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Mt Barker pool revamp on track to begin after State Government cash splash

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Sarah MakseAlbany Advertiser
Mick Murray meets members of the Mt Barker Barracudas.
Camera IconMick Murray meets members of the Mt Barker Barracudas. Credit: Supplied

Mt Barker Memorial Swimming Pool’s $1.58 million facelift is set to start in March after the Shire of Plantagenet secured $374,000 funding from the State Government last week.

Sports and Recreation Minister Mick Murray visited the pool on Thursday to announce the Community Sporting and Recreational Facilities Fund grant for the redevelopment project.

The Shire of Plantagenet and the Federal Government will cover the remaining funds needed to achieve the Shire’s two-phase vision to reinvigorate the 50-year-old facility.

Mr Murray said the facility was held in “great affection” by the community but required upgrades to ensure it could be used for years to come.

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“I am pleased that through the State Government's CSRFF grant program, we have been able to bring this refurbishment to fruition and deliver better aquatic facilities for the Mt Barker community and beyond,” he said.

Shire of Plantagenet president Chris Pavlovich, Cr Karen Woltering, acting chief executive Paul Sheedy, executive manager strategic development Andrus Budrikis, Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray and Cr Brett Bell.
Camera IconShire of Plantagenet president Chris Pavlovich, Cr Karen Woltering, acting chief executive Paul Sheedy, executive manager strategic development Andrus Budrikis, Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray and Cr Brett Bell. Credit: Supplied

Now that funding has been secured, the Shire is in the process of fielding tenders for the build which will be put to council before work begins.

Construction of a new building next to Mead Street featuring a new facility entrance, office, kiosk, changerooms, toilets, clubroom, veranda and terraced area will mark the first phase of the project.

Mead Street will also be upgraded with parking, bicycle racks and landscaping as part of the first stage.

The second stage of the redevelopment is set to include construction of a toddlers’ pool with a learn-to-swim lap pool and upgrades to the existing 50m pool.

Shire of Plantagenet councillors last year also voted to adopt solar heating for the pool.

In another win for the facility, Mt Barker will host the 2021 SunSmart Country Pennants set to bring swimmers from across regional WA to compete.

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