Pool still on wish list

Christmas is almost upon us, and Moorabool Shire Council is hoping that they’re on the Federal Government’s nice list, renewing its calls for an indoor pool.

As we enter the season of giving, Council is hoping the Government will be generous and provide a long-awaited $15 million for an indoor pool in Bacchus Marsh, complementing Council and the State Government’s commitments.

Council has been seeking Federal Government funding for the project since before May’s federal election, to round off a $15 million commitment by Council and a $10 million commitment from the State Government.

Mayor Cr Rod Ward urged Federal MPs to keep the pool project front of mind as they consider the next Federal Budget in the new year.

“Our indoor pool project is shovel-ready and has strong financial support from Council and the state. Federal funding is the only missing piece of the jigsaw which would allow us to bring this vital piece of infrastructure to the Shire,” he said.

“While the Bacchus Marsh outdoor pool is great, and popular with residents and visitors, it was built in the 1930s and is only open a few months of the year. It simply cannot meet all the community’s needs for swimming lessons, recreation, and exercise.”

Mayor Cr Ward said the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC), which the indoor pool would form part of, would also provide a significant economic boost to Moorabool, generating $100 million in economic activity and helping to create “more than 200 direct and indirect jobs”.

MARC currently incorporates a stadium which is under construction, a community and bowls hub that will be tendered in early 2023, and the planned indoor pool.

For more information on the proposed pool, and other projects Council is advocating for funding for, visit www.moorabool.vic.gov.au/advocacy.

For email templates to send to our local politicians, head to www.moorabool.vic.gov.au/help-moorabool-thrive.