MEDIA RELEASE
17 December 2018
Indoor heated pool study out for comment
Community and stakeholder groups are being invited to provide comment on the recently completed needs assessment and feasibility study for an indoor heated swimming pool in Collie.
The study has identified a number of options, with varying costs and catering for different community needs.
Before making any decision, Council needs to understand which of the options caters for the greatest need, and how much capacity and appetite the community has to bear the ongoing costs of the project.
The needs assessment and feasibility study for an indoor heated swimming pool in Collie has now been completed and the community and stakeholder groups are invited to provide their response.
Based on the community and stakeholder consultations that were undertaken, the study has identified a number of options and each has an associated cost and caters for different community needs.
The options being considered are:
- 25m six-lane indoor pool
- Indoor, warm water program pool
- 25m three-lane indoor pool and program pool
- Do nothing – retain the existing outdoor pools as it currently operates
Within the report, the key features and costs of each of the four options proposed are outlined, and the benefits and constraints identified.
Before making any decision, it is important for Council to understand which of the options caters for the greatest need, and how much capacity and appetite the community has to bear the ongoing costs of the project.
The estimated capital cost, and the likely impact on rates for ongoing annual operational costs for an indoor heated swimming pool are:
- 25m 6 lane pool
Capital cost $4.8m; annual operating subsidy of $332,000, with an estimated impact on rates = 5.4% increase per annum or $68 per property.
- Indoor warm water pool
Capital cost $2.2m; annual operating subsidy of $154,000, with an estimated impact on rates = 2.5% increase per annum or $31 per property.
- 25m indoor 3 lane pool + program pool
Capital cost $3.9m; annual operating subsidy of $268,000, with an estimated impact on rates = 4.4% increase or $55 per property.
- Do nothing.
Continue to maintain and operate the pool as it is now.
Costs calculated assume the Shire borrows the shortfall in capital and therefore includes interest rates and depreciation. Costs would be reduced if the Shire is successful in obtaining grant funding to cover the shortfall in capital. The costs do not include the cost of construction of clubrooms for the Collie Swimming Club or the re-location of the Collie Community Radio’s operations.
The estimated impact on rates is over and above the annual increase required to keep up with inflation.
The study is open to comments from residents and stakeholders until 15 February 2019.
View the study online, or visit Collie Public Library for a hard copy.
Comment may be provided by completing a short poll, by emailing colshire@collie.wa.gov.au, or by written submission to the Shire’s administration office at 87 Throssell Street, COLLIE.
For more information, contact the Shire of Collie on 9734 9000.
ENDS
Media contacts: Shire President Sarah Stanley
0408 344 833
Chief Executive Officer David Blurton
(08) 9734 9000