The Hobart City Council needs funding for roof upgrades to the Doone Kennedy Aquatic Centre and is calling on the federal government to pay up.
The centre’s roof has been deteriorating since the facility opened in 1997, with roof sheeting reportedly at risk of blowing off in high winds.
Moisture and chlorinated air have also damaged insulation and fixings due to holes in the structure.
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said $7 million is needed to replace the roof for the centre’s 600,000 annual users, funds the council doesn’t have.
“Our region’s main aquatic centre is nearly 30-years-old and needs a ceiling replacement urgently,” she recently told her social media followers.
“We think this is a perfect project for our federal elected members to fight for.”
If federal funding isn’t granted, residents could be hit with higher rates to cover repair, maintenance and energy costs.
“We have spent millions on the facility but it’s fair enough for council to ask other levels of government to assist in big ticket items,” Reynolds said.
“In the last four years Hobart Council hasn’t received any federal funding for its buildings, whereas Launceston Council received $10 million for Albert Hall and … $13 million for the Princess Theatre.”
“This disparity between Bass and Clark funding is a scandal that we need to talk more about.”
The Glenorchy City Council is also seeking funding for a complete replacement of its War Memorial Pool, a project estimated to cost $84 million.
The state government has contributed $5 million to make the current pool safe enough to reopen, potentially in time for next summer.
