The upgrade of Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) will kick ahead with thanks to a $999,358 State government grant, with Moree Plains Shire Council Project Manager Emily Gall, left, Councillor Stephen Richie, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Deputy Mayor Greg Smith, Councillor Jim Crawford and MAAC CEO Emma Brasel welcoming the news.
Friday, 23 July 2021
MOREE Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) is off-the-blocks and racing to become the home of competition swimming in the North West, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall yesterday joining Moree Plains Shire Council representatives to announce $999,358 in State Government funding to build a new clubhouse and amenities.
Council will co-contribute $333,119 in cash, as well as $150,000 in-kind for project management support, bringing the total investment in the project to $1,332,477.
Moree-based construction company Wild Civil have decommissioned MAAC’s 50 metre Olympic Pool, as council works to redevelop the facility to bring it in line to meet FINA competition standards.
Mr Marshall said improvements to the clubhouse and amenities would put Moree in the running to host future regional and state competition swim meets.
“It’s been almost a decade since Moree Plains Shire Council dived into a plan to redevelop the MAAC, and after a series of false starts, the finish line is now in sight,” Mr Marshall said.
“The new clubhouse, to be built directly alongside the 50 metre pool, will round out the MAAC redevelopment, making it one of northern NSW’s most professional aquatic precincts.
“The 280 square metre clubhouse will be equipped with a kitchenette and provide a function and event space for the Moree Amateur Swim Club and wider community.
“The building will offer change rooms with disabled access and baby change facilities, an enclosed plant room to service the pool and a secure storage shed for club sporting equipment and safety devices.
“Fresh, accessible amenities will also benefit the hundreds of tourists, many of whom are elderly, who travel to Moree each year to soak in the healing artesian waters.
“With limited aquatic recreation options in Moree, the project will significantly improve the user experience and increase community engagement with MAAC.
“Just like training for the 800 metre freestyle, I commend Mayor Humphries for the hard work and persistence she and council have shown to deliver the MAAC redevelopment for their community.”
Plans for a 50 metre pool and reception alteration are expected to be complete by early next month, with council to then approve the tender for construction.
Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries said a new clubhouse and amenities block alongside the new Olympic Pool was a very exciting project for Moree.
“The MAAC is such an important part in our community’s history, and has been a cornerstone in bringing the community together and providing recreation, wellness and sporting activities for as long as I can remember,” Cr Humphries said.
“The state-of-the-art facility is a drawcard for tourists from all over Australia, injecting investment directly into our Shire’s small businesses.
“I look forward to the Olympic Pool and the clubhouse upgrade completion, and the much-needed boost it will provide to Moree’s visitor economy.”