Tasmanian Government steps in to halt closure of Glenorchy War Memorial Pool

The Tasmanian Government has confirmed it will provide $5 million in funding to prevent the closure of the Glenorchy War Memorial Pool in Hobart’s north.

Liberal state member for Clark and Tasmanian Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs and Minister for the Arts, Madeleine Ogilvie said the Government was aware that the closure of the pool had troubled Glenorchy City Council and the local community.

Minister Ogilvie advised “in (state) Parliament just this week, we heard of the keen interest of the Council for the Government to intervene and save this facility.

“I am proud to say, we are acting, with the $5 million funding commitment we took to the recent election now confirmed to be provided in the upcoming 2024/25 State Budget.

“This funding will allow the pool to re-open while longer-term solutions are developed.

Minister Ogilvie went on to advise that the Minister said the Department of State Growth is now working with the Glenorchy City Council to commence the work required and to discuss the specific terms of the funding, including ongoing governance arrangements for the project.

On 8th May, the Council released an insights report compiled by the consultants investigating options for the Glenorchy War Memorial Pool.

After a number of community engagement opportunities by consultants MI Global Partners, the report found that the community is in favour of having a pool on the site in the longer term.

Urging Glenorchy residents and ratepayers to read the report which was now on the Council’s website, Glenorchy Mayor, Bec Thomas stated “Council promised the community would be engaged as part of its decision-making regarding the future of the pool site, and this report compiled by MI Global Partners summarises that engagement and feedback from the community.

“MI Global Partners will now further assess the community’s preferred options which all include aquatic facilities. They will then seek further, community input for the pool site before presenting an options report to Council.

“We know people have strong views on the future of the pool site and I am pleased this process has allowed community to have their say.

“All up, almost 950 people completed a survey on their preference for the site, with targeted engagement also undertaken as part of the engagement process.”

Click here to view the Glenorchy War Memorial Pool Engagement Insights Report.

Image: The Glenorchy War Memorial Pool. Credit: Virtual War Memorial Australia/Faithe Jones.