Next stage for Indoor Aquatic Centre proposal (come on, can’t we call it an indoor pool?)

Here’s the official word form Council:

Mount Alexander Shire Council has prepared a proposal for an Indoor Aquatic and Leisure Facility at Western Reserve in Castlemaine.  Over the past month this proposal has been presented to the local community at information sessions, community meetings, sector workshops and through direct mail.

Community feedback was sought throughout this consultation process and the period for submissions ended on Friday last week.  The proposal has generated a great deal of interest from the community which was to be anticipated given the scale of what’s proposed, the anticipated benefits of a year-round facility and the impact on some of the existing outdoor pools.

“We anticipated that the level of interest in the community would be strong and we’re pleased that many have taken the time to provide feedback on the proposal,” said Phil Rowland, Chief Executive Officer of the Shire.

“There have been many conversations in the community about the proposal and what it means for future needs including expanded learn to swim programs and warm water facilities particularly for older adults, the opportunity to swim all year round, the condition of the current pools and the possible closure of a number of them”, Phil said.

Council officers will be collating submissions over the coming weeks and reviewing the expert advice on the condition of the current pools.  Councillors will consider the issue again in coming weeks.

It is anticipated that Council will formally consider the proposal in late May or June 2010.