They’re set to get wet

By Tania Martin
MONBULK’S long-awaited swimming pool upgrade has finally crossed its last hurdle following three ‘false starts’.
This comes as the Yarra Ranges Council last week (27 July) announced a $4 million cash splash for the project.
Despite receiving $837,000 State Government money in December 2007, the project has been in limbo for more than two-and-a-half years.
In December last year, the Mail reported in its story Pool Doldrums, the upgrade was in doubt with a $2.5 million shortfall.
But this wasn’t the first time the project had hit a stumbling block.
In 2004 the council allocated $2 million in its budget but the cash was later diverted to the town’s community hub project.
The council had since recommitted $1.6 million but stage one of the project was expected to cost more than $5 million, leaving a massive shortfall for the council.
Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn said it was fantastic to finally have the money to move forward on the upgrade.
The project hit a snag back in 2007 following the announcement of the State Government money.
Cr Dunn said discovering the need for new plant equipment such as a chlorinating pump had put a huge hole in the budget.
“This would cost more than $800,000 before even looking at the upgrading the swimming pool,” Cr Dunn said.
The council last year campaigned for extra cash from the Federal Government but were unsuccessful.
Cr Dunn said this latest move to bring $4 million forward from the capital works budget was the best option.
“When we didn’t get any funding we needed to move to plan B,” she said.
The money was taken from an aquatics fund that had been put aside for future projects.
Cr Dunn said although the short fall was only $2.5 million, the extra cash would be used to complete stage two.
Stage one will include the refurbishment of the 25-metre pool with a wet deck, a new learn-to-swim and leisure pool including a beach entry, new change rooms, foyer, administration and kiosk areas.
The next stage will feature a new gymnasium, crèche and childcare areas.
Upgrade steering committee member, Gaby Mitchell said the cash was fantastic news.
“It’s absolutely vital for the community and for the Monbulk Aquatic Club … we are really excited to have some great training facilities at last,” she said.
But despite the good news, Ms Mitchell said it was disappointing the project had so many false starts.
“We are delighted it’s finally going to happen,” she said.
She said the biggest highlight for the community would be the new change room.
“That has been the biggest complaint from people,” Ms Mitchell said.
“To have this commitment from the council finally is really awesome.”
Ms Mitchell said the swimming club would grow as many had gone off the mountain to seek better services.
“We are delighted the fight is finally over,” she said.
Monbulk MP and Sport Minister James Merlino said the council needed to do something to get the project moving and had welcomed the money.
“I commend the shire for allocating the extra funding and making sure this can become a reality,” he said.