Port Macquarie Mayoral candidates back new aquatic centre plan

Candidates in the upcoming Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Mayoral have been outlining their respective commitments to the planned Port Macquarie Aquatic Centre.

As reported by the Wauchop Gazette, the region’s Community Aquatic Centre Committee (CACC) asked candidates in the 29th July Mayoral by-election to respond to a question on the centre’s future.

Specifically, the Committee wanted to know if the candidates endorsed the prioritising and funding of the development of a strategic concept plan, including the selection process.

CACC spokesperson Sharon Griffiths said the key questions of location and design need to be answered before funding is allocated.

She explained “the Port (Macquarie) pool along with Wauchope were well overdue as both were In need of major works.

“The Port pool is definitely on the radar to begin the process to finding a solution to the existing facility, as you have noted by the recent resolution of council.”

Independent Lisa Intemann said Council’s operational plan for 2017/18 “already includes provision for the steps you are advocating”, advising “there is no capital allocation for that work in the operational plan because it is to be done in-house, to review the expert studies that were done earlier and undertake community consultation.

“Once the site is selected then Council will need funds for detailed design. With detailed designs in hand, Council can then apply for funding towards actual construction.”

The Greens’ Lauren Edwards says there is even more urgency to start works given the apparent state of the Council’s pools, commenting “as I understand it, a new aquatic centre is definitely on the cards and council intends to complete a strategic concept plan this financial year.

“This is promising and I would support making this a top priority to be completed.”

Independent Peta Pinson says she “understands there is a strong desire for a true aquatic centre in Port Macquarie.

”Given that it (a new aquatic centre) was a priority for the community in 2011 and it appears to be a priority for the community in 2017, I see no reason for holding the process up any further and would support its implementation.”

Independent Rob Turner said, as Mayor, he would completely endorse the development of a strategic concept plan for the Port Macquarie Pool, including the site selection process as an immediate funded priority for council.

Turner stated “Council has listed this project as an immediate priority project. Even though there is no specific line item in the budget, this project is scheduled for completion in the current financial year, which means the necessary funds have already been allocated.”

Image: The Wauchope Aquatic Centre. Courtesy of Hastings Aquatics.

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