Emma Pritchard
Clarence Valley residents and members of the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC) Swimming Club gathered outside the Grafton Olympic Pool on January 27 as Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis congratulated Clarence Valley Council (CVC) on their success in securing close to $1.5 million towards Stage 1 of the Grafton Aquatic Centre redevelopment through the latest round of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF).
Councillor Peter Johnstone revealed the 63-year-old facility had reached the end of its useful life following it’s postponed reopening in September last year due to safety concerns, and added he was grateful for the funding which will help council reach its goal of redeveloping the site.
The money from the SCCF will be used to facilitate part of Stage 1, allowing the commencement of potential early works to demolish existing buildings and pools on site and begin construction of the splash pad.
CVC General Manager Laura Black said council are in active discussions with the State and Federal Governments in relation to funding opportunities, adding they hope to present a case at the upcoming meeting later this month to determine how they can fulfil funding obligations.
“We’re reconsidering the staging at the moment just to work out what would be the most efficient and effective way to construct the whole of the complex,” she said.
Vice President of the GDSC Swimming Club Steve Donnelly concurred while $1.5 million is a great start, more than $20 million is needed to complete the highly anticipated redevelopment.
“Any grant that comes our way that is going to help the community of Grafton to get the pool up and running is awesome,” he said.
“The whole amount is $22 million, and that will take us a while to get, but this is a good start.”
While he admitted “a lot more money” is needed to see the completion of the Grafton Aquatic Centre redevelopment, Mr Gulaptis said he is sure CVC will work with the NSW Nationals candidate for Clarence Richie Williamson to secure additional funding, adding “we will do everything we can in the State government to support council.”
“The pool user groups who have made their voices loud and clear need to keep doing that and make sure that all levels of government understand how important the pool is for the community of Grafton,” Mr Williamson said.
“We all want to see mums and dads back here with their kids enjoying the pool.
“This announcement is kick starting the process, and we will work with council to ensure the funding is there.”
Photo 1: Clarence Valley residents and members of local swimming clubs met Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, NSW Nationals candidate for Clarence Richie Williamson, and Clarence Valley Council (CVC) representatives on January 27 to announced council’s success in securing $1.5 million towards the Grafton Aquatic Centre redevelopment. Image: Emma Pritchard