Council forced to go back to the drawing board after community concerns about pool master plan

Despite months of discussions, plans for a major upgrade to a Northern NSW swimming pool have been met with concerns from the community and councillors.

Tenterfield Shire Council will have to rethink plans for an upgrade to the town's swimming pool. Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash.

Plans for a major refurbishment of the Tenterfield pool have been met with concerns from the community during a public exhibition period.

Tenterfield Shire Council revealed a $10 million draft masterplan and feasibility study for the Tenterfield War Memorial Baths in December last year.

It would have featured a new 25m and a family pool, an indoor pool with new change rooms, new entry and a cafe.

The draft plans were placed on public exhibition, with the disclaimer that it was only a “guide” for future works, because the council does not have the capacity to fund any initial works or ongoing costs.

The preferred option for the refurbishment of the Tenterfield pool.

Submissions closed on February 18 and a report was presented to councillors last week.

“A number of the submissions referred to the affordability of the option presented and suggested options for achieving a good outcome for the pool without the level of spend presented in the option that was recommended,” the report states.

“There was some feedback provided outside of the submission period which suggested that the proposal would give the community a terrific facility and a very inviting attraction for Tenterfield.

“However the preference is for a cheaper alternative and other requests included heating as a matter of urgency, upgrades to existing change room facilities and the creation of a First Aid room.

The Tenterfield Pool.

“Feedback from councillors at a workshop where the submissions were presented for discussion, was that the matter should be deferred pending some additional information being obtained detailing the costs of the pool at Bingara.

“It was also suggested that a greenfield site could considered as it was felt that the current site limited the options that were available.”

A further consultation session will be arranged with relevant stakeholders once more information has been obtained.