Olympian James Magnussen has thrown his support behind plans for a new aquatic centre in Port Macquarie.
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In a letter of support to the Port Macquarie Community Aquatic Centre Committee, Mr Magnussen said it was about time Port Macquarie had a better facility.
“During my teenage years I spent hours in the PM pool and since I have been swimming around Australia and the world I have realised our current pool is well out of date,” the Olympic silver medalist said in his letter.
“We need a new facility that can hold major carnivals, that people can train in year round and that will offer training opportunities for other squads from city areas who now travel to places like Noosa (Heads) and the Gold Coast as our pool is not up to scratch,” he said.
“I understand there is a community push to develop an aquatic centre for Port Macquarie and I offer my full support for this important community infrastructure.”
I understand there is a community push to develop an aquatic centre for Port Macquarie and I offer my full support for this important community infrastructure.
- Olympian James Magnussen
Aquatic centre committee spokesperson, Greg Freeman, said the swimmer’s support gave the campaign a great confidence boost.
“James used the current Port Macquarie Olympic Pool for many years as a junior to be so he should know better than anyone how it now rates as a training facility. A letter from him shows recognition of the importance of this campaign,” Mr Freeman said.
In addition, the committee will conduct a community user survey in late September to gauge support for a new aquatic centre and several factors such as opening times, the range of facilities and likely usage patterns.
“The survey is proposed to be conducted over a two week period and will be very easy to complete,” Mr Freeman said.
“We know council will be conducting its own community consultation but we, as a group, consider the current pool users and other stakeholders will have great ideas about what a future aquatic centre will look like.”
The community-driven committee boasts representation from schools, swimming clubs, masters swimming, triathlon club, disabilities advocates and interested individuals.
For any updates or comments about the proposed Aquatic Centre or the CACC, visit the Facebook page @newpoolforport