Dubbo Regional Council allocates $30,000 for indoor pool plan

An indoor pool is back on the agenda for Dubbo as council splashes $30,000 on plans to renovate and enhance an aquatic centre. Here’s what it means.

The Dubbo pool. Picture: Ryan Young

A regional council has been given the green light to fund a plan to renovate and enhance a local aquatic centre.

Last week, Dubbo Regional Council voted for $30,000 to be allocated to fund the review of the 2017 indoor aquatic centre concept.

As part of the agreement, brought forward by councillor Shibli Chowdhury, chief executive officer Murray Wood will investigate options to reduce the construction costs of the concept.

Mr Wood will also report back with estimated annual operating costs as well as investigate the costs associated with enclosing the existing 50m pool.

In 2017, a draft Dubbo Aquatic Centre Master Plan was prepared which included various designs ranging from an estimate of around $20 million to $65.5 million.

Ultimately, Dubbo failed to secure funding or make a decision about which indoor aquatic centre plans to proceed with after community consultation in 2018.

2017 plan of Dubbo's aquatic centre. Photo: Supplied.

Mr Chowdhury told the council there had been a demand for an indoor pool from the Dubbo community.

He said if a business case was ready, council would have more opportunities to apply for government funded grants.

The main features of the aquatic centre designed in 2017 would include a 25m eight lane pool, learn how to swim programs, a leisure pool, lazy river, heated spa and a wave feature.

The facility would also include a childcare facility, a sauna and steam room, a gym and other amenities.

The 2017 plan proposed the existing aquatic centre and land towards the east as the development site, including the Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Incorporated facility, the basketball court and the skate park.

Councillor Joshua Black told council they would need to be realistic and “look at something that is achievable” instead of a more expensive alternative.