11 October 2013

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam today announced that plans for a new Circular Head Aquatic Leisure Centre had been put on hold pending future funding opportunities.

“Council has been working on plans for a new aquatic centre in Smithton for some time now, but considering there are no current funds available, Council last night decided to put the plans on hold until such funds become available,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“This does not mean the process has been a waste of time or money, rather that these plans will go a long way to ensuring that when funds do become available, Council will be at the ready to deliver a new facility for Circular Head.”

Mayor Quilliam said feedback to date had endorsed Council’s position that a new pool was required, but the chosen CBD location may need to go back for further consultation.

“Council has chosen the CBD site as the preferred location of a new complex because of a number of reasons, but mostly because of the positive co-location opportunities provided by this site,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“However, because we are putting the project on hold for an indefinite period, when funding does become available Council may have to do more work on consulting the public on the location.”

Mayor Quilliam said this would be a decision for the Council of the day when funding becomes available.

“There is no denying we may be waiting until the next Federal election before we see any possible funding become available for a new facility,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“Therefore it would be a decision for the Council of the day whether to proceed with the CBD site or to go back to the drawing board on the location.”

Mayor Quilliam said this would require amendments to the plans designed for the CBD site to be moved to another location.

“Until this time Council will need to look at what improvements can be made to the current War Memorial Pool to ensure that it remains open as long as possible,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“I would like to thank the pool staff and public for their continued support of this facility.”