Cash boost to help heat outdoor pool

A $300,000 heating upgrade to the outdoor pool at Murwillumbah’s Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre would go ahead under a Coalition government, Nationals candidate for Richmond Kimberly Hone announced on Tuesday.

She said the project would be funded if the Coalition was elected on May 3, with support from Tweed Shire council to cover ongoing maintenance costs.

“The 50-metre pool is Murwillumbah’s summer star, hosting lap swimmers, school carnivals, and families but winter makes it too cold to enjoy,” Ms Hone said.

“Heating up this eight-lane lap pool means year-round access for everyone, from kids learning to swim to seniors who want to keep fit but find other sports hard on their body.

“Adding a heated 50-metre pool cements (the facility) as the region’s premier aquatic centre will welcome swimmers, families, and those with disabilities or injuries all year round.”

A 2019 community audit flagged winter pool heating as a top priority.

Tweed Shire council has pledged to cover ongoing maintenance with installation slated for winter this year.

The pool would be closed during the installation process.

“Closure during winter limits access, but a new heating system will allow year-round use for hydrotherapy classes, learn-to-swim programs, squad training, and community events,” Ms Hone said.

The centre already has a 25-metre indoor heated pool, hydrotherapy pool, teaching pool, 100-metre hill slide, and accessibility features like mobility lifts and dedicated change rooms.