CASTLEMAINE is taking a new plunge to improve its aquatic facilities following a failed bid last year to build one at the town’s Western Reserve.
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Mount Alexander Shire Council has started the first round of consultation with the community to redevelop the ageing outdoor Castlemaine Swimming Pool into a year-round facility.
A revived pool proposal comes after a majority of Castlemaine residents rejected a 2012 bid by council to build a $15 million aquatic centre at Western Reserve.
Mount Alexander Shire’s director of economic and social development Carolyn Wallace said the existing Castlemaine Swimming Pool was 70 years old and at the end of its lifespan, so council needed to act soon.
“The current pool needs replacing altogether and it’s a seasonal pool that runs for 13 weeks a year,” she said.
“This is the first stage of consultation with the community to see how it can be turned into a year-round facility, before we get to the design phase.”
The council is asking residents what services they would like to see at the redeveloped pool, such as a hydrotherapy pool, gymnasium or Learn to Swim classes.
People can complete an online survey via the Your Input tab at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au until 6 December, or arrange a time to discuss the pool on the phone or in person by contacting community activity and culture manager Sue Jones via email s.jones@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or by phone on 5471 1700.
Council staff held a listening post at the pool on November 20 to hear residents’ views.
The council would also interview a variety of user groups such as schools, those with a disability and health groups, Ms Wallace said.
Although the community had rejected the Western Reserve proposal, a good aquatic facility for the town was a priority for both residents and council.
”While people were against the location they certainly wanted to see an improved aquatic facility, that was really clear,” she said.
An aquatic centre had been factored in to the council’s long-term financial strategy and its original budget of $15 million remained, comprising an allocation of council cash reserves, external government grants and borrowings.
Council hoped to finish the first stage of community consultation in December, followed by a feasibility study.
Once a concept design was chosen the community would be consulted again, she said.