– Lia Bichel
Greater Dandenong Council is hoping to be thrown a lifeline in order to keep stage two of the Noble Park pool project afloat.
The council is calling on the State Government to provide funding so that an indoor pool can be implemented as part of the Noble Park More Than Just a Pool project.
The government chipped in $500,000 of $17.7 million for stage one of the project, while the Australian Government provided $7.2 million and the council supplied $10 million.
The council recently appointed Kane Constructions as the preferred tenderer for construction of stage one, which will include a new 50-metre outdoor pool, new water play areas for children and youth, multi-purpose community spaces new barbecue and picnic areas and shading.
Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said while the new 50-metre outdoor pool was a significant coup for Noble Park and the broader community, a lack of government funding meant stage two of the project could not yet proceed.
“Plans to include an indoor pool can not go ahead without further support from the State Government.
“The council is committed to upgrading and improving aquatic facilities in Greater Dandenong and we call on the State Government to help us achieve our vision,” he said.
“The Noble Park Swim Centre is an important community asset that encourages fitness, social interaction and fosters community spirit. It really is a facility that will be used by everyone.”
Paperbark Ward councillor Roz Blades agreed.
“Noble Park is in the middle of Springvale and Dandenong – and both have some big projects going on at the moment. This project is vital for Noble Park,” she said.
“If the government could see a way to fund this, there would be significant returns. We would be able to assist the youth of Southern Health with hydrotherapy, we would be providing safe play facilities to young people, and people who don’t drive would be able to use the facilities.”
Noble Park Swim Centre manager Simon Bequir said stage two of the project would benefit the entire community.
“Stage one has been a fantastic investment of funds and it would be the icing on the cake to have an indoor facility for warm water exercise.”
The anticipated project benefits included: A 75 per cent increase in use of the facility from across the south-eastern region, a 77 per cent increase in employment from 14 position to 58, a 76 per cent increase in programs to the community, a 67 per cent increase in the hours of operation, all year-round access to the pool facilities, and increased use would allow entrance fees to remain affordable.
