Message from the Mayor - Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre Update

Message from the Mayor - Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre Update

Your Council wanted to give you an update in relation to the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre and in particular the redevelopment of the 50-metre pool.

Firstly, let me say that we understand the importance of this project to our community. This was made very clear to us during the election campaign and has continued to be made clear to us during the first three months of our term.

One of our first meetings as a Council included a lengthy briefing as to the state of this matter and to say this Council was disappointed and frustrated would be an understatement. However, we have progressed the matter as a priority and the purpose of this advice is to give our community an update as to the current position of the project.

The preliminary design of the redevelopment had started prior to our term commencing and this has now been completed and has been forwarded to Proterra Group for a third-party review of the structural plans. Once this review is finalised the process of planning construction including procurement and final costings will be started. These preliminary designs include the 50-meter pool, clubhouse and grandstand.

Like any project as to what can be built will depend on costings and funding. In January 2022 Council resolved to vigorously pursue two major infrastructure grant opportunities for the redevelopment of the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC).

These included the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) and the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Facilities Fund (MSFF).

Council reviewed the detailed grant guidelines and carefully tailored competitive submissions which were lodged in February 2022.

We expect to know the outcomes of these applications between May and August 2022.

The BBRF application was for a total project value of $16,370,000 and would be supported by Council funds of $8,331,000 (including $7,000,000 in borrowings).

The BBRF project scope includes:

Redevelopment of the 50m Olympic Pool Construction of grandstand tiered seating and shading Redevelopment of the clubhouse and amenities Redevelopment of the Artesian Hot Pools and Program Pool General upgrades to plant and equipment Alterations and improvements to the kiosk area.

The MSFF application was for a total project value of $10,982,982 and would be supported by Council funds of $6,139,000 (including $5,000,000 in borrowings).

The MSFF project scope includes:

Redevelopment of the 50m Olympic Pool Construction of grandstand tiered seating and shading Redevelopment of the clubhouse and amenities General upgrades to plant and equipment

On 16 March 2022, Council hosted the NSW Deputy Premier, Minister Paul Toole, and Local Member Adam Marshall, for a tour of the MAAC facility and to press the case for the redevelopment on behalf of our community. Mr. Marshall has made representations to other relevant Ministers to seek support for Council’s application.

Accordingly, the final scope of the project that is what we are able to include beyond the 50-metre pool and clubhouse will depend on the success of these applications.

Everyone’s patience in relation to this matter is exhausted, as your Council, we understand that. We hear it every day. However, we won’t promise something that we cannot deliver, and the harsh reality is this community will not have a 50-metre pool for this coming summer, December 2022.

As your Council, we will apply as much pressure as we can at every point. This Council will deliver for the Moree community; however, we are cautious to not repeat the mistakes of the past. We will also apply careful due diligence to ensure the iconic Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre will serve residents and visitors for generations to come.

As developments occur, we will keep you updated.

Mark Johnson Mayor