MAAC Project Set to Go Full Steam Ahead in 2024

MAAC Project Set to Go Full Steam Ahead in 2024

Moree Plains Shire Council continues to progress works on the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre redevelopment, with Council closing out the year by signing off on the final tender for Stage 1A of the project.

At its Ordinary Council Meeting on 14 December 2023, Moree Plains Shire Council accepted a lump sum tender from Hennessy Construction & Demolitions Pty Ltd to construct the grandstand, clubhouse and concourse.

"We are so pleased to be closing out the year having approved contractors for all key project works at the MAAC," said Acting Mayor, Cr Susannah Pearse. 

"Council is just as keen as our community to see the 50m pool and grandstand project delivered soon and delivered well, and approval of this tender is the final formal step before works commence in earnest in early 2024."

Cr Pearse acknowledged the frustration with how long the project has taken to get off the ground, but noted the substantial progress made, "In our Council term, we have gone from there being no funding for this multimillion-dollar project, to having secured over $8m in grant funding for the project, all of which has come from the NSW Government." 

"We are keen to limit burden on our ratepayers for this sizeable project, and as such Council also has a $9m funding application under the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program underway, which has pleasingly progressed to the second stage of the program." 

Cr Pearse explained that many of the hold ups with the project have been due to faults in much of the infrastructure, "There were substantial issues with much of the MAAC complex, including leaks in the other pools and splash play area which were seeping into the 50m pool cavity. These had to be rectified before works on the 50m could occur". 

To date, Council has completed: 

redevelopment and reopening of the slide; addressed leaking program pool through relining;  addressed leaking active & wellness centre pools by decommissioning of the existing structures and renewing plumbing, with new concrete to be poured early 2024;  refurbished function area and amenities.

Stage 1A of the redevelopment project (as per the site plan) includes:

50m Olympic standard 8-lane concrete pool (tender awarded to Crystal Pools Pty Ltd October 2023); concreted tiered undercover grandstand seating to be located on the southern side of the 50m pool; construction of new clubhouse and amenities to be located on the western side of the 50m pool and adjacent to the existing clubhouse; chemical storage and plant room; and works to the concourse. 

Stage 1A is set to commence in early 2024, starting with preliminary earthworks. 

Additional stage 2 and 3 works Council is progressing funding applications for include:  Stage 2:

Stage 3:

Structural revisions and building alterations to existing buildings; Construction of the combined leisure, learn to swim and toddlers’ pool, with assorted water features; Upgrade of splash pad and features; Construction of concourses.

Council's General Manager Mr Kelvin Tytherleigh remarked, "Since joining Council as General Manager 6 months ago, the MAAC has been the number one issue that community has raised with me time and time again. It is clear that there is no more important project to this community, and I am not only proud of the work that our team has completed to date, but excited for what's to come." 

"This project when fully completed will not only see the MAAC fully restored, but a bigger and better, quality regional facility for our Shire."

Image - Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre Architectural Perspective 50m pool