2017 I see no reason for holding the process up any further and would support its implementation,” Ms Pinson said.

“Should I be elected as mayor, I commit to working with the Port Macquarie Aquatic Centre Committee and elected councillors to move the project forward whilst investigating all available funding opportunities both internally and externally.”

Rob Turner said, as mayor, he would completely endorse the development of a strategic concept plan for the Port Macquarie Pool, including the site selection process as an immediate funded priority for council.

“Council has listed this project as an immediate priority project. Even though there is no specific line item in the budget, this project is scheduled for completion in the current financial year, which means the necessary funds have already been allocated. 

“As mayor, I will ensure that council honours this commitment.”

Mayoral candidate Lauren Edwards did not supply a response to the committee and was contacted by the Port News.