New $5.65 million Southern Cross Aquatic Centre opens in Western Australia

The new $5.65 million Southern Cross Aquatic Centre - in the Shire of Yilgarn 370 kilometres east of Perth - was officially opened today by Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray.

The aquatic centre was built with the help of a $700,000 Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) grant, administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

The original pool serving residents living in and near the eastern Wheatbelt town of Southern Cross was built in 1963, but its condition in recent years meant it was no longer fit for purpose.

The redeveloped aquatic centre includes the replacement of the original swimming pool and upgrading the associated facilities such as:

• a separate toddlers’ pool;

• change rooms and toilet facilities with universal access;

• kiosk and first aid station;

• barbecues, seating and shade; and

• half basketball court and cricket net.

Additional funding for the project was provided by the Shire of Yilgarn ($4.9 million) and Mineral Resources Limited ($53,000).

Minister Murray noted “This aquatic centre is an example of the commitment of the Shire of Yilgarn and the wider community to ensure people in Southern Cross have the best facilities possible.

“This centre has been designed and built to cater specifically for the needs of this community – young and old – as well as those who want to maintain peak fitness.

“It’s a wonderful amenity which I know will be well used for many years to come.”