Tamworth Regional Aquatics Centre report under consideration  

A report for the proposed $45 million Tamworth Regional Aquatics Centre will go before Tamworth Regional Council at tomorrow night’s Ordinary Meeting.

The report recommends that the preferred 50-metre pool configuration should incorporate a moveable pool floor to vary the depth and maximise its usage.

Also among the report's recommendations are a proposed operational model based on in-house staff managing the facility for an initial period; a funding strategy for the $45 million project budget; and a proposal to investigate options for the naming and branding of the facility.

Tamworth Regional Council General Manager Paul Bennett said the report is one which has been long awaited and noted “Successive Councils stretching back some 20 years have talked about the need for a year-round public swimming facility for our community and it’s so good to see it now within reach.

“Reading the Council report, it’s clear how staff have done extensive technical research to ensure the facility we build incorporates the most proven and effective pool configuration and water depths to satisfy our community’s use expectations.

“The design is balanced with operational efficiencies to ensure the facility will generate the revenue needed to maintain its long-term viability.”

The report to be considered by Councillors provides an update about the work undertaken to determine the pool configuration and depths of the main body of water in the Tamworth Regional Aquatic Centre and the Northern Inland Centre of Sport and Health.

The report said “highly complex” factors and user group consultation will continue to help determine the final configuration of the facility’s main body of water.

With a $15 million grant secured through NSW Government Centre of Excellence Fund for the $45 million project, the report proposes Council obtain loan funding for its co-contribution of $30 million.

The report proposes Council makes repayments from two funding streams: $15 million in loan funding repaid through Special Rates Variation revenue earmarked for renewal of Council’s assets; and, $15 million in loan funding repaid though decreased expenditure and increased revenue or “one-off asset sales. “The source of the expenditure savings will be identified through Council’s regular operational procedures with future Council reports prepared for any land asset sales,” the report said.

A development application for Stage 1 of the project was lodged with Council on 1st August and will go on public exhibition in the coming weeks. The application will be referred to the Northern Regional Planning Panel for determination.

Tuesday’s meeting is the final scheduled meeting before current Councillors enter ‘caretaker period’ in the lead up to the NSW Local Government Elections on 14th September. In the four weeks before a Local Government election, Councillors are not permitted to make major policy or funding decisions.

To read the full report, go to www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/business-papers