Renewed call for pool funding

By Lachlan Ellis

With the Federal Budget due to be handed down on Tuesday 25 October, Moorabool Shire Council is urging the Federal Government to deliver funding for an indoor pool in Bacchus Marsh.

Council has been seeking $15 million in Federal Government funding since before the Federal election in May, to match funding from Council ($15 million) and the State Government ($10 million) for the project.

“The indoor pool project is shovel-ready and has the financial support from Council and from the State Government. All that’s missing to turn it into reality is Federal funding,” Moorabool Shire Mayor, Cr Tom Sullivan said.

“This is the new Albanese Government’s first budget, and we’d be ecstatic to see our pool project in there.”

Cr Sullivan said the project was vital not just in terms of the services it would provide to the Moorabool community, but also for the Shire’s economy and local jobs.

“The project is so important for our community – the Taverner St site for the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre will generate $100 million in economic activity, and help create more than 200 direct and indirect jobs,” he said.

“Our outdoor pool, built in the 1930s, no longer meets the needs of the community. Council and the State Government have recognised that – now it’s time for the Feds to come to the party.”

Federal MP for Hawke Sam Rae, who was elected the inaugural holder of the new local seat at this year’s election, said he was a big supporter of the indoor pool project.

However, Mr Rae couldn’t promise Federal funding for the project from this year’s Budget.

“I strongly support the Bacchus Marsh pool and I’ll continue to work across all stakeholders to get it built. My local priority for our community is to kickstart the Western Highway upgrade and ensure our $10 million commitment is delivered through this budget process,” Mr Rae told the Moorabool News.

“We’re focused on cleaning up the mess the previous government left behind, helping Australians with cost-of-living pressures, and building a better future. We will provide responsible cost-of-living relief through cheaper child care, cheaper medicines and more paid parental leave.”

To see more details on the proposed pool and Council’s other advocacy priorities for Moorabool Shire, visit moorabool.vic.gov.au/advocacy.