Paralympian Melissa Carlton says new Glenorchy Pool will create pathway for elite athletes

A new state of the art pool in Glenorchy will give more young Tasmanians the skills they need to survive and pave the way for more elite athletes to rise through the ranks, a Paralympian says.

Former Paralympian swimmer Melissa Carlton with Sue Hickey Mayor Glenorchy City Council at the now closed Glenorchy Pool. Glenorchy pool is set for a revamp. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A new state of the art pool in Glenorchy will pave the way for more elite athletes to rise through the ranks, a Tasmanian Paralympian says.

Swimmer Melissa Carlton, who is also a former Glenorchy councillor, said the old Glenorchy Memorial Pool was where her swimming career began.

“It was a very sad time to see the pool close but it’s been around for a long time, it’s amazing it lasted the distance,’ she said.

“Seeing the pool today brought back fond memories, but it was exciting to think this is going to have a new life.”

The Glenorchy Pool remains empty while the council prepares to undertake repairs. Picture: Kelvin Ball

The new pool will include an outdoor 50 metre pool, a 25m indoor lap pool, a 20m indoor warm water pool, a wellness hall with a spa and sauna and a toddler pool.

Construction of the aquatic centre alone would cost the council $72.7m, but to improve the revenue earning potential of the facility, a gym and health club will also be built.

Ms Carlton said it was a good investment for the growing region.

She said it would also create the opportunity for more young Tasmanians to swim at an elite level.

“There’s an opportunity for people who want to go down that pathway but it’s more about kids learning those skills and being safe,” she said.

“It means a lot more young people are going to be able to develop the skills to enjoy the water.

“Having something in our local area makes it easier for busy families.”

Labor election commitment to assisting the reopening of the Glenorchy Pool that remains currently closed. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Ms Carlton said the different pools that will be included covered all ages and abilities.

“I’m excited they’ll be keep a 50m outdoor pool, that’s a great nod to the history of the site,” Ms Carlton said.

“The outdoor 50m pool will be a great option in those warmer months when it opens.

“I’ve got nieces and nephews, they enjoyed going to Glenorchy pool when it was open, they’ll be excited about having something state of the art.

“For us to have another venue for school carnivals, that’s going to be amazing, there’s nothing better than an outdoor carnival.”

Former Paralympian swimmer Melissa Carlton with Sue Hickey Mayor Glenorchy City Council at the now closed Glenorchy Pool. Glenorchy pool is set for a revamp. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Glenorchy mayor Sue Hickey said the council was now looking at a business case to secure funding for the pool.

‘The only way to make a pool as attractive as possible is to have the bells and whistles,” she said.

“While it’s expensive it’s the most popular.”

In the meantime, the council will use a $5m grant from the state government to immediately repair the current pool for short term use.

“Because we’re getting on with the repair, there will be swimming facilities for the next seven to 10 years, while we get all our ducks in a row and apply for finance,” Ms Hickey said.

“We’ll be working on the new case for the new pool so we’re not left in the situation where we had to shut one down in shock.

“There’s a lot more water to go under the bridge,’ she said.

“We’ll be seeking funding from not only federal but state and any benefactors that might come forward.

“We’re not in a marginal seat, we’re very aware of that. We’ll just keep going at it.”