Shire seeks pool funding

An essential $5 million upgrade of the only public pool in Exmouth is a step closer with the Shire applying for more than $1 million in funding for the project.

Shire of Exmouth officers found the Paltridge Memorial Swimming Pool needed a multi-million upgrade to bring it in line with national standards.

At the recent ordinary meeting councillors unanimously approved a motion to apply for $1.2 million worth of funds from the State Government’s Community Sport and Recreation Facility Fund Forward Planning program. The grant would go towards the first stage of the redevelopment, estimated to cost $4.1m, and would include a new pump room, wet decks, heating for the children’s pool and disability access to the 50m lap pool.

The officers’ report stated the Shire’s swimming pool and community development reserves would cover a further $2m of the required funds while the remaining $957,790 would require loan funding or funding from other sources.

The $1.3m second stage ofthe development includes the demolition of the existing amenities.