19 May 2016

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam has welcomed a $3.5 million election commitment from the Federal Labor party to help fund a new pool in Smithton.

Council announced in February its intention to seek funding for construction of a $12 million indoor heated pool facility at the Smithton Sports Centre on Nelson Street, likely to be delivered in stages.

Mayor Quilliam said Braddon MP Brett Whiteley also continued to show strong support for the project on behalf of the Federal Liberals.

“With $3.5 million promised by the Labor party, hopefully Council is in a good position to get a similar commitment from the Liberals to help get this development underway,” Mayor Quilliam said.

Stage one is estimated to cost approximately $8.5 million and would include construction of a 25 metre indoor heated pool and change rooms.

Mayor Quilliam said while Council had applied for Stronger Regions funding for the project, it will continue to lobby the Federal and State Government for equal contributions towards the total cost, with Council funding the balance of stage one through cash and borrowings.

The final design of the facility will be progressed as soon as funding commitments are certain.