13 November 2015

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam said Council continued to focus on replacing the Circular Head War Memorial Swimming Pool following its closure last month.

“Council has subsequently met with representatives of Regional Development Australia, and State and Federal members of parliament to start looking at ways to fund a replacement pool,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“While the location of the pool will be considered as part of Council’s Open Space, Sport and Recreation Plan, it is important that we get this process underway now.”

Council has decided to push forward with the minimum design and construction of a 25 metre heated indoor swimming pool.

“With applications closing soon for the National Stronger Regional Funding grant program and others it is essential that we get a number of things underway to attract external funding towards a new pool,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“This work includes creating Project Management Plans, a Business Case, Risk Management Plan and a Procurement Management Plan.”

Council has engaged funding specialist Colin Steele, of Section 51, to undertake this work.

Mayor Quilliam said this work needed to be in parallel with community engagement under the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Plan to determine the exact scope and location of a new pool.

“Council’s consultants, @leisure, will be hopefully undertaking the community engagement around the location and scope of the pool next month,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“This will complement the work being undertaken on grant applications to put us in the best position to attract external funding.”

Mayor Quilliam said once a decision was made on funding the project, Council would be able to inform the community of the design and construction timeline.

“I look forward to the community’s continued involvement and support of the pool project,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“To give us the best chance of funding we need to stand together on this issue.”