Council has voted to reallocate more than $600k from its Burrangong Creek beautification project to the upgrade of Young Acquatic Centre, pending approval from the Office of Local Government.
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The recommendation to reallocate funds, not yet spent or committed to the Burrangong Creek project, was passed at council's May meeting.
In a report prepared for councillors, they were told the redirection of the $630,267 would mean some planned outcomes would not be delivered, including pathways scoped for Thornhill Street to Golden Point, Keith Cullen Oval from Briggs Street to existing pathways, and Keith Cullen Oval to Alfred Oval.
Previously, council had moved a motion, made public in April's meeting minutes, to commence the demolition of Young Aquatic Centre "immediately" using the existing funding allocation of $2.3m; to source additional funds from existing projects allocated for the Young area to fully realise stage two; and award contract 136 of 2019 to Hines Construction.
The demolition started last week and was close to complete early this week.
The project includes the construction of a new shallow splash pool with water features, a new entrance building, cafeteria, amenities and shade structure.
Money is also going towards costs for water filtration for the new splash pool and upgrading the aquatic centre's power supply.
Initially $1.7m was allocated to the project. Since then, $300,000 was reallocated from the Cherry Capital Building project and another $300,000 was injected from the sale of assets from the former Young Shire Council.
Council's bid to have a further $600,000 redirected would mean $2.9m has been allocated to stage two.
Mayor Brian Ingram said he wants to see the project completed.
"It's just been about prioritising. It's been a hot topic for many years," he said.
"Our aim is to try and have it completed by opening time for the coming season."
A heated pool isn't included in this stage of the project.
Mr Ingram said a heated pool would require at least $5m to $6m.
"We would need funding. People need to understand a heated pool costs $5m to $6m," he said.
In regards to the Burrangong Creek project, a timeline prepared for councillors identified an aim to have it completed by December with focus on the inclusive playground and toilet at Tresillian Park.
"It won't be forgotten about and we'll be chasing further funding," Mr Ingram said.
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