Territory Alliance promises new pool for Darwin’s rural area, will commit $10 million as a start
AN aquatic centre complete with a competition-standard lap pool would be built in Darwin’s rural area by Territory Alliance if it is elected next month
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AN aquatic centre complete with competition-standard lap pool would be built in Darwin’s rural area by Territory Alliance if it is elected next month.
The project is part of Territory Alliance’s larger plan to create a “rural tourism and infrastructure masterplan” to maintain the “unique rural area lifestyle” and bolster tourism.
The cost and location of the pool project are yet to be decided but the party will commit $10 million as a starting point.
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Territory Alliance leader Terry Mills said the party would work with the local community to choose a spot for the rural aquatic precinct.
The aquatic centre, according to the party’s vision, would include an outdoor waterplay area with “water fountains, shapes built through shallow water and splash pads”, a cafe, a 50m lap pool for fitness, competition and squad training and a recreational pool for hydrotherapy. A feasibility study would decide if a creche could also be included.
Pools are generally expensive pieces of infrastructure, with the redevelopment of Parap Pool, completed in 2018, costing $15.4 million.
“Families in the rural area will jump at the opportunity of their kids learning how to swim and spending long hot days in the safe surrounds of a local swimming pool,” Mr Mills said.
“The aquatic centre will be at the heart of a family recreation and allied precinct that will deliver long-overdue services to the entire community of the rural area.
The push for a rural pool has been long-running and largely spearheaded by retiring Nelson MLA Gerry Wood.
NT Labor promised before the 2001 election to help fund a public swimming pool for the Litchfield Shire, before reneging on the deal.
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