ONCE rated among the top infrastructure priorities for the city, stalled plans for the construction of an indoor pool were revived by Mount Gambier City Council this week.
This follows a small working group – representing different sporting codes including netball, tennis and swimming – establishing a grassroots community campaign to push the project forward.
Elected members will consider refreshed plans for an indoor pool and recreational centre if a motion is passed at next week’s full council meeting.
“We have had quite involved conversations about this issue in the past, mostly in council workshops, and it is probably an opportune time to start the conversation with our community,” Cr Frank Morello said at council’s strategic standing committee meeting on Tuesday.
“Before we can, there are certain documents we need in terms of concept plans and ratepayer impact reports – we need to determine the establishment costs and ongoing costs and look at ways to commercialise the centre to some degree to offset those costs.”
During a highly-publicised community consultation initiative in 2012, residents were asked to rate their top projects listed in council’s long-term financial plan.
Ratepayers voted in favour of an indoor aquatic centre – it was listed among the top three priorities alongside the development of the railway corridor and overhaul of the old Mount Gambier Hospital, both of which have since been completed.
“Our recent conversations about this issue have coincided with grassroots conversations happening with stakeholders – this is the right time for us to consider this again,” Councillor Hanna Persello said.
“We need the correct information so we can go to the community and say ‘this is how much it will cost us to build and maintain and this will be the financial impact on you’.”
Council previously conducted a comprehensive feasibility study in 2006/07.
“The process involved community consultation, design and costing – it needs to be refreshed and we need fresh engagement with stakeholder groups,” council chief executive Mark McShane said.
“That will get (elected members) to the point where you will be able to make informed decisions about this.”
While elected members floated ideas for the multipurpose facility, Councillor Penny Richardson said she would not support the project.
“I will be voting against it – I think if we are spending money on something to support our community, something like the transport system will be far more inclusive,” she said.
“Right now it is inadequate and it is preventing disadvantaged people from going to TAFE and getting jobs.”
Cr Morello countered that both issues could be addressed.
“I do not believe this is an either/or situation,” he said.
“I agree transport is an issue, but I do not see how pursuing this will prevent us from addressing transport issues down the track.
“At this stage we are not committing to building a pool, we are updating the information we already have so we can make an informed decision.”
The committee moved to allocate $30,000 this financial year for the preparation of documentation for the proposed facility, including a feasibility study, concept plans including initial engagement with stakeholder groups, facility management options and a ratepayer impact report.
The documentation will forme the basis of an extensive community and stakeholder engagement process.
Council will vote on the motion at next Tuesday’s meeting.
