Shire swimming pools to be upgraded before summer
Strathbogie Shire Council’s aquatic facilities will receive important upgrades after allocating Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications funding.
Aquatic facilities in Avenel, Euroa, Violet Town and Nagambie will receive $180,910 in upgrades such as shade sails, and other vital equipment to keep the Shire’s pools running.
Strathbogie Shire Council is currently being guided by the Strathbogie Community Pools Strategy 2019-2029.
The importance of aquatic facilities in the Shire was identified through this strategy and it was recommended that each pool undergo a development plan.
“There is a strong belief in the important social, health, fitness and wellbeing role that local swimming pools should continue to play into the future,” Strathbogie Shire Mayor Cr Chris Raeburn said.
“Each of the Shire’s pools has its own character and is highly valued by its local community which is why it’s important to continue to seek funding for essential upgrades.”
Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum said the upgrade of outdoor aquatic facilities across the Strathbogie Shire was further evidence of how the Federal Government’s $1.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program was benefitting regional towns.
“We know how important our support is to communities that have been forced to overcome several issues in recent years, not the least being the COVID-19 pandemic, and the LRCI program is about supporting local jobs, businesses and boosting the economy,” he said.
Independent Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines said that the upgrades would attract more people to the pools, and benefit local families, young people, and visitors to the region.
“Projects like this support local construction and trades jobs. For locals, the long-term health and wellbeing impacts of having ready access to facilities are immensurable. Families having fun and people getting fit is a great outcome.”
Council received a total of $1,243,110 in funding, which will be allocated to road sealing around Kirwans Bridge, a new pedestrian bridge at the Rockies in Euroa and the aquatic upgrades.
