Mernda Aquatic Centre: Whittlesea Council stalls plans for pool indefinitely
Thousands of people signed a petition calling for a 50m pool to be built in one of the fastest growing parts of Melbourne. So why have councillors now decided to sideline the project?
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A decision about whether a 50m pool will be included in the Mernda Aquatic Indoor Sports Centre has been delayed indefinitely with Whittlesea councillors voting not to discuss pool options until a plan for the whole centre is considered.
The delay comes after more than 1600 people signed a petition saying a competition size lap pool was needed in the booming outer north on the back of a Whittlesea Leader Extend the Pool Campaign.
In March, the campaign had a major win after council agreed to have costings for a 50m pool completed.
A motion moved by Cr Tom Joseph last night calling for options for a $60 million 50m pool; a $47.4 million 300sq m warm water exercise pool and 350sq m water play area; and an alternative $48.7 million option including a 25m eight-lane pool to be delayed was supported by the majority of councillors.
Cr Joseph said considering the options for a pool was “putting the cart before the horse” because the aquatic centre would be part of an indoor sports centre for which detailed plans were yet to be completed.
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Documents show plans for the sports centre will include consideration of indoor netball and basketball courts and an outdoor football field.
Cr Joseph said he hoped a report on the Mernda Aquatic Centre and Indoors Sports Centre would be heard by council before the end of the year, however a date had not been set.
Cr Joseph said it was important that council wait to make a decision about the pool.
“It’s very important we get it right,” he said.
“We have to get it right for now, but also for future generations.”
He said the pool decision delay did not mean the centre would not have a 50m pool.
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