Aquatic and recreation facilities to be redeveloped and upgraded in Exmouth

Exmouth Shire to benefit from a $4.2 million redevelopment of Exmouth's Paltridge Memorial Swimming Pool facility alongside the installation of unisex change rooms at Exmouth Recreation Centre.

The Exmouth's Paltridge Memorial Swimming Pool is home to a six-lane, 50 metre swimming pool and a children's pool and while it is well utilised by the Exmouth community, the 1966 swimming pool is in need of an upgrade to bring the facility up to current standards.

The Western Australian Government has invested $750,000 towards its redevelopment of bringing the facility up to current Australian Standards. WA Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray announced the approved funding through the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF). Additional funding was provided by the Shire of Exmouth.

The facility is key to the Exmouth District High School physical education program, as well as VacSwim classes and specialised water activities for seniors.

As part of the refurbishment, a new pump room, wet decks and disability access will also be installed with the aim of improving the amenity of the facility and upgrading the pipework.

WA Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray advised "the Paltridge Memorial Swimming Pool plays a vital role in encouraging physical activity and belonging in the Exmouth community.

"As the only public swimming pool within a 370km radius of the town it gets a lot of use by a number of community groups and this is a welcome refurbishment made possible by the McGowan Government."

The State Government's focus on making venues more female-friendly continues with Exmouth Recreation Centre becoming the latest facility to commence work on installing unisex change rooms.

The Western Australian Government is providing $142,500 for unisex change rooms at Exmouth Recreation Centre to make facilities more female-friendly with funding again provided through the CSRFF. The Shire of Exmouth has contributed the remaining funding with the project cost totalling $285,000.

The project is being undertaken by local contractor C.J. Lord Building & Renovations (WA) Pty Ltd and is due for completion by June 2021. 

Minister Murray noted "women's sport has experienced huge growth in recent years, and unfortunately, a lack of adequate facilities has historically forced women's sporting teams to use public toilets, cars, bushes or the sidelines of playing fields in lieu of proper change rooms.

 "The State Government has made upgrading the poor state of Western Australia's women's sporting facilities a priority in recent years through the CSRFF.

"I am pleased that, thanks to the CSRFF, we are helping to level the playing field for women's sport in the Exmouth community.

Image top: Paltridge Memorial Swimming Pool Courtesy exmouth.wa.gov.au/