In May 2010 Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) adopted a $3.7 Million first stage and a $15 million build concept. It stated that the Tamworth and District Aquatic Club was the voice of all users of the pool and it would be consulted. TRC states that extensive research has been undertaken by them on financially viable models of aquatic and leisure centres. That research has not been released to the public. Most recent funding models seek a 50 per cent Federal government grant and a 25 per cent State government grant with the local Council funding the remaining 25 per cent.
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The one research paper we have seen is the 2014 Aquatic Pool Draft Plan (2014APDP). It says the Scully pool be sold and that sale ‘…may net $1 million…’. It is inaccurate for TRC to assert that both of the current pools are unsustainable. For minimal cost, both pools could be brought up to proper operational standards. Access for people with resources to play sport at an elite level are in a different category to ordinary recreational pool users.
Tamworth Regional Residents and Ratepayers Association Inc (TRRRA) presented to TRC on the 9 October 2018 that it needed to account for: Requirements of access, equity and participation; Council obligations to maintain and revitalise community assets; Tamworth has the highest rate of obesity in Australia physical activity needs to be supported; Tamworth’s increasingly hot summers need more facilities to offer community refuge; TRC could increase pool patronage by offering activities such as laps, learn to swim, surf lifesaving courses, synchronised swimming, aqua aerobics general recreational use; Both pools are part of a greenspace, particularly the City Pool. Each existing 50 metre pool, excluding infrastructure, would have a replacement cost of approximately $4.5 million.
Our submission was ignored. TRC behaviour has lacked transparency. TRRRA has no objection to the building of a new aquatic centre at the Northern Inland Centre of Sporting Excellence. TRC has not properly assessed Community needs with comprehensive community consultation. The most recent survey had a biased and invalid survey design. This brings us to the final two points.
First, the released concept designs estimate construction costs for the aquatic centre for Option 1 $61 million – one 50 metre indoor pool and one 50 metre outdoor pool, Option 2 $56 million – one 50 metre indoor pool and 25 metre outdoor pool Option 3 $50 million - one 50 metre indoor pool.
If both pools are to be closed there is only one choice, option 1, for $61 million. TRC would need to raise their 25 per cent share, $15 million. Sale of Scully pool for $1 million and the City Pool for perhaps $1-2 million would make minimal impact on TRC funding requirements.
Second, the Tamworth Aquatic Group (TAG) comprised of about 600 people have been the major source of advice and input for the 2014 APDP. TAG is not representative of a Tamworth community of 41,000 people. These ratepayers will be paying for the facilities. Small surveys run by TRRRA and NDL asked, do you support the sale of the two Tamworth pools, 85 per cent said no, they do not want them sold. It is not a TRRRA responsibility to do what TRC is required to do in undertaking its role. TRRRA has a role to point out to the community when the TRC is not undertaking its responsibilities adequately.
Stephen Maher,
Tamworth
