A one-off grant of $80 million is what’s needed to turn the dream of a new pool in Hobart’s northern suburbs into a reality, according to the area’s local MP.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Independent MP Andrew Wilkie said the nearly $100 million Glenorchy Pool redevelopment project is financially “well beyond the means” of both the local council and the “cash-strapped” state government.
The Clark MP told Anthony Albanese that there is currently no federal grant program designed for a project of this scale, potentially making the process of securing funds both time-consuming and challenging.
While the precise cost of the redevelopment is yet to be determined, the council has been advised that it’s likely to be in the ballpark of $80 million.
“Ideally approval of such a grant would be forthcoming before the next election, as funding an aquatic centre would be addressing a clear community need,” Wilkie wrote.
“However, an election commitment to fund the project would also be welcome.”
Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey said the favoured option for the new facility is an indoor space that incorporates semi-open-air pool features.
The proposed design includes an indoor 50m pool, an indoor 20m warm water learn-to-swim pool, a wellness hall complete with a spa, sauna and steam room, a leisure and toddler pool, a cafe and a gym.
“A redeveloped pool, a facility which will meet all contemporary standards and cater for a growing community’s needs for at least the next 50 years, will be expensive,” Hickey said.
“Council will need other tiers of government to fund such a redevelopment.”
Until such funding can be secured, the council is moving forward with $5 million in repair work on the existing pool facility.
“Council’s priority in the shorter term is to … make the existing pool safe and open for public use as soon as possible,” Hickey said.
