North Sydney Olympic Pool needs a generous benefactor: Mayor

North Sydney Olympic pool has secured a pre-election funding promise from the federal government but still needs more cash to cover the costs. Find out why.

Trent Zimmerman MP made the announcement with North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson and Minister Josh Frydenberg. Picture: AAP IMAGE / MONIQUE HARMER

• Olympic Pool redevelopment design revealed
• PM swims at Olympic Pool

North Sydney Olympic pool has secured a $10 million pre-election commitment from the federal government but still needs more funds.

The historic landmark is in need of a major upgrade and the redevelopment is set to cost $57.9 million.

North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson welcomed the funding promise announced today by North Sydney MP Trent Zimmerman.

She called on NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to match the cash contribution — but this would still leave a shortfall of $10 million.

Artist’s impression of the planned redevelopment.

“We have $28 million allocated in the (council) budget process,” Cr Gibson said.

“Council will need to look at borrowing the other $10 million unless a generous benefactor offers to help.”

She also suggested a lot of sausage sizzles at Bunnings to cover the shortfall.

Cr Gibson thanked Mr Zimmerman for his successful lobbying efforts and called on the leader of the opposition to also make the same guarantee. She said the iconic Australian pool must be above politics and that pool users need to be reassured that $10 million of federal funding will be delivered whatever the result on election day.

“I was asked by (North Sydney) Council to find $10 million from the Federal Government — and that’s exactly what I did,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently took a swim at North Sydney Olympic Pool.

“This commitment to ensure that North Sydney Pool stays open is a great example of what we can achieve as a community if we have a Government that understands how to keep the economy strong.”

The pool opened in 1936 and is showing its age. It has concrete cancer and engineers have found spalling and corrosion in the grandstand.

The redevelopment plans include an updated 50m pool, 25m indoor pool, warm water play area, sundeck and new grandstand.

Local state MP Felicity Wilson for North Shore said the council sought $10m each from the state and federal governments. She said council identified it would fund the balance.

“It’s great news that Trent has secured this funding for North Sydney Olympic Pool,” Ms Wilson said.

“I have been in ongoing discussions with the Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet, seeking the requested $10 million in State funding.”

North Sydney Labor candidate Brett Stone would not commit to funding the Olympic Pool.

“We want to make sure that the investments that Labor makes into North Sydney are into our schools and hospitals to make up for some of the cuts that we have seen under this Liberal Government,” Mr Stone said.

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