Rodney Stevens
Clarence Valley Council (CVC) has explained why the 50-metre pool won’t be built first at the Grafton Regional Aquatic Centre after Cr Peter Johnstone requested an explanation be provided to ratepayers for the construction timetable.
When it was revealed by council that the 50-metre pool will be constructed after a new indoor pool and splash pad it sparked outrage among some community members.
At the February council meeting it was resolved that the Aquatic Centre would be constructed in three stages, the first stage being a new indoor facility and splash pad, with the 50-metre pool being constructed in stage two.
At last week’s March 28 council meeting, seven pages of answers to Cr Johnstone’s question were provided on the meeting agenda.
The replacement of Grafton Pool was first considered by council in June 2016 and has been considered by council in 15 council meetings since then.
Engineering considerations
About 5,800 m3 of material is to be removed in the demolition stage to establish the required footprint and foundation levels to prepare for foundation works on the new indoor pool facility.
Grant funding through the Stronger Country Community Fund of $1.453 million has been allocated to the site demolition works and splash pad.
Earthworks models have confirmed that there is a deficit in available fill from the excavation of the new 50m outdoor pool, so an external source of fill will be required to satisfy earthwork requirements.
If the earthworks were commenced in preparation for construction of the 50m outdoor pool, the fill would need to be stockpiled, resulting in double handling and increased costs for the plant and equipment to excavate, place and compact the fill.
If the 50m outdoor pool was constructed in Stage 1 it would not be open to the public until the indoor facility and refurbishment of the entrance was completed.
Conversely the indoor facility and refurbished entrance could be open to the public prior to completion of the 50m outdoor pool, with access for construction of the 50m pool via Turf Street.
Safety based considerations
Increased safety concerns over recent years resulted in council endorsing the closure of the pool in September 2022.
Identified safety issues considered by staff have informed the staging plans and to address those safety concerns while establishing a safe working area, removing any risks as soon as practicable was appropriate.
Council staff sought informal advice from council’s insurer Jardine Lloyd Thompson in relation to the staged construction and were advised: “If Council were to choose to remove the existing pool and leave the excavation open whilst constructing the new outdoor pool it would leave a large excavation with 120m+ of excavated sides left unshored.
Man proof fencing, signage and an inspection program could be installed although the excavation will be long term and entry could not be guaranteed. Leaving the site in this state potentially exposes Council to various, first- and third-party liabilities and additional construction difficulties which could be avoided by constructing the two indoor pools on the excavated ground in the first instance.”
Grant application considerations
The recommended staged construction approach places council in the best position for consideration of a grant application.
On March 28, council staff submitted a grant application under the Community Assets Program.
Council staff remain optimistic council will secure funding that will greatly assist with the delivery of Stage 2.
Council will receive a report following the outcome of the grant application and reaffirm in principle support for funding Stage 2 of the project.
Geotechnical investigations
Geotechnical field work has been conducted since the pool closure in 2022 which enabled refinements to the tender design and potential construction cost savings.
The complete explanation from council as to why the 50m pool won’t be constructed first can be found on council’s website in the March meeting minutes starting on page 25.