Collie councillors to continue exploring indoor pool options

Collie councillors have voted to continue exploring possible funding avenues for an indoor pool despite recommendations to postpone the project.

Prior to Tuesday’s meeting, council staff suggested the State Government should be approached to redirect funding to building new swimming club changerooms and other projects.

It came on the back of community feedback to a feasibility study that saw 42 per cent of respondents say nothing needed to be done largely based on ratepayer concerns about increasing costs.

Shire president Sarah Stanley said councillors were “fairly split” and discussed the item at length before making the decision.

“Some people were saying there were sections of the community that have wanted this for a long time so we should go ahead and stopping talking about it,” she said.

“Others pointed out it was a lot of money and they weren’t sure if we could afford it.”

Building a 25m six-lane pool was the second most popular option favoured by 34 per cent of respondents while a 25m three-lane pool and program pool was supported by 14 per cent.

Cr Stanley said an indoor, warm water pool was deemed most viable in the study, but was favoured by just 10 per cent of respondents.

“The study suggested it would get the most use and it would be the most affordable,” he said.

“Whereas the 25m six-lane pool with the most public support was found to be the most expensive with the least amount of need.”

The State Government committed $2 million towards building a new 25 metre pool in the town in 2017.

Cr Stanley said an extra $2.8 million would be required to build the preferred six-lane option.

“That’s what we want staff to investigate further funding options for,” she said.