Are new pool hopes shallow?

By Lachlan Ellis

A local MP says a new funding stream shows potential to fund a long-awaited project in Bacchus Marsh, but Council has expressed concerns.

The Federal Government has announced the Thriving Suburbs Program this year, which it says will provide $200 million over two years from 2024-25 towards community infrastructure in urban and suburban communities.

Federal MP for Hawke Sam Rae, whose electorate takes in Bacchus Marsh, says the new funding stream provides a chance for the town to get long-awaited Federal funding for an indoor pool.

“Communities across Hawke will have the opportunity to benefit from this funding for the projects that matter the most,” Mr Rae said.

“I’ve heard loud and clear that locals in Bacchus Marsh need an indoor pool. This program presents an opportunity for Moorabool Shire to apply for funding from the Albanese Government for important projects like this.”

Last May, the State Government provided $10 million for the project on top of Council’s $15 million commitment, leaving $15 million from the Federal Government the last portion needed.

Bacchus Marsh residents have long called for an indoor pool, and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, made an election promise to fund the pool prior to the 2019 election.

Moorabool Shire Council hopes Ms King’s promise will be honoured, and CEO Derek Madden said Council would unfortunately have a tougher job advocating for funding under the new program.

“Council will be working with the Federal Government and our local MPs to ensure we receive funding for the long-promised pool. We feel our project stacks up, but it will no doubt be more difficult within the smaller pool of funds allocated within the new Thriving Suburbs Fund,” Mr Madden told the Moorabool News.

“Moorabool Shire is proud to be a regional shire, and we feel the basis of identifying Bacchus Marsh as metropolitan needs to be revisited.”

Guidelines for the Thriving Suburbs Program will be released over the coming months.