WAITING FOR THE POOL TO RE-OPEN
POOL CONSTRUCTION TO START IN APRIL 2024
Statement from Moree Plains Shire Council
12 October 2023
Tender Awarded for construction of 50 metre pool at MAAC
Council resolved at its Extraordinary Council Meeting this morning, Thursday 12 October 2023 to award the tender for the construction of the 50-metre pool at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) to Crystal Pools Pty Limited.
Crystal Pools Pty Ltd is a leading Australian commercial pool builder, owned and operated since 1957. Having been in the business for over 65 years, they are certified for Federal, State and Local Government commercial swimming pool design and construction, making them familiar with regulations and requirements.
“My fellow Councillors and I are very excited to have secured a reputable company to complete the 50-metre pool for the community and our visitors, as we are all aware the artesian water brings tourism to our Shire. To have the centre completed with its cold-water pool will help us reinstate us as the ‘Artesian Capital’.
We understand the frustration this process has caused in the community, however, we needed to ensure our due diligence was done regarding this project. The awarding of the tender today marks a significant step forward to returning this iconic asset to our Shire" stated Mayor Mark Johnson.
As we continue to keep the community connected to the project, below is the current timeline for redevelopment works at the MAAC.
April 2024 - - Construction of the 50-metre pool will commence, with a build time of approximately 15 months.
Statement from Moree Plains Shire Council
6 June 2023
Council has been proactively looking for specialised pool builders.
Council has reached out to individual pool builders to ascertain interest in responding to a tender for the reconstruction of the 50m pool.
Tenders are to be called ..... with an August 2023 closing date for construction of the new 50m pool.
Statement from Moree Plains Shire Council
19 April 2022
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-metre 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-meter 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