25 June 2014

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam said Council had listened to the community and would revisit the future replacement of the Circular Head War Memorial Pool in Smithton.

“It is clear from community feedback that we need to look at this issue with a fresh pair of eyes,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“Council apologises for pushing ahead with a fully-fledged aquatic centre in the Smithton town centre, without having a united community behind the project.”

Mayor Quilliam said it was important that Council goes back to the drawing board and revisit the issues, but at the same time not discount any of the previous concepts.

“Council’s concept plans for the town centre site need to be put aside for this process, but be available to help inform what happens going forward,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“We are asking for fresh input, which is why we are committed to hearing what the community has to say.”

To assist with the process, Council has engaged independent engineers to provide an updated condition assessment of the current pool. This report will help determine the useful life of the current pool.

Mayor Quilliam said Council was forming a steering group, which would include representatives from a wide cross section of community, businesses, recreation groups and Council.

“This group will look at the demand, challenges and opportunities for a pool in the Circular Head community,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“This group will be informed by the condition report, which will provide Council and the community the full picture when it comes to the current pool.” 

Once this process begins, Mayor Quilliam said it would become clearer what the next step would be.

“Council is committed to keeping the community involved and will make sure everyone has the opportunity to see what recommendations are being made,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“It is expected that the process will take at least six months with a number of opportunities for community involvement.”

Mayor Quilliam said Council hoped the new approach would provide a way forward for Council to address what this community needs from a swimming pool, including matters raised in a petition presented to Council.