An application to the Australian Government to provide a multimillion-dollar boost to support the delivery of a brand-new Aquatic Centre in Port Macquarie has been unsuccessful.
Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts said while the decision was a "disappointing outcome" for the community, it would not deter his and Council's efforts to continue to pursue funding for the facility.
"We were unfortunately advised last week that a significant portion of funding we applied for to progress the delivery of the aquatic centre - one of the highest-priority strategic projects for our region - has been denied," Mayor Roberts said.
"The application for $13.6 million in Federal funding detailed the significant benefits this project would bring to the region and was very much in line with the grant funding guidelines criteria provided under the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Growing Regions Program Round 2."
"When you consider the extensive community engagement process undertaken, and community support for the project, as well as the due diligence done to obtain all relevant building, environmental and development assessment approvals - including at a State Government level - it is an extremely disappointing outcome.
"Since the notification of our application being unsuccessful, I have spoken with our Federal Member for Cowper, the Hon Pat Conaghan MP, who has committed to working with myself and our Council to continue to seek future funding support for this critical project."
Port Macquarie Hastings Council submitted the application to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and Arts for its support to progress Stage 1 of the Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility, in October 2024.
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.
The $13.6 million in funding needed to be contingent on Council matching it dollar for dollar. The matched amount was to be budgeted via developer contributions.
The Growing Regions Round 2 Fund supports capital works projects that will enhance liveability, bolster social cohesion and support local amenity throughout Australia's regions.
The Department advised that whilst the nominated project was regarded as suitable, it was ultimately unsuccessful in receiving funding.
"A successful application had to rate highly against each assessment criterion as outlined in the Program Guidelines, and against other applications, in order to be found suitable for funding," the outcome letter stated.
"Unfortunately, on this occasion whilst found to be suitable, your application was not successful. The decision considered factors including project size, complexity, funding requested, value for relevant money, risks associated with the project, and available program funds."
Further funding options will now be explored by Council, to allow the best possible chance for future planning and development of the facility to continue.
