Excavators dive into the new Bingara Pool redevelopment with Gwydir Shire Mayor John Coulton, left Cr Frances Young, Property and Liaison Manager Carmen Southwell, Cr Jim Moore, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Deputy Mayor Catherine Egan, Cr Tiffany Egan, Cr Marilyn Dixon, General Manager Max Eastcott and Councillors Geoff Smith, Stuart Dick and David Coulton.
Monday, 22 June 2020
THE race to deliver the Bingara community a new public pool complex in time for this summer was boosted today with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall unveiling the final design for the $2.05 million project.
Mr Marshall said the digital designs offered the community its first glimpse of what will replace the town’s 56-year-old pool.
“The heavy machinery has rolled in, the old pool and wading pool have been demolished and construction is well underway on the two new pools,” Mr Marshall said.
“The original pool, which was first opened in 1964, had sadly reached the end of its life, with cracks in the internal shelf causing serious subsistence and continual water loss.
“Those issues won’t exist in the new facility with the community set to receive a new 25 metre pool, splash program pool, activity centre with all abilities access and refurbished amenities block.
“The designs show the children’s splash pool will be at the front entrance of the facility, with a new kiosk and entry way to be built facing the existing car park on Copeton Dam Road. The old entrance and kiosk will be repurposed and used as storage space.
“Gwydir Shire Council is continuing to consult with key stakeholders in regard to the selection of water features, colour-scape, landscaping and the surrounds, as it works ensure the new grounds meet the needs of the community long-term.
“This is a major project for Bingara and the Gwydir Shire which will not only increase the area’s appeal as a family tourist destination, but also deliver positive health benefits for residents.”
The State Government has contributed $767,640 to the overall project through several funding streams, including the Stronger Country Communities Fund and Regional Growth Environment and Tourism Fund.
Gwydir Shire Mayor John Coulton said the redeveloped pool facility marked the start of a new and exciting era for tourism in the Gwydir valley.
“A quality community pool in Bingara is viewed by Council as an important part of its overall Big River Dreaming program,” Cr Coulton said.
“For a number of years we have been working towards developing infrastructure throughout Bingara which connects visitors with the various cultural and social experiences in town.
“With the inclusion of the new pool in the Gwydir River precinct, I think Bingara is set to become a regional tourist destination which can be enjoyed by all ages, not just grey nomads that have traditionally appreciated our hospitality.
“Council is confident work on the pool will be finished by early November, and to mark its grand opening we intend to have a community opening day – and who knows I might even jump in.”