The council has the project listed to commence work during the 2016/2017 financial year. 

“We need to complete a detailed design for the redevelopment so that estimates can be prepared, approvals for the project can be sought and applications made for grant funding of the project,” Mayor Councillor Brian Ingram said.

“This will require us to refine some of the wants and desires put forward by the community previously so that they are in line with the council’s ability to fund the work.” 

A brainstorming workshop was held in April last year with pool user groups on the wants and needs for: 

(i) Stage two building and facilities rebuild along with the junior pool and wet play; and

(ii) Stage three indoor heated pool build and plant room modifications. 

From this workshop an extensive list of ideas was assembled. 

“It is important for the council to sort out what can be completed from this workshop before the detailed design is prepared,” Cr Ingram said.

“This will ensure the project is within the financial capability of the council and allow us to seek grant funding for the project.” 

Council’s director of planning and environment, Craig Filmer, said council will consult with the design reference group prior to preparing the architect’s brief to design and implement stage two of the works. 

“Further public consultation will also be held during this process,” he said. 

Council currently has the redevelopment work in its 10 year financial plan at an estimated cost of $3 million, using grant funds. 

General manager David Aber said detailed designs were an important step in finalising the budget and to source grant funding for the project. 

“However, it is unlikely that the full amount can be sourced from grant funding,” he said.

“Council may need to match grant funds on a dollar for dollar basis. 

“Consequently it will need to consider alternate funding sources if it goes ahead with the project because no funds have been identified in the current long term financial plan for capital expenditure or increases in the ongoing operational expenses at the pool.” 

The report called for by council will examine both the capital and operational costs along with any income that could offset the pool’s operational costs to reduce the ongoing impact on council’s operations. 

The tender brief committee will be made up of councillors, health and allied health professionals as well as local business people, including Chamber of Commerce members and a local accountant. 

“This is a fair way of moving the process forward so that a cross section of the community is involved without any one special interest group dominating the design,” committee chairman, deputy mayor Ben Cooper said.

The consultation and design brief is expected to be completed early in the New Year.