The Community Aquatic Centre Committee has also described as "good news" council's decision to increase the budget for pre-planning for the project to $1.23m.

Council had initially set a $450,000 budget but voted at its monthly meeting on June 17 to more than double its financial commitment.

Committee spokesperson Greg Freeman welcomed the decision.

"Council voted to expand the initial $450,000 budget for the pre-planning of the new Aquatic Centre up to $1.23 million," he said.

"This is good news and shows the commitment by council to the project.

"This money is to be allocated to site investigations at Macquarie Park, and the preliminary designs and approvals.

"The proposal to construct a new Aquatic Centre at Macquarie Park presents the community with a great opportunity to build infrastructure that we as a community deserve."

Mr Freeman acknowledged the cost of the new facility would be expensive with estimates putting the cost of the project at between $50 to $70 million.

"But as a multi-function facility and a diversity of income options, there is the potential to recoup some of these costs over time," he said.

"We should not shy away to endeavour to build large scale infrastructure such as this as it has huge community benefits.

"Our Community Aquatic Centre Committee encourage the council to aggressively pursue this project and, once designs and approvals are obtained, investigate all funding options.

"This would include borrowing funds and seeking state and federal grants, to make our Regional Aquatic Centre a reality."

The current Port Macquarie Olympic Pool was built in the 1960's and is considered well past its use-by date.

It has only six lanes, (most Olympic pools have eight or 10 lanes) which limits its ability to host regional swimming carnivals.

The current facility has extensive cracking and leaks around 50,000 litres of water a day, has very poor access for the disabled, the change rooms need upgrading and nearby parking is very difficult.

Mr Freeman it may have suited life in the 60's in Port Macquarie but it is very unsuited to the needs of a growing modern regional centre such as Port Macquarie.

Annually, the current pool has more than 150,000 visitations a year and is used for school swimming carnivals, learn to swim, aquarobics, lap and competitive swimming as well as general recreation.

"As a growing region we deserve infrastructure that meets our current needs and caters for the future," he said.

"After 50 years of use and 20 years of planning, its time for a new Aquatic Centre for the Port Macquarie region."

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