5 February 2016

Circular Head Council is seeking funding to build a $12 million indoor heated pool facility at the Smithton Sports Centre (on Nelson Street) likely to be delivered in stages.

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam said stage 1 of the project would be construction of a 25 metre indoor heated pool and change rooms, which will cost approximately $8 million. Council will require a minimum of $3.5 million of external funding to proceed with this stage.

“Additional funding will be sought for stage 2 of the project, which would be a further $4 million for a program pool and other facilities,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“Council considers the Nelson Street site as the most cost effective location to deliver this facility.”

Mayor Quilliam said to build the same facility at ANZAC Park would cost an additional $1 million to $1.5 million in site preparation.

“The new facility requires a larger footprint to comply with modern standards, which comes at considerable additional costs,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“The Nelson Street site also offers better access for both pedestrians and vehicles, and is closer to education and sporting facilities.” 

Mayor Quilliam said the site had been selected as part of ongoing consultations for an Open Space, Sport and Recreation Plan.

Council is preparing a Federal Government funding application that would require Council to commit up to $4.5 million in cash reserves and loans towards stage 1 of the project.

Council is continuing to lobby all levels of government and other sources of funding to complete further stages of the project.

Council will be holding a public information session about the proposed facility on Tuesday 16 February 7-8pm at Smithton High Gymnasium Mini Theatre.

Council will then formally consider adopting the site, budget allocation and application at a Special Meeting, which will now be held on Tuesday 23 February 5.30pm at Council.

The final design of the facility is subject to ongoing deliberations.

Please find attached FAQ Fact Sheet for more information, this is also available to the public at Council or via www.circularhead.tas.gov.au/poolproposal

Circular Head Pool Proposal FAQ Fact Sheet(263 kb)