Major Parties both commit to investing $10 million for Katherine Aquatic Centre upgrade

Upgrades to the Northern Territory’s Katherine Aquatic Centre appear assured with both the incumbent LNP Government and Labor opposition committing funds for the project in the lead up to this weekend’s Federal election.

Last Wednesday, the Labor candidate for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour pledged $10 million to upgrade the Katherine Aquatic Centre. Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce visited Katherine to also announce $10 million would go towards infrastructure upgrades, delivering an upgraded 50-metre, eight-lane swimming pool and a new splash park.

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

On Labor’s announcement, Scrymgour noted "I'm really proud that Federal Labor will be able to deliver on these important local projects.”

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.

Deputy Prime Minister Joyce advised "the Coalition strongly believes that people who live in regional or remote areas should have access to services and facilities that will improve their lives.

"Swimming is an important skill and an upgraded aquatic centre will provide access to modern facilities for everyone - whether for serious training or fun - which will ultimately improve the physical and mental health of people in the community."

Country Liberal Candidate for Lingiari Damien Ryan said the upgrade would be of huge benefit to Katherine residents and added "the new facility will go a long way to improving liveability in the region, particularly during Katherine's hot summer months. I thank the Deputy Prime Minister for this commitment, and I am pleased to have worked together with the Katherine Town Council, the president of the Katherine Swimming Club and the local Katherine MLA, Jo Hersey, to deliver this funding for the aquatic centre."

The facility also currently contains a toddler/baby pool and a water park for children, an outdoor undercover gas BBQ and servery area, several shade structures, tables and chairs, first aid room, canteen, male and female changerooms and plenty of parking.

The Katherine Aquatic Centre, currently under the management of Belgravia Leisure, also offers swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, Commando run hire and facilitates the Katherine Swimming Squad.