Hobart’s Lord Mayor is making “one last plea” to both the federal and state governments, hoping they will step in to fill a $7 million funding hole required for the construction of a new pool.
The ‘much-needed’ warm-water hydrotherapy pool project at the Doone Kennedy Aquatic Centre has been uncertain for months after the only received quote came in at $14 million, double the initial budget estimate of $7 million.
Now, Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds is warning that without additional funding, the pool will have to be cancelled.
“Warm water pools have become one of the highest priorities in the aquatic industry and would be used for everything from infant learn to swim and water survival classes, to injury rehabilitation, wellness activities, support from chronic health conditions and warm water aqua aerobics,” Reynolds said.
“While the two levels of government supported the project, they haven’t yet been willing to commit to top up funding that will allow the project to proceed.”
“Such vital infrastructure projects like this does not come cheaply but the rewards are even bigger.”
The project was intended to be funded by contributions from the state government and council, alongside a $3.4 million federal grant, which came with the condition it must be spent by the end of 2023.
President of the Council on the Ageing Tasmania Ingrid Harrison says the demographic makeup of Hobart has led to a ‘significant demand’ for hydrotherapy in the region.
“Southern Tasmania has a proportionally higher ageing population than the rest of the State added to which is the fact Tasmania has the highest rate of disability of all Australian states and territories,” Harrison said.
“There is currently a shortage of warm water pools suitable for hydrotherapy within southern Tasmania which means people who would potentially benefit from hydrotherapy can’t access facilities.”
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