SWIMMERS of all abilities will have better access to pools in the Gannawarra shire, it is planned, after Gannawarra Shire Council approved a revised version of their Aquatic Strategy.
The new Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy was given the green light at the Council’s June meeting, with the Council now seeking funding from Federal and State Governments for the next planning stages.
Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor Ross Stanton said the revised strategy was “developed following an extensive community engagement campaign”.
“The Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy outlines an innovative approach to the delivery of aquatics within the Gannawarra, including future needs of both indoor and outdoor facilities,” he said.
A new outdoor pool in Cohuna makes up one part of the planned upgrades, which is set to be across from Garden Park, with scope for a splash park and water slide.
The planned pool facility would include main, intermediate and toddler pools, new changerooms, a kiosk, a grassed area and upgraded off-street parking.
Kerang swimming pool will also be upgraded including the installation of a pool ramp and a wet deck to improve the level of all-ability access at the facility.
The construction of new swim club rooms and changerooms will be another addition to Kerang’s swimming pool.
Kerang’s warm-water exercise pool, at Patchell Plaza, will be replaced by a contemporary hydrotherapy facility at Kerang’s Sir John Gorton Library site.
The pool will support the rehabilitation of residents and provide all-ability access.
The funding secured will be used by the Council to take on detailed designs and business cases for the planned aquatic projects in Kerang and Cohuna.
Gannawarra Shire Council allocated $80,000 of its 2024/25 budget for the development of concept designs for the planned aquatic facilities.
Cr Stanton said the costs for structural designs and business cases for the three projects “have been estimated at over $1 million”.
“Council will seek external funding to undertake detailed structural designs and business cases for the three identified projects across the two precincts in Kerang and Cohuna,” he said.
“Detailed designs and business cases are required to enable the Council to seek State or Federal Government funding for construction of these facilities in the future.”
