Preliminary costings show all options for public pools to cost ratepayers big

Written by STEVEN BURKE.

AT least $4 million will need to be spent to find a long term fix for Wangaratta’s pools.

The Rural City of Wangaratta has received preliminary costings on options as it looks to make a decision on what to do with the Olympic and Yarrunga pools amid diving patronage.

Options being investigated include an extension of the 25 metre Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre pool, building a new 50 metre swimming pool at the HP Barr Reserve, and refurbishing the existing outdoor pools.

The estimated costs of each of these options range between $4-$6 million, and it is understood the option to refurbish the outdoor pools is not the cheapest.

But council is still some way off making a decision, with the outcomes of a public meeting on March 22 set to be a major factor in its decision making process.

Council’s human and cultural services director, Ruth Tai, said it was important to stress council had not yet made a decision.

"No decisions have or will be made until council is comfortable they have a very good understanding of the needs of the community," she said.

Ms Tai said cost would not be the only factor.

"There are other considerations such as the comparitive life of each of the pools, the depth capacity for compliance with competitions, and maximising the months of the year the pools can be used," she said.

In terms of how council would pay for whichever option it chooses, Ms Tai said there would be a significant cost to ratepayers.