Plans for a new multi-million aquatic facility in Port Macquarie have been given the green light by the NSW Northern Region Planning Panel (NRPP).
The $67 million proposal, which includes concept plans for two stages, was unanimously supported by the independent panel at a determination meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts said the decision will now pave the way for Council to progress with exploring all available funding options for the facility.
"This is a significant milestone and marks a ground-breaking point in the planning process for this regionally significant piece of recreational infrastructure," Mayor Roberts said.
"This is a truly fit-for-purpose precinct that our whole community can be proud of. It's landmark approval now means Council can proceed with exploring all available funding options to ensure that the next phase in the planning cycle, the detailed designs, can be adequately carried out.
"I look forward to seeing this project take shape as further planning progresses."
Stage 1 of the project includes scope for a 50-metre outdoor pool, a 25-metre pool with transparent roof, a 20-metre indoor pool, gym, amenities, kiosk and 128 parking spots.
Stage 2 includes options for a gym expansion, splash pad and slide and 42 additional parking spaces (stage 2).
PMHC recommended to the NRPP that the project proceed after the plans were lodged in March. The NRPP is an independent body that determines Council-owned developments with a value of more than $5 million.
PMHC has submitted a funding application for $13.6 million for Stage 1 via the Australian Government Growing Regions Program Round 2 and is currently awaiting the outcome this. Further funding options will continue to be explored to progress future planning and development.
A determination notice will be available to view on the NRPP project planning website in the coming days. To view details of the project, head to https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/planning-panel/port-macquarie-aquatic-facility
