The State Government will provide $700,000 to ensure the $3.4 million project to refurbish Kambalda Aquatic Facility will be completed, following the pool's closure last summer.
The funding will assist the Shire of Coolgardie to undertake upgrades to the 48-year old facility - the only outdoor 50 metre pool in the Coolgardie-Kambalda area.
The project includes the following upgrades:
- Upgrading the 50-metre pool and plant;
- Refurbishing the change rooms;
- Relocating the administration office;
- Upgrading the first aid room; and
- Developing a new universal access pool to replace the existing learn-to-swim pool.
The $700,000 funding is being provided from the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund - the State Government's principal infrastructure and facilities fund to help Western Australian communities to build quality sporting infrastructure in their local area.
The contribution comes in addition to a $1.75 million loan provided by the State Government to ensure the important project can go ahead for the Kambalda community and its surrounds.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
"I'm sure this is welcome news for people in the Kambalda area who are keen to once again be able to have a dip in the hot summer months, following its closure last summer.
"Swimming pools and aquatic centres are important facilities for regional communities, and the McGowan Government is pleased to have been able to step in to ensure the project goes ahead in full.
"As well as the obvious sporting and recreational benefits, Kambalda Aquatic Facility provides a local meeting place for people and families to help maintain a more vibrant, connected community."
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn:
"As with all issues that I've encountered since becoming an MLC, I work closely with Ministers in all portfolios to ensure that Goldfielders get the outcomes that they want and need.
"Once the Kambalda pool issue was brought to my attention, I worked closely with the Shire of Coolgardie and the Minister to make sure it could be resolved.
"A swimming pool is a critical piece of infrastructure for any community and is really important for a diverse range of community members, including of course kids and families.
"I am very pleased we were able to secure this in such a short timeframe. The McGowan Labor Government is making sure once again that regional towns don't miss out."
As stated by Shire of Coolgardie President Mal Cullen:
"It is with some great deal of relief that the State has seen fit to support this project.
"The Council and staff were overwhelmed with the announcement and so grateful that this project will now become a reality.
"I would like to thank everyone involved in playing their part in advocating for the project, especially our community.
"The funding will enable the project to be completed without having to dry out the Shire's own reserve funds which will allow projects that we have in progress to be realised."
