$2.3 million funding boost for hydrotherapy pool complex

Armidale Regional Council will receive a $2.316 million funding boost from the Federal Government to help construct a new hydrotherapy pool and regional health complex, Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, announced today.

This grant will supplement an existing grant of $1.1 million, which was awarded by the NSW State Government last year. The additional funding will be combined with these funds to enable construction of a state-of-the-art, energy efficient and economically sustainable facility, to be utilised by New England residents and visitors.

Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said the funding is to assist with vital and social infrastructure for the New England region.

“This is something Council has been fighting for, for a long time and it’s great to work hand-in-glove with Council to bring about this vital piece of infrastructure.”

“Our current facility is inoperable and the funding will assist in the construction of a new facility that compliments the new medical facilities for our community,” Mr Joyce said.  

Armidale Regional Councillor Peter Bailey said this is probably one of the most significant announcements for our community.

“It builds on the $1.1 million the State Government has already provided and now we can build a purpose-built hydrotherapy pool with potential for additional features such as a therapeutic gym, a coffee shop and health consulting rooms,” Councillor Bailey said.

It is proposed that the new complex will be situated at Monckton Aquatic Centre, and will offer year-round therapeutic health, sports injury treatment, learn to swim, fitness and post-operative recovery programs for approximately 60,000 users per annum.

In addition to significant health and social benefits, the centre is being constructed to provide a commercially sustainable precinct for the benefit of current and future generations of residents and visitors alike.

Published on 04 Jun 2020