No. 90

MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR UPGRADE FOR LEISURE CENTRES 

The Government has allocated $4 million in the 2007-08 Budget to upgrade the Lakeside Leisure Centre in Tuggeranong and over $2 million for Civic Pool.

The Civic Pool dome is approaching the end of its useful life and, depending on the results of an engineering assessment, will be replaced, to ensure the pool is retained as an indoor-outdoor aquatic venue.  The Budget also provides $200,000 for a feasibility study into future options for a city aquatic and leisure centre.

“The Government is committed to ensuring the community has access to the best sporting and leisure facilities possible,” Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation Andrew Barr said.

“These three initiatives are aimed at ensuring that the best facilities are on offer across Canberra, with an upgrade to the Tuggeranong facility, a look into the feasibility of a new aquatic centre in the City, and replacement of the dome that is currently covering Civic Pool.”

Mr Barr said the works at Tuggeranong were much needed and would be the first major refurbishment since the centre was built nearly 15 years ago. 

“The Government recognises the value of the Lakeside Leisure Centre to the Tuggeranong community, with the facility attracting huge numbers of residents from the Tuggeranong Valley, including schools and community groups,” Mr Barr said. “These refurbishments will give the centre a new lease of life and will improve the recreational experience for many thousands of visitors each year.

“The works will include retiling of the 50-metre pool and reconstruction of the heating/ventilation/air conditioning system and the roof/ceiling structure. To complete the package, external and internal painting of the building will be undertaken. While the work will require closure of the centre for a period, the timing is yet to be determined. Extensive consultation with users will occur prior to works taking place to ensure that inconvenience is minimised.”

Mr Barr also announced the Government was committing $200,000 for a feasibility study into the longer term options for the Civic Pool.

“I am keen to see whether the future development of a modern facility in the city is feasible, with Civic Pool in need of refurbishment. This study will examine potential sites and designs for a future indoor aquatic centre in the city,” Mr Barr said.