Redeveloped $3 million Kambalda aquatic facility officially opens

The Shire of Coolgardie’s new $3 million Kambalda Aquatic Facility was officially opened today by Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray.

The State Government provided $700,000 to the project through its Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF), with the Western Australian Treasury Corporation providing a $1.95 million loan to the Shire. Additional funding was contributed to the project by the Commonwealth Government ($287,823); and the Gold Fields Australia Foundation ($200,000).

The newly upgraded facility, in Barnes Drive, Kambalda West, will replace the town’s original swimming pool which was built 50 years ago and closed last year as it required urgent repairs and no longer met the needs of the community.

The project involved:

• Upgrading the 50 metre pool and plant;

• Refurbishing the change rooms;

• Relocating the administration office;

• Upgrading the first aid room; and

• Developing a new universal access pool to replace the existing learn to swim pool.

The facility’s main pool is the only outdoor 50 metre pool in the Coolgardie-Kambalda area.

Minister Murray advised that he was “pleased that Kambalda has its new ‘watering hole’ – and that State Government funding ensured this important project could go ahead.

“Since 1970, this aquatic centre has been the recreational and social hub for the area.

“The upgraded facilities will be great for people of all ages – including kids learning water safety and for rehabilitation for older members of the community.

“This was a wonderful community-driven project that will make a big difference to the quality of life for Kambalda people particularly during the searing, hot summer months.”

Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn added “tproject has been in the works for a long time, and due to strong advocacy from the Shire, and a very receptive Minister, we were able to make it happen. I am really glad to see the pool finally officially opened.

“This area is a huge asset to the community and no doubt there will be many memories made here with Kambalda families to fondly look back on and remember their summers in the Goldfields.”

Images of the refurbished Kambalda Aquatic Facility courtesy of the Shire of Coolgardie.