Federal Government honours $10 million pledge to upgrade Katherine Aquatic Centre

Upgrades to the Northern Territory’s Katherine Aquatic Centre are assured with the Federal Government honouring its $10 million commitment.

Currently, the Katherine Aquatic Centre is a well-equipped facility with a 50 metre, six lane lap pool, varying in depth from 1.2 metres to two metres. The pool temp stays approx. 27-32 degrees Celsius all year round.

While the facility has served the community for the past 40 years, the funding is considered necessary to cater for the expanding community population.

Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour recently travelled to Katherine to reveal details of investment plans committed to in the recent federal budget.

“Having access to an upgraded aquatic centre is paramount to any community, especially for our young ones to learn how to swim which will be a critical skill for the rest of their lives,” Scrymgour said.

“The recreational and physical aspect that the refurbished centre will provide for Katherine cannot be understated and I look forward to the development of this facility.”

Katherine Mayor Elisabeth Clark said a project plan now needed to be developed.

$10 million is aimed at going towards infrastructure upgrades, delivering an upgraded 50-metre, eight-lane swimming pool and a new splash park.

“I think it is wonderful that the election promise has been honoured and Katherine will get a much-needed upgrade to our 40-year-old facility,” Mayor Clark said.

“An aquatic centre is an important piece of community infrastructure anywhere you go but for us, in the Top End with our warm climate, it provides relief, recreation and exercise opportunities.

“It will go through a process which includes looking at costings and having community consultation to give residents a chance to provide their thoughts and feedback.

“We will also need to manage our expectations of what $10 million will get us.”