A report on the future of the heritage-listed Maryborough 50 metre pool was endorsed by Council at the July Council Meeting last night (26/07).
Council will continue to advocate to State and Federal Governments for funding to rebuild the Maryborough 50 metre outdoor pool, with the pool to close until funding can be secured.
The decision comes after a further assessment of the pool identified the condition of the pool has declined since the previous assessment in April 2021 with the pool having reached the 'end of life' stage and cannot be re-opened until the pool is demolished and rebuilt.
Using the $2 million in Victorian Government funding announced in 2020 on the 50 metre pool would be a short-term patch job and would not address the increasingly declining integrity of the pool shell.
Council is working with Heritage Victoria to use the $2 million in funding to upgrade the octagonal pool, the plant room and the main entrance building – which will contribute to preserving this significant heritage complex.
Council will work with Heritage Victoria to ensure the heritage significance of the complex is maintained.
Council is working with Unified Community Sport and Leisure to create opportunities for local residents to access alternative pool facilities during the upcoming summer season. Free entry at the Dunolly and Talbot outdoor pools will be offered with extended opening hours and free entry vouchers for young people (through the FReeZA and Engage program) will be offered at the Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre.
Central Goldfields Shire Maryborough Ward Councillor Geoff Lovett said it was a considered and difficult decision for Council to have to make.
"We understand that the closure will cause inconvenience and disappointment to our local community. We know the facility is much loved by our local residents and the wider community.
"The reality is that the pool is more than 80 years old. We can't justify having $2 million spent on the pool that would just be a patch job. Essentially, we'd be back in this position in a few years' time when the integrity of the pool would have diminished further.
"The Council Report provided us with three construction options – patch works only; repair pool base and membrane; and demolish and rebuild. Demolish and rebuild is our best option with the best return on investment. It will provide our community with a safe, 'fit for purpose' 50 metre pool for future generations to enjoy.
"To help ensure our community can still access aquatic facilities during the upcoming 2022/23 summer season, we are pleased to be able to offer free entry at both the Dunolly and Talbot outdoor pools as well as extended opening hours and free vouchers for young people (through the Freeza and Engage program) to be offered at the Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre.
"We will also work closely with the schools, the Maryborough Swimming Club and the Maryborough District Triathlon Club to support them to deliver their school carnivals and events at alternative facilities.
"We'll continue to advocate tirelessly to State and Federal governments for the $6 million we need to rebuild this heritage listed, recreation and sporting icon so as to ensure it can be enjoyed by future generations."
