Swan Hill Rural City Council will undertake a detailed assessment of the long-term future of the Swan Hill Outdoor Pool before making a decision on whether to renew the existing facility or relocate it.
At yesterday's Scheduled Council Meeting, Councillors resolved to undertake a 30-year assessment comparing the renewal of the existing Monash Drive facility with the development of a new aquatic facility at an alternative location.
The investigation will provide Council with a clearer understanding of the long-term costs and benefits of each option, while considering the future aquatic and recreation needs of the community, opportunities to attract visitors and potential private investment.
As part of the investigation, Council will consider what could be achieved through a significant renewal of the existing Monash Drive pool and precinct.
This will be compared with a potential relocated facility featuring a 50-metre swimming pool, regional or destination-style splash pad and water slide.
Mayor Cr Stuart King said Council was not rushing into a decision about the future location of the pool.
"We know the Swan Hill Outdoor Pool is an important and much-loved community facility, so we want to make sure any decision about its future is based on good information and considers what our community will need over the next 30 years.
"This assessment will allow us to properly compare the costs and opportunities associated with renewing the existing pool against what could potentially be delivered through a new facility.
"A new aquatic facility could provide opportunities for a 50-metre pool, destination-style water play and other attractions, but we also need to understand what can be achieved by investing in the existing Monash Drive precinct.
"We know new aquatic facilities require a significant capital investment. And the story is similar all-around Australia as hundreds of pools funded around the time of the Melbourne 1956 Olympics all reach their useful end of life simultaneously. There will need to be some serious funding by higher levels of Government in the near future."
"This is about doing the work now so Council and the community can make an informed decision about the best long-term outcome for Swan Hill when funding becomes available," Cr King said.
The assessment will also consider broader community, and visitor needs, future demand and opportunities for private-sector involvement.
No decision has been made to relocate the Swan Hill Outdoor Pool.
